Dalkarlsvägen etapp 3-5

Dalarna was previously overpopulated and from the 16th century many of the inhabitants had to leave for work, often on the way to and in Stockholm. Dalkarlsvägen follows the paths and roads that the people of Dalarna used on their men's work wanderings. The term 'gentlemen's work' refers to the fact that the valley people worked for 'gentlemen' who could afford to pay. In the mid-19th century, as many as 4,500 people could take part in the work treks.

The migration started in May and there were as many men as women who set off. Later in the summer, the valley people had to return to the hay fields to help out, but by the fall, it was time for another work hike. Walking a distance of 40 miles took about a week. This is something for us modern people to think about when we take the car to work!

Dalkarlsvägen consists of a network of hiking trails that merge more and more the further south you go. Just north of Bjursås, the roads from Rättvik and Leksand merge. From Leksand, Dalkarlsvägen has the same route as Kyrkleden and south of Bjursås you follow Linnévägen. Dalkarlsvägen then continues through Falun and down to Stabergs bergsmansgård. There it connects to Knivstigen for further travel south.

Dalkarlsvägen has a varied route - the trail goes through everything from large forests to cultivated and built-up areas. On forest paths, tractor roads, gravel roads and asphalt.

Today, organized hikes are carried out, so-called. Storvandring, Mora to Stockholm, every other year. The last one was conducted May 7-18, 2024.