Falu

Falu, commonly rendered as Falun in Swedish, designates the city of Falun in Dalarna County, central Sweden. It is the seat of Falun Municipality and lies on the eastern shore of Lake Runn. The city developed around the Falun copper mine, one of Europe’s most productive metal mines from the medieval period into the early modern era. The mine shaped the local economy and contributed significantly to Sweden’s wealth; it operated for centuries before closing in the 20th century. In 2001, the surrounding mining area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain, Falun, recognizing its historical importance and landscape.

The name Falu is also linked to Falu rödfärg, a traditional Swedish paint pigment produced from copper-smelter tailings from the Falun mine. When mixed with linseed oil, it yields a deep red color that was widely used on wooden houses and farms across Sweden and remains a cultural symbol of traditional Nordic architecture.

Today Falun serves as a regional administrative and cultural center with museums, educational institutions, and services typical of a mid-sized Swedish city. The Falun Mine site and related heritage facilities attract visitors and researchers, illustrating the long history of mining, technology, and industrial development in the region.