The copper mine in Falun in western Sweden produced the shining red metal for cathedrals and palaces across Europe. Today the Great Copper Mountain is a unique monument of Sweden's history as an industrial nation.

On the eve of December 8, 1992, the last explosion was heard in Falun copper mine. When the echo of the blast had died away and the dust had settled, one of the longest and most important chapters in Sweden's industrial history had closed.

Falun received town-privileges in the mid-17th century. By then, the mine accounted for two-thirds of the world's copper production. The copper mining may have started in the 8th century, but production first took off during the Middle Ages. The first preserved document, a trade letter from the year 1288, was signed by King Magnus Ladulås.

The many well-preserved 17th century facilities are prominent features in the cultural landscape. There are administrative buildings near the mine, as well as water wheels and rails of connected logs used for transmitting power across long distances. Moreover, one finds many impressive manors in the vicinity of the Great Copper Mountain. The area surrounding Falun is sparse yet colourful. There are striking wooden houses, the mine with its piles of broken stone and the sizeable iron ore excavation, known as the Great Pit. The hues in the vivid landscape range from black to red and yellow.

Discharges from the mine blackened the wooden houses around Falun, and killed much of the vegetation. Trees, brushes or lichens had no chance of survival within two and a half kilometres of the mining area. HC Anderson, the writer, visited the Great Copper Mountain in 1849 and wrote: "Nowhere is there any verdure, not even a straw of grass grew on the side of the road, not a bird flew by."

Tourist attractions are not new to the Falun copper mine. In fact, the first known use of the word "tourist" in Swedish was found besides a watercolour sketch of the Great Copper Mountain from 1824. A museum of the mine opened already in 1922 and since 1970, there is also a mine for sightseers to explore. Visitors can take an elevator 55 metres below ground level, and then embark on a 600 metre-stroll within the mountain.

Stora Kopparberget and Falun were put on the list of World Heritage sites in the year 2001. The motivation of the World Heritage Committee read:

"The Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain constitutes one of the main regions for mining and metal production. The mining ended in the late 20th century, but has throughout the centuries exerted a prominent influence upon technological, economic, social and political development in Sweden and Europe. The history of mining can be seen in the wealth of remains of industrial buildings and houses, characteristic of the industry, and which still survives in the landscape around Falun that has been formed and changed by human acumen and resourcefulness."

Contact:

The mining museum - Phone: +46-23- 71 14 75
Falun Tourist Council - Phone: +46-23-830 50
Dalarna County Board - Phone: +46-23-810 00
Falun Municipality - Phone: +46-23-830 00

See also:
The Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain Foundation -  owns and administers the mining area.
Welcome to Falun - Tourist Information.
Discover Falun World Heritage Site
Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun - UNESCO.