Dala Horses

If you don’t know them, these horses are called “Dala horses” and are a common symbol of Sweden. Dala horses come from the
Provence of Dalarna, for which they are named after, and were originally made as children’s toys. Over time, they came to represent the country itself and are a sign of authentic Swedish craftsmanship.

The art of making Dala horses is something that has been passed down through generations over the centuries and are a much-loved aspect of Swedish folklore to this day.

During the 19th century, there were economic hardships, so artisans crafted Dala horses to provide a means to support themselves as well as their families. It was during this time that they became more well-known and began to be seen as a symbol of Sweden.

Dala horses come in a variety of colors and styles, often sporting a harness and saddle. Some of the most well-known or traditional colors are the orange and white Dala horses and reddish Dala horses.

The main manufacturer of these horses is Nusnäs, a village in Sweden, which produces traditional Dala horses as well as a variety of horses in different colors and styles.

Here at Gammelgården, we have quite a collection of Dala horses, many of which have been donated to the museum by Barbra Glaser. They represent different regions of Sweden, and each tells its own story.