Rättviks naturmuseum

About the museum

Rättviks naturmuseum (Rättvik Natural History Museum) is in the Rättviks kulturhus (culture house) in central Rättvik and is run by the municipality's culture unit. The museum follows the development of Rättvik and the Siljan district from the birth of the Earth to the present day, and shows the area's geology and rich animal and plant life. It also serves as a starting point for visits to the Siljan Geopark.

The area around Rättvik owes its character to two events long ago. During the Ordovician and Silurian periods, thick layers of sedimentary rock formed in a warm sea, and the layers contain many fossils. During the Devonian, 377 million years ago, a huge meteorite struck and created Europe's largest impact crater in the middle of Dalarna. The ring-shaped depression, the Siljansringen (Siljan Ring), protected the older rocks so that they survive to this day.

The museum also presents several of the municipality's many natural areas and gives guidance before excursions. Rättvik Municipality has 27 nature reserves, and a nature guide on the culture house's website describes them with a map.

Highlights

• The geology and fossils of the Siljan district
• The meteorite impact 377 million years ago and the Siljan Ring
• Animal and plant life in Rättvik Municipality
• Guidance to the municipality's nature reserves and natural areas
• Starting point for visits to the Siljan Geopark

Permanent exhibition

• Naturmuseet – The exhibition follows the development of Rättvik and the Siljan district from the birth of the Earth to today, with geology, fossils and animal and plant life.

Operated by

Rättviks kommun

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The culture house has door openers at the entrance, a passage without thresholds and a height-adjustable reception desk. A hearing loop, an accessible toilet and accessible parking are in the building.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Rättviks kulturhus is centrally located in Rättvik at Storgatan 2, along the Enån river.

Amenities & dining

The municipality mentions a wireless network for the library premises in the Kulturhuset.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit