Our History

The Dala horse has roots stretching far back in time. From simple wooden figures carved in the forests to one of Sweden’s most iconic crafts — a tradition that still lives on today.

Origins

Where it all began

Throughout history, people have always portrayed the horse. Our ancestors carved images of their loyal companion into cave walls, and the horse has held a natural place in human life for centuries.

In the 18th century, forest workers in the villages around Mora began carving wooden horses in their logging cabins during the evenings. What started as a simple pastime became the beginning of something much greater.

Here, the predecessor of the Dala horse was born — a symbol that would eventually come to represent both Dalarna and Sweden.

18th Century

Forest workers carve horses in their logging cabins — a way to pass the time and make use of leftover pieces of wood.

19th Century

The horses begin to be painted and decorated. The classic kurbits patterns emerge, giving each horse its unique expression.

1928

Production in Nusnäs takes shape. This is where Dala horse manufacturing becomes more organized and the craftsmanship gains a clearer structure.

20th Century

The Dala horse spreads far beyond Dalarna and becomes a symbol of Sweden. Demand grows, and the craftsmanship reaches a wider audience.

Today

Production still takes place in Nusnäs, where every Dala horse is handcrafted using traditional methods.

18th Century

Forest workers carve horses in their logging cabins — a way to pass the time and make use of leftover pieces of wood.

19th Century

The horses begin to be painted and decorated. The classic kurbits patterns emerge, giving each horse its unique expression.

1928

Production in Nusnäs takes shape. This is where Dala horse manufacturing becomes more organized and the craftsmanship gains a clearer structure.

20th Century

The Dala horse spreads far beyond Dalarna and becomes a symbol of Sweden. Demand grows, and the craftsmanship reaches a wider audience.

Today

Production still takes place in Nusnäs, where every Dala horse is handcrafted using traditional methods.

The Heritage

A symbol that lives on

Today, the Dala horse is one of Sweden’s most recognized symbols. But for us, it is about more than what it represents to the outside world.

It is about the craftsmanship, the people, and the tradition that is carried forward every single day. A heritage that lives on in every horse leaving the workshop.

Visit us

Experience it in person

We are one of Sweden’s most well-known manufacturers of Dala horses. In our factory in Nusnäs, we craft and paint each horse by hand, just as we always have.