A living craft tradition in Nusnäs
In Nusnäs, Dala horses have been handcrafted for generations. At Nils Olsson Dalahästar, the tradition lives on through skilled craftsmanship, strong local roots, and a genuine passion for what makes each horse unique. Here, every Dala horse is shaped, sanded, and painted with the same care as always, in the heart of Dalarna.
Our driving force
Why we do this
For us, the Dala horse is more than just a product. It carries a heritage we have been entrusted with, and a responsibility to carry it forward. In a time when so much is produced quickly and in large volumes, we choose to do the opposite.
We believe in the slow, the careful, and the handmade. In giving every horse a soul, a feeling, and a connection to the place where it was created.
That is why we continue — to preserve the craft, but also to let more people discover what genuine quality truly feels like.
The people who make it possible
The people behind every horse
Behind every Dala horse is a person. A hand that carves, an eye that notices the details, and experience built over many years.
Here work artisans who know the wood, the colors, and the patterns inside and out. Every step requires its own knowledge, sensitivity, and precision.
It is not machines that determine the result, but the people. And that is exactly why no two Dala horses are ever completely alike.
Craftsmanship
Every Dala horse is shaped and painted by hand by skilled artisans. The work requires time, precision, and a deep understanding of the material. It is a craft where every detail matters and where the result always carries traces of the person behind it.
History
Since 1928, we have preserved and developed one of Sweden’s most well-known crafts. Over the years, the tradition has been passed down through generations, with knowledge and techniques remaining alive while also evolving and adapting to a new era.
Experience
With us, you don’t just see the finished product — you experience the entire process behind it. You get close to the craftsmanship, the people, and the environment where everything takes place. That makes the visit more than just a stop along the way — it becomes an experience to remember.
From the heart of Nusnäs
“Every Dala horse carries a story, handcrafted and passed down through generations.”
– Mattias Olsson
Third-generation dala horse maker
Part of something bigger
We are proud to be part of Kulturresan i Dalarna — a collaboration between some of the region’s most significant visitor destinations.
Together, we highlight what makes Dalarna unique. From craftsmanship and history to culture and experiences, where every place carries its own story.
Through our collaborations, we want to make it easier to discover more, see the bigger picture, and experience everything the region has to offer.
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.
