History of the World Heritage of Falun

Falun’s World Heritage includes not only the historic mine, but also the city and the miners’ village—together forming a unique cultural landscape. This legacy reflects Falun’s central role in Europe’s industrial and social development over centuries.

Many people think that the World Heritage of Falun only consists of the mine itself - but this is not the case. The city and the miners' village also are included.

At the heart of this UNESCO site lies the Falu Mine, once Europe's copper treasure chest, supplying two-thirds of the continent's copper
needs. In Falu Mine, the copper ore was mined, which was then processed in the cabins in the town and along waterways by the miners' farms in the miners' village. Miners and cabin workers lived near the mine in areas that are today vibrant, well-preserved wooden neighborhoods. Therefore, World Heritage also includes slag heaps, waterways and agricultural landscapes.

The copper transformed lives, becoming coins, and utensils, and enhancing grand structures from castles to churches, stretching down to the Mediterranean. In Falun, wealth was embodied in the Town Hall, Kristine church and other buildings.

Falun - a forerunner in Sweden

For centuries, Falun had a strong influence on the technical, social and political development in Sweden as well as in Europe. Some examples where Falun has been a forerunner:

• The first limited liability company in Sweden was established in the 13th century and owned shares in the mine.
• In 1695, Gruvhospitalet, Sweden's first emergency hospital, was opened. For its time, it was a large institution with twelve beds.
• During the 18th century, Falu Mine was one of the first major tourist attractions.
• During the 19th century, master miners in Falun got tired of the constant drinking and asked the king to control the sale of
  alcohol in the town. Year 1850 "systembolaget" was formed with the task of managing all spirits trade in the city.

Thousands of years of history became World Heritage

The more than a thousand-year-old mine management and metal production was the basis for the mine, the town and the miners' village being named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001 and is therefore a concern for all of humanity.