Dalecarlia
Dalecarlia, or Dalarna, is a historical Province or landskap in the west of middle Sweden. It adjoins Herdalia, Helsingia, Gestricia, Westmannia and Wermelandia. It is also bounded by Norway in the west.
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Map highlighting the location of Dalecarlia
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County
For current affairs see: Dalarna County
Dalecarlia has virtually the same boundaries as Dalarna County. The main exception is a smaller part to the north which belongs to Gävleborg County.
History
Main article: History of Dalecarlia
Chartered cities before 1971:
Geography
Main article: Geography of Dalecarlia
The southern part consists of plains, with several mines, most notably copper, traditionally forming part of Bergslagen. The northern part is mountainous, with many lakes.
National parks:
- Färnebofjärden
- Fulufjället
- Hamra
- Culture of Dalecarlia
A famous symbol of the province is the Dala horse or Dalahästen, a painted and decorated wooden horse. The Vasa race, a cross country skiing race over 85 km, is held annually, on the first Sunday of March, between Sälen and Mora, in commemoration of King Gustav I of Sweden of the House of Vasa. The mining area of the Great Copper Mountain has been named a UNESCO World heritage site.
Notable natives
Main article: List of Swedes
Since 1772, Swedish Princes have been created Dukes of various provinces. This is solely a nominal title.
Heraldry
Main article: Heraldry of Dalecarlia
Arms granted in 1560, the use of two crossed arrows as a symbol precedes this. The province is also a duchy and the arms is represented with a dukal coronet. Blazon: "Azure, two Dalecarlian Arrows Or in saltire point upwards pointed Argent and in chief a Crown of the first."
