Dala horses

Vasaloppet ((Swedish) for: "The Vasa Race") is an annual long distance cross-country ski race held on the first Sunday of March. The 90 km (56 mi) course starts in the village of Sälen and ends in town of Mora in northwestern Dalarna, Sweden. It is the oldest and longest cross-country ski race in the world as well as the highest number of participants.

The race was inspired by a notable journey made by King Gustav Vasa when he was fleeing from Christian II's soldiers in 1520. The modern competition started in 1922 and it has been a part of the Worldloppet events since 1978.
Dala horse is a symbol that is now associated not only with Dalarna, but of all of Sweden. But traditional Dala horses are still made in the village Nusnäs Mora. There you can see the horses both carved and painted.