Authenticity & Customization
Are your Dala Horses authentic?
Yes. All of our wooden Dala Horses (Dalahäst) are genuine, authentic imports sourced directly from the two most historic workshops in Nusnäs, Sweden: Nils Olsson and Grannas A. Olsson. We strictly avoid cheap imitations to ensure you receive true Scandinavian artistry.
Will my Dala Horse look exactly like the picture?
Not exactly, and that is the beauty of them! While the base color will match your selection, every single horse is rough-cut, hand-carved, and meticulously hand-painted by individual artisans in Sweden. The layout, brushstrokes, and specific accent colors of the kurbits (floral pattern) will vary slightly from horse to horse. No two are identical.
Can I request specific accent colors for the hand-painted details?
Yes, you can leave a note at checkout. If you have a preference (for example: "I'd love a red horse with more blue in the saddle details if possible"), please add a note to your order. While we cannot guarantee an exact match due to the unique nature of our rotating stock, our team in Lindstrom wraps every order by hand and will do our very best to pick the perfect horse for you!
Can they be customized or personalized?
Yes, with enough lead time. Because authentic horses are made in Sweden, we can accommodate special requests—such as specific color patterns or painting a family name on the horse—for bulk or special pre-orders. Please contact us directly to discuss your ideas, required timelines, and pricing.
Can they be ordered in bulk?
Yes. Whether you need centerpieces for a Scandinavian-themed wedding, corporate gifts, or a large family gathering, we can facilitate bulk orders. Because these are imported from Sweden, please reach out to us as early as possible so we can coordinate with the workshops and ensure your horses arrive in time for your event.
History & Design
What is a Kurbits?
Kurbits is a traditional Swedish style of decorative folk art that dates back to the 18th century. It is characterized by its flowing, fantastical floral patterns, leaves, and unrolled gourds. On a Dala Horse, the kurbits painting makes up the beautiful, intricate harness, saddle, and mane detailing.
Why are there so many different colors?
While the bright "Mora Red" is the historic and most famous color—originally made from local copper mine byproducts—modern workshops paint horses in blue, white, black, pink, and natural wood finishes. Different colors were historically introduced to match changing home decor styles or to signify specific regional celebrations across Sweden.
Are there other types of "Dala" animals?
Yes! While the horse is the ultimate symbol, the traditional artisans in Nusnäs also craft Dala Roosters (Dalahannar) and Dala Pigs (Dalagrisar). Like the horses, these are hand-carved, hand-painted with kurbits, and carry the same beautiful heritage.
Care, Longevity, & Travel
How long do Dala Horses last?
For generations. Because they are carved from slow-growing Swedish pine and treated with high-quality primers and paints, a genuine Dala Horse is an heirloom-quality piece designed to be passed down through your family.
How do I clean my Dala Horse?
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Do: Gently wipe your horse with a dry, soft microfiber cloth to remove dust.
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Don't: Never use harsh chemical cleaners, liquids, or water, as moisture can damage the wood or degrade the hand-painted kurbits detailing over time.
How should I store or transport them safely?
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Display/Storage: Keep your Dala Horse out of direct, intense sunlight to prevent the vibrant paint from fading over the years. Avoid placing them in high-moisture environments.
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Transport: When moving or shipping, wrap the ears, muzzle, and legs carefully in bubble wrap or soft tissue paper. The ears and legs are the most delicate parts of the carving and should be padded securely to prevent snapping.