Falun

Falun, or FAHLUN (called also Gamla Kopparbet—i.e. 'the old copper-mine'), a town of Sweden, 57 miles W. of Gefle by rail. It has for more than six centuries been famous for its copper-mines, though the quantity of ore now obtained is much smaller than formerly. In 1650 the yield was 3150 tons annually; this, however, declined in 1690 to 1900 tons; at present it is only about 400 tons. The excavations extend for miles underground. Destroyed by fire in 1761, Falun was rebuilt on a regular plan; but its wooden houses have a sombre appearance, being blackened by the fumes of the numerous smelting-furnaces. Pop. 7507.