Falun is the capital of the Swedish province Dalarna and the center of an ancient mining area, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Copper mining has taken place here since at least the 9th century. It became the headquarters of the Stora Kopparberg Mining Company, probably the oldest industrial corporation in the world, chartered in 1347. Falun boasts a number of other world-class sights apart from its unique mining environment. The Dalarna Museum in the center of Falun is one of the third most visited museums in the country, featuring traditional costumes, folk art and folk music. Stadigstugan in Bjursas is home to the paintings of Mats Persson Stadig, one of Dalarna's most well-known dala painters.The city is also a year-round sporting destination, where you can hike, cycle or ski through the richly varied scenery.