Ahead of the 2027 Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun, a unique championship hat is now being launched—through a craft project deeply rooted in the traditions of Dalarna. The hat is inspired by historical models and will become a symbol that lives on both during and long after the championship celebrations.
You now have the chance to become one of those who knit the hats that will be awarded to all medalists at the championships.
The new championship hat connects to the strong tradition of patterned parish caps found especially in Dalarna. During the 1970s, these hats became a symbol of both local identity and culture, often decorated with parish coats of arms and locally rooted colors.
– The pattern for the championship hat—which we are keeping secret for now—is based on a hat from Bjursås from the mid-19th century that we found in our collections. I have now created a new and modern interpretation of it for the championship hat, says Anna-Karin Jobs Arnberg, textile manager at the Dalarna Museum.
The hat is knitted in multiple colors—rust red, cornflower blue, dark navy, light yellow, and natural white—and is made from wool from Swedish fine wool sheep, a breed known for its softness and quality. The yarn is spun and dyed by the historic mill Wålstedts in Dala-Floda.
The production of the 150 hats will be an extensive craft project with strong local roots. We are currently looking for knitters for the hats that will be awarded to all medalists at the Falun championships.
Each hat will be labeled with a unique tag showing the knitter, the spinner, and the origin of the wool—a tribute to the entire chain from raw material to finished product, from wool to gold.
– The ambition is for the championship hat to become a lasting symbol of both the event and Dalarna. All medalists will also receive the story behind the hat—in English—to spread knowledge internationally. Through the hat, we are creating something that will allow the story of the championships to live on long after the competitions are over, says Niclas Johansson, head of ceremonies for Falun 2027.
– The Dalarna Museum has been involved in the championship preparations, among other things by developing the championship hat and a method for producing it. We want to open up the rich cultural history and living craft traditions of the host region to the world of sports. At the same time, we want to champion creativity, confidence in craftsmanship, and the fact that many of us are happy to help welcome the world to Dalarna—both for the championships and beyond, says Christer Björklund, director of the Dalarna Museum.
Later this year, knitting kits will also be released, including instructions and yarn, so that you can knit your own championship hat and be ready for the festivities in Dalarna starting on February 24, 2027.