The Battle of Falun was the opening engagement of the Swedish War of Liberation, marking the start of Gustav Vasa's campaign to end Danish rule over Sweden.
Key Facts
- Date
- February 5, 1521
- Rebel force size
- A few hundred poorly armed peasants and noble officers
- Danish captives
- Bailiff Kristoffer Olsson and a few others captured
- War concluded
- Treaty of Malmö, 1524
- Gustav Vasa crowned king
- 1523
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Gustav Vasa had been proclaimed leader of the Dalecarlians against Danish rule just days before the battle. Discontent with Danish control over Sweden provided the motivation for Swedish rebels to organize and act against Danish forces and their local collaborators.
Swedish rebels under Gustav Vasa raided Falun on February 5, 1521, catching Danish forces completely by surprise. The bailiff Kristoffer Olsson and several individuals labeled as traitors were captured, German-owned shops were plundered, and the local population was taxed by the rebel force.
Following the raid, the rebels moved through the surrounding region, attracting many new recruits. They returned to Falun, where locals pledged allegiance to Gustav Vasa. The rebellion continued until the Treaty of Malmö in 1524, and Vasa was crowned King of Sweden in 1523.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Gustav Vasa.
Side B
1 belligerent
Kristoffer Olsson (fogde).