Discover Sälen: Outdoor Adventures in Sweden’s Mountain Playground

Fresh snow crunches beneath your skis, pine forests stretch to the horizon, and the air carries the quiet energy of Sweden’s highlands. Sälen, in western Dalarna, is one of Scandinavia’s most beloved outdoor destinations, best known for its ski slopes but offering much more year-round for nature lovers and active travellers.

Sälen is a mountain village that has grown into one of Sweden’s largest ski areas, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. Nestled close to the Norwegian border, it combines alpine sports with the tranquillity of Swedish wilderness. To visit Sälen is to discover a place where families, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts all find something to love, whether that’s gliding across snowy trails, hiking on summer ridges, or fishing in clear mountain rivers.

Outdoor Activities in Sälen

Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding

If you are wondering what to do in Sälen in winter, downhill skiing is the obvious highlight. The resort area is made up of several ski centres, including Lindvallen, Högfjället, Tandådalen, and Hundfjället, offering slopes for all levels. Families will find wide, gentle pistes, while more experienced skiers can challenge themselves on steeper runs or in snow parks designed for freestyle.

Cross-Country Skiing and the Vasaloppet

Sälen is the starting point of the world-famous Vasaloppet, the oldest and longest cross-country ski race in the world, stretching 90 kilometres to Mora. Even outside race day, the extensive trail network makes Sälen a paradise for cross-country skiers, with both classic and skate-ski tracks winding through forests and over open fells.

Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, and Winter Fun

For those who prefer a slower pace, snowshoeing allows you to explore snowy forests in silence, while snowmobiling offers a thrilling way to cover greater distances. Families also enjoy sledding hills, ice fishing on frozen lakes, and cosy evenings in traditional timber cabins.

Hiking and Summer Adventures

When the snow melts, Sälen reveals rolling fells, lush meadows, and crystal-clear streams. Hiking trails range from short family-friendly walks to longer treks across the highlands, connecting with trails leading towards Fulufjället National Park. Mountain biking has also grown in popularity, with flow trails and natural routes suited to all abilities.

Fishing, Canoeing, and Wildlife Watching

Rivers and lakes around Sälen are rich in trout, char, and grayling, attracting anglers throughout summer and autumn. Canoeing or kayaking on calm waters gives you another way to enjoy the scenery. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot moose in the forests or hear the haunting call of a loon across a lake at dusk.

Local Tips

• Weather in the mountains is changeable, so bring layers and be prepared for wind and sudden shifts in conditions.
• In winter, book ski passes and equipment in advance during peak weeks, especially around Christmas, New Year, and February school holidays.
• If you plan to ski the Vasaloppet trails, check conditions before heading out, as grooming varies with weather.
• Respect local nature—stay on marked trails to protect sensitive vegetation, and carry out all waste.

Best Time to Visit Sälen

• Winter (December to April): The main ski season, with reliable snow and a festive atmosphere. February is the busiest time, while March offers longer, sunnier days.
• Spring (April to May): Warm sunshine on snow, excellent for ski touring and spring skiing.
• Summer (June to August): Long days for hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing, with wildflowers on the fells.
• Autumn (September to October): Ruska colours paint the landscape, and cooler air makes for refreshing hikes and quiet trails.

How to Get There

Sälen is well connected for a mountain destination. The nearest airport is Scandinavian Mountains Airport, located just outside the village, with flights from Stockholm and seasonal routes from other European cities. Buses and transfers connect the airport directly with the ski areas.

By car, Sälen is about a six-hour drive from Stockholm and four hours from Oslo, making it accessible for both Swedish and Norwegian visitors. Trains run to Mora, where buses continue to Sälen.

To discover Sälen is to experience the joy of Sweden’s mountain culture, from the thrill of skiing fresh slopes to the peace of summer hikes under endless skies. Whether you come for a family holiday, a sporting challenge, or simply to reconnect with nature, Sälen welcomes you with landscapes that change beautifully through the seasons.