Sälen may be best known for its snow-sure slopes and cross-country trails, but there's so much more to the mountains here than skiing. Whatever the season, Sälen offers an abundance of experiences that combine movement, nature and enjoyment. For those who want to fill their mountain holidays with adventure, relaxation or active togetherness, there's something for everyone - from quiet moments by mountain lakes to adrenaline-filled adventure courses.
Hos Sälengodset do you live in exclusive mountain cabins in Sälen close to everything - a base that lets you explore the mountains on your terms, all year round. This page is part of our experience guide for Sälen with activities for the whole year.
Discover Sälen beyond skiing
Sälen is a complete destination even when the skis are packed away. There are fishing trips in crystal-clear lakes, horse riding through rolling mountain meadows, padel on modern courts - but also canoeing, golf with mountain views and high-altitude courses for the adventurous. There's something for everyone: families with children looking for safe but exciting activities, groups of friends looking for pace and variety, or corporate groups looking to build cohesion in a new environment.
💡 Tips: Want to make something extra of your stay? Explore our pages on teambuilding in the mountains, Birthday celebrations in Sälen or conference in the mountains – there you will find inspiration on how to combine activities, accommodation and community under one roof.
Fishing in mountain lakes - tranquillity and excitement in nature
Sit on the edge of a mirror-like mountain lake and wait for the trout to wake up. Fishing in Sälen offers both tranquillity and excitement - from family-friendly waters to guided fly fishing in char and grayling rivers. Perfect for both beginners and enthusiasts seeking relaxation in beautiful nature.
Riding in the mountains - the mountains from horseback
Riding through mountain forests and open spaces is a magical experience. In Sälen there are tours suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, with local guides and safe horses. An activity that combines nature, tranquillity and proximity to animals - whatever the season.
Padel in Sälen - the joy of movement all year round
Padel is one of the most popular activities among our guests - and rightly so. With modern courts, the possibility of booked times and the proximity of our cottages, padel is the perfect activity for friends, families and corporate groups. Play outdoors in summer or book indoors when the weather calls for it.
Book your active mountain holiday
Let us help you create the perfect combination of activities and luxury accommodation in Sälen.
Fishing in Sälen - the calm of the mountains, the bite of the char and the rise of the trout
To fish in Sälen is to take part in the quietest adventure in the mountains. Here you will find clear water lakes, mountain streams and rivers for those who seek peace, presence - or excitement in the rod tip. With char, trout, grayling and perch in the water and the mountain ranges as a backdrop, every fishing trip is an experience in itself.
Fishing methods in Sälen - something for every style
In Sälenfjällen there are opportunities for several types of fishing:
Fly fishing - particularly popular along the Västerdalälven and Lillälven rivers
Spin fishing - in lakes and quiet rivers
Ice fishing - winter time on frozen mountain lakes
Family-friendly metre - in easily accessible waters near our accommodation
You can fish from the shore, rocks or float in a boat or float tube. In spring and summer, evening fishing is magical - especially when the wakes disperse in the evening light and char or trout rise to the surface.
Where to fish best in Sälen
Among Sälen's most popular fishing waters are:
Västerdalälven - A dream for fly fishermen! Perfect for fly fishing, especially the stretches around Högfjällshotellet and Kläppheden.
Eastern & Western Little River - Smaller rivers offering char, trout and grayling in scenic surroundings.
The mansions of many - High mountain lakes with fantastic char, ideal for a relaxing day by the water.
Fishing lakes in the Transtrand mountains - Varying levels of difficulty and environments to suit all types of fishermen.
Rörbäcksnäs - An area with both lakes and flowing water, perfect for an exciting fishing experience.
Fishing areas and fishing licences - how it works
Fishing in Sälen requires in most cases fishing licence. The area is divided into different fisheries management areas (FVOF), and here are some of the most important ones:
| Fishing area | Fish species | Where to buy a fishing licence |
|---|---|---|
| Transtrands FVOF | Char, trout, grayling, perch | iFiske.se or locally on site |
| Lima FVOF | Trout, grayling, pike, perch | iFiske.se |
| Öje FVOF | Trout, char, rainbow trout | iFiske.se |
| Sälenringen (mixed area) | Trout, char, rainbow trout | Locally via tourist information or sports shops |
Many of our guests choose to combine the fishing trip with a comfortable and natural accommodation in one of our exclusive mountain cabins in Sälen. After a day on the water, you can prepare the day's catch in a fully equipped kitchen or gather in the Spa for some time under the stars.
Our houses Sälengodset, Fjällgodset and Olarslodgen - offers everyone the comfort, proximity to nature and privacy that make fishing holidays complete.
Horse riding in mountainous terrain - near Sälen
Want to experience the mountains from horseback? Although there is no organised horse riding directly in Sälen, there are guided horse riding tours in the mountains just a short drive away. In Malung and Rörbäcksnäs - just west of Scandinavian Mountains Airport - you can book horseback riding in the forest and mountain terrain, led by experienced guides and safe horses.
The rides vary in length and difficulty, making it possible for beginners, families with children and experienced riders to find something suitable. All equipment is included, and safety is always the focus. Riding in this environment provides a unique closeness to nature - mountain meadows, quiet forest roads and babbling brooks become the backdrop to an experience you will never forget.
Padel in the mountains - an activity for everyone
Padel has grown to become one of Sweden's best-loved sports, and in Sälen there are modern facilities where you can play all year round. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, it's possible to book courts, hire equipment and even book group lessons or mini-tournaments.
Many of our guests combine an active day in the mountains with a game of padel in the company of good friends. Padel is equally suitable for groups of friends, families who want to find a common activity, or as part of a kickoff or customer event in Sälen.
Tips: Discover more ways to combine activity and luxury - read about conferences in Sälen.
More activities all year round
Sälen is not just a winter destination for skiing and snow adventures - it offers a wide range of activities all year round, providing a sense of community, challenge and relaxation in a mountain environment. At Sälengodset, you'll stay in mountain cabins that combine exclusivity and comfort, while being close to everything the area has to offer.
Canoeing & quiet adventure
Canoeing in Sälen is a peaceful and natural way to discover the area. There are plenty of lakes and rivers where you can canoe or kayak, either on your own or as part of a guided tour. The Västerdalälven is particularly popular for paddling - you can glide along at a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery, or try more challenging routes depending on the water level and season.
There are several local canoe and kayak hire companies, and it's easy to combine paddling with an overnight stay in our accommodation such as Fjällgodset and Olarslodgen.
Hire a four-legged companion for your mountain adventure
Looking for a unique and memorable experience in the mountains? Hiring a dog for a mountain hike or winter walk is a different way to discover Sälen - while enjoying the company of a loyal, lively and mountain-loving four-legged friend. This is an experience that's just as suitable for families with children and couples as it is for groups of friends who want to try something new.
Several operators in Sälen offer the possibility of hiring a dog for the day from 10.00 to 17.00 where you can walk together different hiking along mountain trails, forest roads and waterways.
Hiking with a dog creates a closer connection with nature - you automatically slow down, pay attention to detail and get closer to both the landscape and the experience. It's also a great way to introduce children to animals in the mountains.
Spa and wellness - relaxation after activity
After a day of adventure and activity, few things beat the feeling of being able to retreat to your own private oasis. Going from mountain wind and fresh air to warming sauna, bubbling jacuzzi or a peaceful relaxation area creates the perfect transition between the excitement of the day and the calm of the evening. In our Sälengodset and Fjällgodset accommodation, you get just that - exclusive spaces where body and mind can recover as the pulse slows down.
It creates a natural flow between activity and rest, where you can enjoy relaxation on your own terms. It's the ultimate combination for those who want to energise their days and end them in total harmony. No stress, no crowds - just you, your company and the feeling of luxurious mountain comfort.
Discover more activities in Sälen
From hiking and cycling to snowmobile safaris and water parks, we'll help you find the right one.
Golf in the mountains
Mountain golf is an unbeatable combination of sport and nature experience. In Sälen you will find golf courses that offer a great mix of challenging holes and sweeping views. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to combine an active day on the course with comfortable accommodation in one of our exclusive cottages, such as Sälengodset.
Golf is ideal for groups looking to combine activity with relaxation - perhaps as part of a corporate retreat or a birthday celebration in the mountains. Several of the courses also offer equipment hire and driving ranges for those who want to practice their swing before the round.
Adventure courses & ziplines
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush out of the ordinary, we recommend a visit to one of Sälen's adventure courses. Here, the whole family can try climbing courses of varying difficulty, balance challenges and exciting ziplines that take you through forests and over streams. It is an activity that strengthens the community and offers many laughs.
It is also a perfect activity to add to a team building programme or kick-off.
Seasonal guide - activities by season
Spring & Summer
- Hiking in the mountains
- Fishing in mountain lakes
- Canoeing
- Horse riding in a flourishing landscape
- Golf in the mountains
Autumn
- Mountain hiking with autumn colours
- Mushroom and berry picking
- Fishing in crystal clear waters
- Cycling in the mountains
- Teambuilding for companies
Winter
- Ice fishing on frozen lakes
- Snowmobile safari in winter landscape
- Indoor activities such as padel
- Snowshoeing
- Spa and sauna after outdoor activities
Find out more about Sälen all year round:
Stay in luxury close to the adventure
At Sälengodset you can choose between Sälengodset, Fjällgodset and Olarslodgen - three exclusive cabins that all offer perfect conditions for an active mountain holiday with comfort in focus.
Sälengodset
- Generous social spaces
- Private spa with sauna
- 2 fully equipped kitchens
- Close to activities
Fjällgodset
- Ideal for larger parties
- Sauna and hot tub
- Close to activities
- 10 bedrooms, 8 shower, 7 WC
Olarslodgen
- Ideal for families
- Large lounge areas
- Central location in Sälen
- Gas fireplace
Example: An active full day in Sälen
- Morning: Start the day with an early horseback ride in the mountain forest, followed by a shared breakfast in the cabin.
- Morning: Pack your fishing rods and head to a nearby mountain lake for a couple of hours of fishing.
- Lunch: Enjoy a simple picnic or head back to the lodge for lunch on the terrace.
- Afternoon: Play padel or hire bikes and explore one of the scenic cycle routes in the area.
- Evening: End the day with a hot tub, sauna and a dinner prepared by a private chef - perhaps with a touch of the day's catch.
Plan your active mountain holiday
With Sälengodset, you're not just booking exclusive accommodation - you're gaining access to a network of operators offering quality experiences and activities in Sälen. We're happy to help you find the right accommodation for your stay, and can recommend local operators for activities such as fishing, canoeing, golf and more.
Discover more of what Sälen has to offer
Explore our other experiences and accommodation options for a complete mountain holiday.