The Southern Kungsleden – walk it from Sälen

The Southern Kungsleden is one of Sweden's most magnificent hiking trails – a long, varied and natural mountain trail that stretches from the mountains and on through Fulufjället National Park, Idre and Grövelsjön. It is less well known than the classic Kungsleden in Lapland, but for many hikers it feels more accessible, more varied and more suitable for both experienced mountain hikers and beginners. What makes Södra Kungsleden particularly relevant for visitors to Sälen is that the trail starts here, in the Transtrand mountains just above Högfjället. Hikers can start their journey close to several of the mountain's most easily accessible areas – with good accommodation, viewpoints, trails and services within easy reach. If you want to get a broader overview of the mountain's nature, environments and seasons, you can start here: About Sälen.In this FAQ, we go through what Södra Kungsleden is, how it works, how to reach the trail from Sälen, which stages are most popular, and what kind of experience you can expect when hiking along one of Dalarna's most nature-oriented trails.

The stages from Sälen – distance, time and rest huts

The trail starts at the Högfjällshotellet and heads north; the stage divisions below are not official but are based on trail guides, so please bear in mind that the distances are approximate:

1. Högfjällshotellet–Närfjällsstugan, approximately 17–20 km, 5–6 hours. Past the wind shelter at Köarskärsfjället, Östfjällsstugan, Källfjällsstugan below Källfjället (903 metres) and the Kläppen shed.
2. Närfjällsstugan–Björnholmsstugan in Fulufjället National Park, approximately 22–24 km, 7–8 hours, 680 metres of elevation gain. Via Lilldalsstugan, Skarsåsskjulet, Granfjällssätern and Lillbäckstugan.
3. Björnholmsstugan–Tangsjöstugan, approximately 22–24 km, 6 hours.
4. Tangsjöstugan–Rösjöstugorna at Njupeskär, approximately 9 km, 2–3 hours.
5. Rösjöstugorna–Gördalen, approx. 12 km, 3–4 hours, then Id-Persätern, Busjön, Flötningen, Skärvagan and Guttudalskojan to the Grövelsjön mountain station – a total of around 17–18 mil via Dalarna.

According to the County Administrative Board, the entire Södra Kungsleden trail is approximately 34 mil long between Sälen and Storlien; the Dalarna section is managed by the County Administrative Board Dalarna. The rest huts along the trail are day huts with dry toilets, not overnight accommodation – you’ll need to use a tent or a mountain station for the night. The first 4 kilometres from Högfjällshotellet are accessible, comprising 2 kilometres of tarmac and 2 kilometres of gravel. Suitable day walks include the Östfjällsrundan, 9 kilometres, partly along the Kungsleden, or the Lördagsgraven, 17 kilometres, both starting from the hotel; all trails in the area: walking trails in Sälen. At the start: Sälengodset and Fjällgodset are located on the old Sälfjällstangen, overlooking Högfjällsbacken – rent a cottage in Sälen in the summer.

What is Södra Kungsleden?

The Southern Kungsleden is an official long-distance trail marked and managed by the County Administrative Board of Dalarna. According to the County Administrative Board, it is approximately 34 mil long between Sälen and Storlien, and passes through three provinces: Dalarna, Härjedalen and Jämtland. The trail is designed to: be more accessible than its northern counterpart offer walkers an experience of low mountains, mountain forests, marshlands and a national park offer varying levels of difficulty provide several starting and finishing points for short walks or longer expeditions Unlike Lapland’s Kungsleden, the Södra Kungsleden offers more forest sections, more culturally rich environments and closer contact with villages and amenities. For many, it feels more on a human scale – less desolate, yet still thoroughly mountainous. If you’d like to combine the trail with other nature experiences, you can explore the area here: Explore Sälen.

The start in Sälen – where does Södra Kungsleden begin?

The southern Kungsleden trail begins in the Transtrand mountains, just above the area around the Högfjällshotellet hotel. This makes the trail extremely easy to reach from Sälen, especially if you are staying near Högfjället, Hundfjället or Sälfjällstorget. Typical starting points are: At mountain stations and car parks near Högfjället At trails connecting to Gruven, Synddalen or the mountain plateaus in Transtrand At alternative access trails from mountain car parks This makes the trail ideal for both: shorter day trips weekend hikes stages of 2–5 days longer expeditions north If you want to get to know the Högfjället area better, you can read more here: Högfjället.

How is the hike on the Southern King's Trail around Sälen?

The first part of the Southern Kungsleden offers a fantastic mix of: mountain heaths, birch forests, tranquil marshes, viewing plateaus and scenic valleys. The terrain is relatively easy to walk on and is suitable for both beginners and experienced mountain hikers. It is often here that many families, couples and small groups are satisfied with their stages before turning back.

The high mountain area – mountain enjoyment close by

Around Högfjället and Gruven, you can enjoy magnificent views, accessible trails and peaceful mountain surroundings without having to stray far from civilisation.

Transtrandsfjällen – a landscape shaped by rivers and ice

Here, mountain forests mix with open passages and gentle ridges. Perfect for photography and nature experiences.

Near the Botanical Garden in Sälen

Many choose to combine hiking in the area with a visit to the charming mountain village of Botanical Garden. It is small but unique, and serves as a peaceful start or end to a day of hiking. If you would like more tips on hiking in Sälen, you will find a good summary here: Hiking in Sälen.

How does the trail continue – Fulufjället, Idre, Grövelsjön

The Southern Kungsleden continues north from Sälen and passes some of Dalarna's most iconic natural areas:

Fulufjället National Park

Arctic mountain plateau, deep valleys and **Njupeskär**, Sweden's highest waterfall. Perfect for hiking and nature photography.

Idre – the hub of the mountain world

This is where culture, Sami history and mountain life meet. A wide range of trails and activities.

Grövelsjön – Dalarna's most famous hiking destination

Border mountains towards Norway, barren mountain heathland and classic trails up to Salsfjället. This entire route offers: Variety Service points Nice cabins and wind shelters Opportunity for multi-stage hiking It is therefore a hike that goes from accessible mountains to more pure wilderness.

How difficult is the trail?

The southern Kungsleden trail is classified as easy to moderately difficult. The degree of difficulty varies depending on: weather conditions, terrain, equipment and physical condition. Around Sälen, the trail is generally somewhat easier, while the sections towards Grövelsjön and Jämtland are more demanding.

Suitable for:

Beginners Families Couples Experienced hikers who want longer tours If you want to complement your hike with other mountain experiences, you will find useful information here: Summer in Sälen.

When is the best time to hike the Southern Kungsleden Trail?

The ideal time to visit is: June, July, August, September Midsummer offers the most stable weather, while September often provides calm conditions, beautiful mountain colours and cooler temperatures. If you would like to compare the seasons, you can find a complete guide here: What is the best season to visit Sälen?

How long does it take to walk the trail?

You choose:

Short trip:

2–6 hours around Högfjället and Transtrand.

Weekend walk:

2–3 days to Fulufjället.

Long-distance hiking:

1–2 weeks to Idre or Grövelsjön.

Summary – is the Southern Kungsleden worth hiking?

Yes — Södra Kungsleden is one of the most underrated trails in the mountain world. For hikers who want: proximity to Sälen wild nature varied terrain mountain experiences without long transport options for short or long trips ...it is the perfect choice. Whether you are planning a short day trip or a longer mountain hike, it all starts here: Our Houses

If you’re looking for more outdoor activities, you can read about Fishing in Sälen and where you can go fishing. If you’d rather find out more about winter, you can read about Skiing Väggen.