About Sälen · Sälen Botanical Garden
Sälen Botanical Garden - Alpine Floral Paradise in a Mountain Setting
Sweden’s highest botanical garden is situated at an altitude of 800 metres, a short drive from the houses.
The largest cottage
24guests, Gattarstugan
The whole house from
29,500 SEKweek, low season
Other guests
0no shared facility
The largest group
53three houses together
In the heart of the Sälen mountains, at 800 metres above sea level, you'll find a botanical treasure that deserves more attention. Sweden's highest botanical garden offers a fascinating collection of over 1300 carefully catalogued plants from the Nordic mountains and alpine regions of Europe. This verdant oasis is run with passion by the association Sälens Fjällbotaniska Vänner and has quickly become a must-see for nature lovers visiting the mountains during the barefoot season.
See more experiences this spring SälenFjällen-guide where we bring together nature, activities and accommodation tips.
The garden
A Botanical Gem in the Mountains
Unique Flora at 800 Metres Altitude
Located in the Högfjälls area, this botanical jewel extends over 4000 square metres. The garden was founded in 2019 by enthusiastic enthusiasts with the aim of creating a place where visitors can experience the botanical diversity of the mountains in an accessible way. Today, the garden is a living museum of alpine flora, where each plant tells its own story of adaptation to the harsh mountain climate.
Its strategic location at the start of the Southern King's Trail makes the garden a perfect first stop for hikers exploring the area. Here you can familiarise yourself with the plants you will later encounter along the mountain trails. The garden includes not only mountain plants from Scandinavia, but also alpine plants from Europe's mountainous regions, as well as a fascinating island alpine landscape that creates an exciting contrast to the mountain flora.
Botanical Diversity in Mountain Environments
In this unique environment, you can discover an impressive collection of mountain plants that would otherwise require many days of hiking to find in the wild. Among the highlights are:
- Mountain and marsh marigolds in their customised plant beds
- Ice daffodil - one of the few plants that bloom at the edge of glaciers
- Mountain celandine with its characteristic pink flowers
- Lapland alpine rose - one of the most iconic plants in the mountains
- Edelweiss and other classic alpine plants from Central Europe
Each plant is provided with informative signs that tell about the species' origin, ecological role and adaptations to the mountain environment. During the high season, Sälen's Fjällbotaniska Vänner offers guided tours where knowledgeable botanists share their passion and knowledge about the fascinating plant world of the mountains.
An Experience for All Senses
Sälen Botanical Garden welcomes visitors of all ages and interests:
Botany enthusiasts
For those who are fascinated by the adaptability of plants and want to deepen their knowledge of the diversity and survival strategies of alpine flora.
Families
An educational experience where children can discover the wonders of nature in a playful way - perfect to combine with others family activities in Sälen.
Mountain hikers
An ideal stop to get to know the mountain flora before embarking on longer hikes in the area - feel free to combine with a trip along the Southern King's Trail. Read more about hiking in Sälen
How to get here
Find your way to the highest botanical garden in Sweden
Sälen Botanical Garden is perfectly located at the foot of Gustavsbacken in Lindvallen, with easy access from the centre of Sälenfjällen:
- From Sälen centre, follow Fjällvägen (Rv66) approximately 9 kilometres west towards Högfjällshotellet
- Park conveniently at ICA Toppen or Högfjällshotellet car park
- Follow the signs for Södra Kungsleden north along the paved path for about 700 metres
- The garden is clearly signposted and is on the left, just 100 metres from the main road
The garden is designed with accessibility in mind. The King's Trail, the gravel path to the garden and the majority of the garden's paths are accessible to wheelchairs, walkers and pushchairs, making the experience accessible to all visitors.
Sälen Botanical Garden - Cluvers väg, 780 91 Sälen
Opening hours: Available during the bare ground season (June-September), depending on snow conditions
Entrance fee: Free of charge - the garden is run voluntarily by the Friends of Sälen and donations are appreciated
Contact and more information: www.salenbotaniska.se
The visit
Plan Your Visit to Sälen Botanical Garden
When does the mountain flora bloom best?
The garden offers different experiences depending on the time of year you visit. To get the most out of your visit, keep the following flowering periods in mind:
- Early summer (June): Early alpine plants such as mountain cinquefoil, moss and various gentians
- High summer (July): Maximum flowering with mountain poppy, mountain mallow and alpine herbs
- Late summer (August): Autumn flowering species and beautiful seed stands
Practical Tips for Visitors
Packing list
- Camera to document the unique plants
- Water bottle and light packed lunch for a break in nature
- Field guide to mountain plants for the extra interested
- Sun protection - at high altitude, UV radiation is intense
Worth Thinking About
- Mountain weather can change quickly - bring an extra layer
- Comfortable shoes are recommended for the walk
- Respect the plants - feel free to photograph but do not pick
- Dogs are welcome on leads on marked paths
Combine With
- Lunch at one of the restaurants in Lindvallen
- Hike along Södra Kungsleden towards Hemfjället
- Visits to nearby viewpoints
- Summer in Sälen - hiking, nature & excursions
On a clear day, the garden offers a magnificent view of the Sälen mountains and Högfjällshotellet
Accommodation
Extend the Nature Experience With Mountain Accommodation
To make your visit to the Sälen Botanical Garden a complete experience, why not combine it with a comfortable accommodation nearby? Sälengodset offers exclusive cottages and houses that allow you to wake up in the middle of the mountain nature whose flora you just explored in the garden.
As part of our efforts to promote greenery and gardening, we work in partnership with Lively – one of our partners in the gardening sector.
Fjällgodset
Modern cottages with Scandinavian design and all amenities, perfectly located near Lindvallen and the botanical garden. Ideal for families who want to combine nature experiences with comfort.
Sälengodset
Exclusive houses with jacuzzi, sauna and generous living areas - perfect for families or friends who want to deepen their mountain experience with luxurious relaxation after a day in the botanical garden.
Olarslodgen
A unique mountain lodge with exclusive design and unbeatable location. Perfect for those looking for something extra during their botanical expedition in the Sälen mountains - combining the wonders of nature with modern luxury.
Create Your Perfect Mountain Summer
Combine a visit to the Sälen Botanical Gardens with a relaxing stay in one of our exclusive accommodations. Experience the flora of the mountains by day and enjoy comfort and luxury by night - the perfect summer experience in Sälen.
Which house is best suited to your stay?
We manage the properties and can combine them. The table shows what is currently available.
| Company | Outline | Guests | Bedroom | Location | A whole week | Sun–Thu | Thu–Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over 30 guests | Sälengodset + Fjällgodset + Winebunker combination | 53 | 22 | Gamla Sälfjällstangen | 4 Oct (37 dates) | 4 Oct (43 dates) | 1 Oct (38 dates) |
| 21–30 guests | Sälengodset + Fjällgodset combination | 43 | 19 | Gamla Sälfjällstangen | 4 Oct (37 dates) | 4 Oct (43 dates) | 1 Oct (38 dates) |
| Up to 24 | Gattarstugan | 24 | 11 | Tandådalen | 4 Oct (43 dates) | 4 Oct (45 dates) | 1 Oct (47 dates) |
| Up to 22 | Fjällgodset | 22 | 10 | Gamla Sälfjällstangen | 4 Oct (38 dates) | 4 Oct (44 dates) | 1 Oct (39 dates) |
| Up to 21 | Sälengodset | 21 | 9 | Gamla Sälfjällstangen | 4 Oct (42 dates) | 4 Oct (46 dates) | 1 Oct (45 dates) |
| Up to 21 | Olarslodgen | 21 | 8 | Sälfjällstorget | 4 Oct (33 dates) | 4 Oct (30 dates) | 1 Oct (29 dates) |
| Up to 15 | The Stone Lodge | 15 | 5 | Sälfjällstorget | Coming soon | Coming soon | Coming soon |
| Up to 12 | Villa Åsstigen | 12 | 5 | Gilleråsen | Coming soon | Coming soon | Coming soon |
| Up to 10 | Winebunker | 10 | 3 | Gamla Sälfjällstangen | 4 Oct (51 dates) | 4 Oct (51 dates) | 1 Oct (52 dates) |
| Up to 8 | The Skiers Lodge | 8 | 4 | Lindvallen | Coming soon | Coming soon | Coming soon |
The dates shown are the next available arrival dates; the figure in brackets indicates the number of available periods in the coming year. As we manage the properties ourselves, we can combine them, and the combinations are only shown when all properties are available at the same time. The information is updated automatically from our booking system.
Frequently asked questions about Sälen Botanical Garden
When is the best time to visit Sälen Botanical Garden?
The garden is at its most beautiful in high summer (July-August) when the majority of plants are in flower. Different species flower at different times, so each visit offers a unique experience. The garden is accessible throughout the open season, usually from June to September depending on snow conditions.
Is the garden suitable for children?
Absolutely! The garden is designed to engage visitors of all ages. Children will particularly enjoy the wooden paths that wind through the area, the insect hotels and the colourful flowers. There are also educational elements tailored for younger visitors, making the garden a perfect family adventure.
Are there any guided tours of Sälen Botanical Garden?
Yes, during the high season, the Friends of Sälen Mountain Botany offer guided tours at scheduled times. These tours are led by knowledgeable botanists who share fascinating facts about the mountain flora and the development of the garden. Check the current times on the garden's website or the information board at the entrance.
What makes mountain plants so special?
Mountain plants have developed fascinating adaptations to survive in extreme conditions of short growing season, low temperatures and intense UV radiation. This has resulted in compact plants with deep root systems, intense flower colours and specialised survival strategies. In the Sälen Botanical Garden you can study up close these unique adaptations that make mountain flora so special.
Sälen Botanical Garden represents a unique intersection of natural science, mountain experience and accessibility. As Sweden's highest botanical garden, it offers a rare opportunity to discover the botanical treasures of the mountains without having to embark on demanding hikes. Combine your visit with a relaxing stay at one of Sälengodset's exclusive accommodations to create a complete mountain experience where natural wonder meets modern comfort. Whether you are a passionate botanist, a curious family or just looking for a quiet moment in the bosom of the mountains, this alpine oasis will enrich your stay in the Sälen mountains.
The botanical garden in Sälen is just one of many hidden gems in the mountains. For more tips on nature and culture, explore our knowledge bank about Sälen or plan your next outing among all nature experiences and activities in Sälen. Do you want to combine the tranquillity of nature with convenience? See our properties with views in Sälenfjällen and let the mountain environment become part of your next trip. Explore the blooming landscape of the mountains with a guided tour in the Sälen mountains - and let the day end with flavours from the mountains through catering for your event in Sälen, where local produce becomes part of the experience.
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