Walking in Sälenfjällen Spring is both possible and magical - as long as you adjust your pace to the changing seasons between winter and summer. In spring winter, from March to early April, the snow often remains but the days are longer and the sun is warmer. Here, walking is more about winter tactics: walk when the snow falls in the morning, follow groomed trails or trampled tracks and use snowshoes if you want to get off piste. When the nights are still below freezing and the days are mild, the classic “skare window” appears - perfect for quiet walks in glistening snow.
When the mountains wake up
When May and June arrive, the mountain is transformed. The snow melts from the heights, the streams babble and the trails dry up from the bottom up. This is when the barefoot season begins in earnest. Expect shady areas to have patches of snow well into June and bogs to be wet - but with waterproof boots and a leisurely pace, it's a great experience. The reward is fresh air, flowering mountain heath and a rich bird life that marks the arrival of spring.
Trails and excursions
A popular walk is from Gammelgården up towards Hemfjällsstugan - you quickly get above the tree line and get views of Lindvallen. Östfjället from Högfjället gives the same fast, bare mountain feeling and often dries up early thanks to its location. Around Tandådalen you'll find Stensjön and the Kalven loop, perfect for a spring picnic with sun and views. If you want to experience something symbolic, you can walk the first steps on The King's Road, which starts in Sälen - take a short stage and turn round if the ground gets wet.
Equipment and safety
Planning is key. Check the night-time temperatures: cold nights make for wet mornings. Download maps offline - early in the season, poles and markers may be partially covered. Dress according to the layer-on-layer principle with a thin base layer, mid-layer and light shell jacket. Sunglasses, a hat or cap and sun protection are essential, especially when snow reflection is lurking. For your feet, sturdy boots with a waterproof membrane are worth their weight in gold when the bogs are wet.
Watch out for meltwater - avoid crossing snow bridges over streams and be careful on shady slopes where it can be slippery. Be sure to tell someone your intended route, especially for longer walks. Do you have a dog? Spring is a sensitive time for reindeer and birds, so keep them on a lead.
Accommodation and recovery
After your hike, you can enjoy a sauna, a swim or a late lunch in the sun. Many accommodations are located right on the edge of the mountains, so you can start your hike from your doorstep. In exclusive houses like Sälengodset, Fjällgodset and Olarslodgen combines comfort with proximity to the trails. If you want to treat yourself to extra comfort, you can book breakfast delivery or an evening with private chef after the day's adventure. And if the weather turns, there are options like spas and baths in Lindvallen - perfect for recovering between tours.
Executive summary
Yes, it is possible to hike in Sälen in spring - both during the snow-covered weeks of spring winter and when the bare ground takes over in May-June. Start early in the day, choose trails according to the surface and let the pace be guided by the weather and the mood of the day. If you do, a unique season awaits you as the mountains come alive, with light, silence and views that make every step worthwhile.