Sälen in autumn - colours, silence and fresh mountain air

When the summer tourists have left and the winter skiers have yet to arrive, the Sälen shows perhaps its most beautiful side. During the autumn months, the mountain world is transformed into a colourful landscape where nature's tranquillity and beauty take centre stage. A mountain holiday filled with peace, fresh air and magnificent views awaits you - perfect for those who want to relax in luxurious cabins with nature as their neighbour. At the Sälengodset, Fjällgodset or Olarslodgen you live in exclusive mountain houses where comfort, design and proximity to hiking and nature meet in perfect harmony.

Autumn in Sälen is a hidden gem - ideal for those seeking relaxation, inspiration or quality time with loved ones. Between September and November, the mountains are dressed in gold and red, the paths are untouched and the mountain air is at its clearest. Enjoy the silence, pick mushrooms and berries, or sit back on the terrace with a hot drink and gaze out over a mountain landscape that must be experienced first-hand.

This is part of our SälenFjällen-guide where you can find inspiration for all seasons in the mountains.

Many people think of skiing when they hear the word mountains - but autumn is actually one of Sälen's most underrated and magical seasons. In September, October and November, nature explodes in colour, the pace slows down and the mountains offer a tranquillity that is hard to find anywhere else. For those seeking peace, inspiration and closeness to nature, this is the perfect time to visit the mountains.

When you travel to Sälen in autumn, you get to experience the mountains on your own terms - without the crowds, lift queues or packed restaurants. Here are some of the main benefits of an autumn stay:

Autumn in Sälen is an explosion of colour and fresh air. As September turns to October, the mountain slopes turn gold, copper and red. The birch trees turn yellow, the blueberry bushes glow red underfoot and the heather blooms in muted shades of purple. It's a time when every walk feels like wandering through a living work of art.

The clear, oxygen-rich air makes autumn hiking particularly enjoyable. Temperatures are often between 5 and 15 degrees - perfect for both short and long walks. The morning mist wraps the valleys in a soft veil before it is dissolved by the first rays of the sun, and the early evening darkness sometimes offers a shimmering northern lights in the starry sky.

If you love photography, this is a dream come true. The light, colours and contrasts of the landscape make for unique subjects - whether you're shooting with a mobile or system camera.

Although some resorts are winding down for the winter, autumn is a great time to experience Sälen in a quieter, more natural way. Activities await to add colour to your stay in the mountains - whether you're travelling with your family, as a couple or with friends.

Hiking in Sälen in autumn is something very special. The air is crisp and high, the temperature pleasant and nature at its most beautiful. It's the perfect time for long day hikes, short excursions or quiet walks at dusk.

For nature photographers - or those who just love capturing moments with their phone - the Sälen in autumn is pure paradise. The contrasts between golden mountainsides, blue skies and dramatic cloud formations make for magical subjects. Some of our favourite places for autumn photos:

The Sälen offers great opportunities for cycling even in autumn. Many of the summer cycle routes are open well into the autumn, and the cool air makes cycling extra pleasant.

Lindvallen has several great trails for both beginners and experienced cyclists. Try the pumptrack track at Svansjön or head out on one of the longer trails through the colourful forest. Bikes are available for hire at several places in the area.

Read more about cycling in Sälen

Autumn is the high season for mushrooms and berries in the Sälen mountains. The forests around Sälen are full of chanterelles, funnel chanterelles and scarlet mushrooms. On the mountain slopes, there are plenty of blueberries and lingonberries well into the autumn.

Take a basket and go on a mushroom safari in the forests around your accommodation. Our hosts will be happy to share tips on the best spots. Finish the day by preparing your harvest in the well-equipped kitchen of your cottage, or why not book a private chef to create a gourmet dinner from your finds?

Autumn holidays are the perfect time to visit Sälen with your family. While many others head to big cities or the south, you can enjoy the tranquillity and fresh mountain air together. A mountain holidays in autumn gives children the opportunity to experience nature in a new way.

During the autumn holidays, several activities are organised especially for children in the Sälen area:

For families with smaller children, we recommend the walk to Lindvallens fäbod. The short walk is rewarded with a cosy sheepfold environment where the children can play and you can grill sausages at the windbreak.

Read more about autumn holidays in Sälen

Sälen in autumn is perfect for quality time with loved ones, and our accommodation is designed to match your type of trip. Whether you're travelling with children, a partner or four-legged friends, we have options that combine comfort, design and proximity to nature

For couples looking for a romantic autumn weekend, we offer smaller, exclusive cottages with a high cosiness factor. And for those of you who want to bring four-legged friends on holiday, we have several dog-friendly options where the whole family is welcome.

Our larger houses are perfect for family holidays, with generous social areas, several bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens. After a day in the forest or on the mountain, you can gather around the fireplace or relax in the sauna.

After a day filled with mountain air, hiking or mushroom picking, there are few things that beat relaxing with good food, a hot sauna and cosy relaxation. At the Sälengodset we offer spa and optional accommodation to turn your autumn stay into a luxurious total experience.

Some of our cottages – including Fjällgodset – have a sauna, jacuzzi and fireplace as standard. Imagine sinking into a warm bubble bath with a view of the autumn-coloured mountains, or lighting a fire and feeling the scent of birch wood fill the room after a chilly day in the mountains.

Explore our holiday cottages with relaxation & spa here.

For the ultimate in relaxation, we can also organise:

Autumn in Sälen is harvest time - a time when the mountain produce takes centre stage. For those of you who want to enjoy something out of the ordinary, it is possible, if available, to invite a chef to the cottage through one of our partners. A unique experience that gilds the autumn evening.

We work with selected chefs and caterers in Sälen who offer everything from well-prepared home-style dishes to exclusive multi-course menus - tailored to the flavours of the season and your wishes.

Read more about dinner with a chef in the mountains

If you prefer to cook for yourself, there are fully equipped kitchens in all our houses - and shops in the area offering local delicacies.

To get the most out of your autumn in the mountains it is good to plan in advance. Here are some tips for a successful stay in Sälen in autumn.

The weather in Sälen during autumn is varied but often beautiful. September usually offers clear, sunny days with temperatures around 10-15 degrees. In October and November it gets colder, and there can be snow, especially on the higher peaks.

Sälen in autumn is a hidden gem for both private groups and companies. Here there is room for peace, focus and community.

For the group of friends you can combine accommodation in a large cabin with activities such as mushroom picking, guided autumn walks or just quiet evenings with a sauna and good food.

Read more about mountain holidays with friends

For companies we customise conference packages in the mountains with exclusive accommodation, creative meeting environments and access to nature on your doorstep.

Discover our conference facilities in Sälen

Autumn in Sälen is a time for relaxation, nature experiences and quality time with loved ones. When the mountains are dressed in autumn colours and the silence settles over the valleys, a magical atmosphere is created that must be experienced. At Sälengodset, we look forward to welcoming you to an exclusive autumn stay where nature, comfort and personal touches create memories for life.