Is it possible to go canoeing or kayaking in Sälen?

Canoeing in Sälen is one of the activities that surprises guests the most – most come here for the mountains and only discover the water once they’re here. But the Västerdalälven flows straight through the valley, and all around are lakes and tarns set against a mountain backdrop. A day’s canoeing offers a completely different perspective on the landscape than a hike: you see the mountains from above the water’s surface, get up close to wildlife and move silently. This guide goes through what’s on offer, what you should bear in mind and how a day’s paddling fits into your week. If you want to experience both water and mountains in the same week, it’s easy to rent a mountain cottage for the summer with both within easy reach.

Paddling also combines naturally with the area’s other water-based activities – our guide to how fishing in Sälen works is well worth a read for anyone who wants to take their fishing rod with them in the canoe.

Short answer: yes – canoeing in Sälen is possible on both rivers and lakes

The paddling opportunities in the Sälen area offer two completely different experiences. Västerdalälven offers a classic river paddle where you follow the current through the forest landscape, passing both calm and livelier stretches. The lakes and ponds in and around the mountains, on the other hand, offer the complete opposite: still waters, a mirror-like surface in the morning and a silence that is hard to describe. Which you choose depends on your experience and who you’re with – beginners and families should start on a lake, whilst the river is suitable for those with some paddling experience or who are accompanied by a guide. Both options require you to check the conditions in advance, as water levels and accessibility vary with the season and the weather.

Västerdalälven: calm waters and sections with a current

The river is the area’s major watercourse and is paddled in sections rather than as a single trip. The character of the river varies: long stretches of calm water where you glide through the woodland landscape, interspersed with faster sections where the current picks up. It is precisely this variety that makes river paddling so appealing – but it is also why you need to know what lies ahead around the next bend. Water levels are high during the snowmelt in early summer and lower later in the season, which radically alters both the difficulty and navigability of the river. Reconnaissance the route, talk to someone who knows the river, and never paddle a section you know nothing about. If you’re in the slightest doubt: go with a guide the first time, or choose a lake instead.

Lakes and ponds for peaceful paddling

For families, beginners and anyone who simply wants to paddle for the experience, the lakes are the obvious choice. There are no currents to contend with here; you decide where to turn back, and a trip can last an hour or a whole day. Early morning is magical – the water is as smooth as glass, the mist lifts, and your chances of spotting birds and other wildlife are at their best. Pack a picnic and moor at a beach for lunch; a paddle that ends with a swim and a spot of tea is hard to beat as a family day out. Bear in mind that mountain water is cold even in July, and that the wind can create surprisingly large waves in open stretches. Stay close to the shoreline, especially with children on board.

Hire a canoe, kayak or SUP in Sälen

Most visitors hire equipment, and the range on offer varies depending on the season and the operators in the area. Canoes are the most stable and have the greatest capacity – best for families, luggage and fishing tackle. Kayaks are faster and more fun to steer but require a bit more skill. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has grown in popularity rapidly and works brilliantly on a calm lake on a warm day, but less so in windy conditions. Check well in advance what’s available to hire during the week you’re here, what’s included – life jackets, paddles, transport – and whether they offer guided tours. If you’re a beginner, a guided paddle is by far the easiest way to get started; see our page on guided adventures in the great outdoors for what’s on offer in the area.

Water safety in mountain environments

Mountain water is cold all year round, and it is the cold water, rather than the depth, that makes canoeing risky. Everyone on board must wear a life jacket at all times, without exception and regardless of swimming ability – in cold water, even experienced swimmers lose strength quickly. Never paddle alone, and tell someone where you’re going and when you’re expected back. Check the weather before you set off: wind builds waves quickly on open lakes, and thunderstorms are an absolute reason to go ashore. Carry dry clothes in a waterproof bag, plus your mobile phone in a waterproof case. On rivers, extra caution is required – flowing water, trees in the water and shallow stretches require knowledge. We cannot guarantee that any stretch is safe; check current conditions and go with someone who knows the water if you are unsure.

Combine canoeing with fishing or swimming

The best thing about a canoe is that it can be a means of transport rather than a destination. Take your fishing rod and paddle out to a spot you can’t reach from land – make sure you check the fishing licence requirements and regulations in advance. Or plan your day as a day out at the beach, using the canoe to travel between the beaches; our guide on swim in Sälen in the summer offers tips on waters that stay at a comfortable temperature. For families, paddling is often the perfect balance between activity and tranquillity – the children can sit still without getting bored. We’ve put together more ideas for the little ones in the article on summer activities for children.

Summary – a day of paddling in the mountains

A brief guide to canoeing in Sälen:

• Two experiences: the flowing waters of Västerdalälven and the tranquillity of the mountain lakes.
• Beginners and families with children should start on a lake; the river requires experience or a guide.
• Water levels fluctuate considerably throughout the season – do some reconnaissance and ask the locals.
• A canoe for stability and carrying gear, a kayak for speed, and a SUP for peaceful summer days.
• Always wear a life jacket, never go out alone, check the weather and keep dry clothes in a waterproof bag.
• Feel free to combine it with fishing, swimming and a packed lunch – the canoe is a means of transport, not just a destination.

A day’s paddling adds another dimension to a week in the mountains – and surprisingly few people make the most of it.