Can you play golf in Sälen?

For many, golf at Sälen comes as a surprise – the mountains are associated with skiing, not with golf courses. But once the snow has melted, the valley transforms into a summer landscape where golf feels just as natural as hiking and cycling, and a round with the mountain silhouette as a backdrop is a completely different experience to rounds at your local club. Here we’ll go through what you need to know about golf in Sälenfjällen: where to play, when the season is at its best, how adventure golf works for the family, and how golf fits into a summer in the mountains. If you’d like to turn it into a golf holiday, summer residence in Sälen The starting point – with your own house, a terrace and evenings that stretch well beyond the final hole.

Short answer: yes – mountain golf in the summer

Golf can be played in the Sälen area during the dry season, and there are two completely different options that are worth distinguishing between. The first is proper golf on a course: rounds in mountainous terrain where changes in elevation, wooded areas and sweeping views give the game a character you won’t find on flat courses. The other is adventure golf and mini-golf – family activities adjacent to the facilities, suitable for all ages and taking an hour rather than half a day. Both are a natural part of a summer in the mountains, but they cater to different needs: one is the main event of the day, the other a pleasant interlude between a swim and a barbecue dinner. Which courses are open, their length and distance from your accommodation vary between seasons – always check the latest information directly with the club or venue before planning your round.

The golf courses in and around Sälen

Golf in this part of Dalarna is played in a mountainous and wooded setting, and for those used to flat parkland courses, it feels like a somewhat new sport: altitude affects both club selection and distance, the wind in open areas is a factor, and the surrounding natural beauty means that even a poor round still feels like a good day. Bear in mind that the courses are generally a short drive from your accommodation rather than within walking distance – this is the mountains, and the distances are part of the experience. Call or book a tee time in advance during the peak weeks of summer, and check the rules regarding green fees, guest play and any requirements for membership or handicap. If you’ve brought your own clubs from home, it’s straightforward; otherwise, hire equipment is usually available on site, but it’s best to enquire in advance rather than assume it’s available.

Season and green fees – when and how much do they cost?

The golf season in the mountains is shorter than further down the country. The snow lingers well into spring and returns early in autumn, which in practice means that the season is concentrated in the height of summer and the few weeks either side of it. The exact opening date depends on the snowmelt and the condition of the course, and is set on a year-by-year basis – the club’s announcement always takes precedence. Pricing follows the standard practice for golf in Sweden: a green fee per round, often with a difference between weekdays and weekends, and discounted play for members of partner clubs. Precisely because both the season and prices are set annually, we do not quote any figures here; instead, please ask for the current green fee when booking your tee time. A tip for the budget-conscious: midweek is both cheaper and quieter than the weekend, and evening rounds in the late summer light of the mountains are an underrated luxury.

Adventure golf and mini-golf for the family

For families, adventure golf is the easiest way to get started. The courses adjacent to the facilities require no equipment, handicap or planning – you simply turn up, are given a club and a ball, and play a round together. This makes adventure golf one of the most rewarding family activities in the valley: it’s suitable for everyone from pre-schoolers to grandparents, takes just over an hour, and works just as well as an afternoon activity after a swim as it does when the weather is too changeable for longer outings. More tips along the same lines can be found in our guide to summer activities for children. If you have golfers and non-golfers in the same group, the combination is a no-brainer: the adults can play a round on the course in the morning, and the whole family can meet up for adventure golf later in the day.

Combine golf with a summer in the mountains: walking, swimming and cycling

Golf is at its best at Sälen when it forms part of a longer summer week. A classic itinerary: a round in the morning whilst the air is cool, a swim or a spot of fishing in the afternoon, and a barbecue on the terrace in the evening. The next day, swap the golf course for a walking trail or a cycle ride, and the week takes on the variety that the mountains are made for. You’ll find more ideas in our guide to Things to do in Sälen in the summer, and an overview of the season as a whole on the page at summer in Sälen. What makes a week’s golf in the mountains so special is precisely the contrast: the same valley that is filled with skiers in winter is almost tranquil in summer, and the accommodation that you would otherwise only see covered in snow reveals a completely different side to itself.

Summary – a round of golf in the mountains

Here’s how to plan a round of golf at Sälen:

• Golf is played during the dry season; midsummer is the best time of year.
• The courses are usually a short drive away – plan your day accordingly.
• Please check the season, opening hours and green fees directly with the club; both dates and prices are set annually.
• Book your tee time in advance during the peak weeks of the summer, and enquire about hire equipment well in advance.
• Adventure golf is the family’s quickest way into the sport – no equipment, no planning.
• Combine your round of golf with a swim, a walk or a cycle, and golf will become part of your summer in the mountains, rather than the whole of it.

Can you play golf at Sälen? Yes – and those who have done so usually agree that the view from the tee is hard to beat, even when your swing isn’t.