Is it possible to rent a flat in Sälen?

Yes, it is possible to rent a flat in Sälen – the available properties are mainly in Lindvallen and around the resort square, ranging from compact two-room flats to larger mountain-style flats. However, Sälen is essentially a destination for holiday cottages, and for many groups, a whole house works out both better and cheaper on a per-person basis. Here’s the full picture, so you can choose the right type of accommodation.

Short answer: yes – but the range differs from that of the cottages

Lägenheter finns i Sälen, framför allt i anslutning till liftarna: bekväma boenden i flerfamiljshus med skidförvaring, ofta med ski in/ski out mode och gångavstånd till restauranger. För par och mindre familjer som prioriterar närhet till backen och minimalt med logistik är det ett fullgott alternativ. Men proportionerna är viktiga att förstå: medan alpdestinationer och Åre domineras av lägenheter är Sälens boendebestånd till största delen stugor och hus – det är dem destinationen är byggd kring, och det är där det stora utbudet, den högsta standarden och de bästa lägena finns. Den som söker ”lägenhet i Sälen” gör därför klokt i att också räkna på ett hus: ofta får man mer boende för pengarna, särskilt från fyra personer och uppåt. Vi går igenom hela boendefloran i artikeln om the difference between different types of accommodation.

Where are the flats located? Lindvallen, Sälfjällstorget and the villages

The range of flats is concentrated in the most developed parts of the valley. The largest concentration is in Lindvallen, where blocks of flats and apartment complexes are clustered around ski lifts, the square and Experium – here you live right at the heart of the action, with everything within walking distance. Around Sälfjällstorget and Högfjället there are further developments, often in a classic mountain style, and Tandådalen and Hundfjället also have apartment blocks close to their squares. Down in the village of Sälen, you’ll find a few apartments with the village’s year-round services just around the corner – a good choice for those who prioritise everyday convenience over proximity to the ski lifts. Standards vary greatly, from simple 1970s accommodation to newly built mountain flats. If you’re looking to stay in an apartment, our advice is therefore to look closely at the year of construction, renovation status and exact location – and to book early, as the most attractive apartments near the lifts are the first to go during the peak season weeks.

Flat or holiday cottage – price per bed and level of comfort

The comparison comes down to two things: price per bed and what you get for it. An apartment is often slightly cheaper in absolute terms, but when calculated per person, the difference shrinks rapidly – and the difference in comfort is significant. In a cottage or a house, you get your own entrance without a communal stairwell, a utility area for wet clothes, usually your own sauna, more bathrooms, a proper kitchen and space for a large group to stay without being on top of one another. You’ll also avoid having neighbours right next door – which is no small matter when the children have gone to sleep or when your guests want to play games until midnight. The advantages of a flat are its location and simplicity: closer to the ski lifts than most holiday cottages, less space to keep tidy, and often a lower barrier to entry for a short weekend break. The rule of thumb: for two to four people on a skiing weekend, an apartment is practical – for four to six people and a whole week, a house wins out in terms of both comfort and value for money. Feel free to compare this with the hotel option as well, which we highlight in the article on hotel or cottage in Sälen.

For larger groups: when a house beats a flat

With six or more people, it’s rarely an even match. Large flats are in short supply in Sälen, and splitting the group between two or three smaller flats fragments both the social life and the finances – suddenly you’re paying for several kitchens you barely use and only bump into each other in the lift queue. A large house turns the equation on its head: everyone under one roof, shared meals around a single table, a sauna and communal areas that make the evenings the highlight of the week – and a price per person that’s often on a par with, or even lower than, that of the split-up flats. Our houses accommodate between 4 and 24 guests and are built precisely for this: family holidays, groups of friends and corporate groups who want to stay together for real. Would you like to Rent a holiday home in Sälen For larger groups, we’ll help you find the right house for your group size – and if there are more than 24 of you, we’ll arrange for several houses close to one another.

Flat during the high season and Vasaloppet

During peak weeks, supply is put to the test. School holidays, Easter and Vasaloppet week see Sälen’s accommodation booked up months in advance, and the flats near the ski lifts are among the first to go – there are plenty of them, but demand is enormous. At the same time, prices rise to their highest levels of the year, which changes the cost comparison: when an apartment costs top price, the step up to a whole house, shared between several people, is often smaller than one might think. For Vasalopp Week, there’s the added factor of location: race participants want to stay close to the start in Berga by, where the market is dominated by houses rather than flats – we’ve put together everything you need to know in the guide about accommodation under Vasaloppet. The advice for the peak season is the same regardless of the type of accommodation: book as early as you can, be flexible with your dates if possible – and always work out the cost per person before assuming that smaller accommodation is cheaper.

Summary – choose the right type of accommodation

Key information about renting a flat in Sälen:

• Yes, there are flats available – mainly in Lindvallen and around the squares, with the location being their greatest asset.
• However, Sälen is the destination of choice for holiday cottages: the widest selection, the highest standard and the best locations are all to be found amongst these properties.
• For 2–4 people on a short stay, the flat is a practical choice; for 4–6 people, the house offers better value for money in terms of comfort and price per bed.
• Large families: a house brings everyone together under one roof – cheaper and better than several separate flats.
• Peak season: flats close to the ski lifts are the first to go – book early and work out the cost per person before you choose.
• Not sure? Think about the size of your group and the occasion – if you want to socialise, a house party is the answer.

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds – a location close to the ski lifts and all the benefits of a house – we have several properties that offer exactly that, such as our holiday cottages in Lindvallen. Please let us know the size of your party and your requirements, and we’ll suggest the accommodation that will make your week in the mountains perfect.