Can you ride in Sälen?

Horse riding in Sälen is one of those activities that few people think about before their trip, yet many remember most fondly afterwards. Moving through the mountain forest at the horse’s pace – without the sound of engines, without a lift, with just the hooves and the wind – offers a different perspective on the landscape than any other activity in the valley. This guide answers the most common questions: where you can go horse riding, how it works for beginners and children, how the seasons differ, and how much a trail ride usually costs. You can find all the options and booking details on our page about fishing, horse riding and padel in Sälen.

Short answer: yes – trail riding in a mountain setting

Horse riding at Sälen is primarily about trail riding, not riding lessons. The format is simple: you meet up with the organiser, are assigned a horse based on your experience and size, receive a briefing on the essentials, and then set off in a group with a guide across the countryside. The rides proceed at a leisurely pace through woodland and open mountain terrain, and most are designed so that even those who have never sat on a horse before can take part. This makes horse riding one of the few activities in the valley that works just as well for those who barely know which side to mount from as it does for experienced riders. The stables and organisers operating vary from season to season – check the current range of options and booking availability before you schedule a ride as a fixed part of your week.

Where can you go horse riding?

The activities take place in and around the valley, usually close to farms and stables a short drive from the accommodation. The surrounding terrain is the main attraction: paths through mountain birch forests, marshland, forest tracks and stretches offering views across the valley. Expect the rides to start from the stables and take place in the immediate vicinity – this is not an expedition, but a ride lasting an hour or two, with the pace adapted to the group’s experience. The horses used in this type of activity are generally calm and accustomed to inexperienced riders; Icelandic horses and other hardy breeds are common in mountain environments precisely because they cope well with the terrain and weather and have gaits that are comfortable even for beginners. Book in advance, especially during school holidays and the peak weeks of summer – the groups are small and places sell out quickly.

Summer or winter – horse riding throughout the seasons

The dry season is the peak season for trail riding. From early summer to autumn, the trails are passable, the evenings are long and the landscape is at its most accessible – and a ride fits perfectly into a summer in the mountains, alongside swimming, hiking and fishing. Autumn has its own appeal: the colours, the cool air and the absence of mosquitoes make September and early October the favourite time of year for many riders. In winter, the range of options is more limited and more weather-dependent, but winter riding does take place and is a special experience for those lucky enough to try it – snow-laden forests, silence and steam rising from the horse’s nostrils. As winter activities vary from year to year and between organisers, the same rule applies as always in the mountains: enquire in advance; do not plan your week around anything you haven’t booked. More options for days when riding isn’t available can be found in our guide on activities other than skiing.

For beginners and children – how it works

Most trail riding organisers categorise their rides by experience level, and as a beginner you’ll be on a walk at a gentle pace with plenty of guidance from the guide. No previous experience is required, but two things will make things easier: clothing suitable for the terrain and weather – long trousers without rough seams on the inside of the leg, and boots or shoes with a small heel – as well as an honest description of your level of experience when you book. Don’t exaggerate – the horse will notice the difference. A helmet is normally included and must always be worn; if you’re unsure, ask when booking. For children, there is usually an age limit for cross-country rides, whilst younger children may be offered pony rides or shorter experiences at the stables. This makes horse riding an activity that can suit the whole family at the same time, if you choose an organiser with a wide range of options. You’ll find more tips for mixed groups among our family activities in Sälen.

How much does a trail ride cost?

The price of a guided horse ride depends on the length of the ride and the size of the group. A shorter ride of around an hour is at the lower end of the scale, whilst half-day rides and private arrangements are at the higher end – and the price level is broadly in line with other guided activities in the mountains, where a person pays more per hour in a small group than in a large one. As organisers’ price lists are set seasonally, we do not quote any figures here; please ask for current pricing when booking, and at the same time enquire about what is included (helmet, any equipment, insurance) and what cancellation policies apply. A general comparison of the costs of other experiences in the valley can be found in our guide on how much the activities cost. A tip: if the horse-riding session is part of a week with several activities already booked, book it early – if it’s well received, you’ll have time to book another session.

Summary – off to the mountains

Key facts about horse riding in Sälen:

• Off-road trail riding is the main activity – no previous experience is required for the beginners’ rides.
• The dry-weather season is the main season; autumn is many riders’ favourite, and the winter programme varies.
• Book in advance during school holidays and summer weeks – the groups are small.
• Dress for the terrain and the weather, and be honest about your level of experience when booking.
• Children: check the age restrictions and ask about pony rides for the youngest children.
• Please enquire about the current price, what’s included and the cancellation policy when you book.

Can you go for a ride in Sälen? Yes – and for many people, that very hour in the saddle becomes the week’s unexpected highlight.