Yes, Sälen is a fantastic hiking destination with trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. The combination of real mountain expanses and easily accessible starting points makes the area unique - you can often start right from your accommodation and be up on the bald mountain within an hour. Most trails are well marked in orange or red, and rest stops are close enough to make the walk safe and enjoyable even with children.
Popular trails and areas
A classic is Southern King's Trail which starts at Högfjällshotellet. Even the first mile offers open moors, mountain birches and sweeping views. If you want a day trip, we recommend Hemfjället - easy hiking terrain, circular trails and picnic areas with views of the entire Sälen mountains. For those who want a quieter walk, there are Östfjället, with fewer hikers and a fast route up to the cold mountain feel. From here you can customise the route according to your time and energy, and often see far towards Norway in clear weather.
Family-friendly walks
Lindvallen is perfect for families with children. There are shorter routes with an even gradient, wide paths and signs telling you about nature along the way. In the evening, it's nice to take an easy walk from Sälfjällstorget towards Högfjället and back - finish with dinner or hot chocolate at one of the restaurants in the area. I hiking and cycling trails in Sälen, nature experiences are often combined with viewpoints, barbecue huts and playful stops for younger hikers.
Tandådalen, Hundfjället and Stöten
Want to combine hiking and altitude? During the summer, some lifts run in Tandådalen and Hundfjället, so you can take the lift up and walk home at a leisurely pace. In Stöten, more secluded mountain nature awaits, with trails that go over marsh, forest and low mountains with wide views. This is the place for those seeking silence, stillness and longer hikes with minimal crowds.
Season and equipment
The hiking season in Sälen runs from mid-June to September. Mountain weather can change quickly, so pack wind and rain protection, water, snacks and a map. After rain, trails become slippery, so use poles. In high summer, mosquitoes can be noticeable in woodland areas - long sleeves and mosquito repellent make a big difference. If you walk your dog, keep it on a lead during the sensitive periods of summer when reindeer and birds are nesting.
Tips for longer trips
For those who plan several days in a row: alternate longer walks in the mountains with shorter forest walks to keep your feet warm. Bring thermal coffee and make the break part of the experience. Combine the hiking day with other nature experiences in Sälen - such as horse riding, fishing or canoeing - to add variety to your holiday. After the day's tour, you can enjoy dinner cooked by a private chef in the cottage or relax in the sauna at Fjällgodset or Sälengodset.
Practical tips
Coverage is good at altitude but poor in valleys - download map in advance. One electric car will take you easily to the starting points, and parking is available at most trails. Check the weather via SMHI before you set off and let someone know where you plan to go if you are walking alone. For families and groups, it is often easiest to start from the accommodation or take a short car journey to marked trails at Högfjällshotellet, Tandådalen or Stöten.
Executive summary
Yes, Sälen has top-class hiking trails - from short family trails to longer day hikes in the bare mountains. The combination of nature, accessibility and services makes the area an obvious summer destination. Stay near the trails in one of Sälengodsets mountain house, Plan with a map and the weather, and enjoy the freedom of hiking in the mountains with safety around the corner.