Yes, Sälen is a fantastic hiking destination with trails suitable for both beginners and experienced mountain walkers. The combination of vast mountain landscapes and easily accessible starting points makes the area unique – you can often set off straight from your accommodation and reach the bare mountain within an hour. Most of the trails are clearly marked with orange or red paint, and the rest areas are close enough together to make the walk feel safe and enjoyable, even with children. If you’re planning a walking holiday, you can read more about Sälen Summer Time and find the right accommodation.
Lindvallen and Högfjället
- The Östfjälls Circuit, a 9 km circular route, 2–3 hours, easy. The route starts opposite the Högfjällshotellet; the first 2.5 kilometres are on tarmac, with benches along the way, past the Sälen botanical garden, a wind shelter at Köarskärsfjället, and the Östfjällsstugan rest hut. Marked with red crosses. From Lindvallen, the route can be extended to approximately 21 kilometres there and back.
- Stensjön, 3 km there and back, about 1 hour, very easy. From the Snowman at the top of the Gustav Express, via the footbridge and gravel path – the family trail. If the lift isn’t running: walk up from SkiStar Lodge via the Kari Traa trail, 3 km and 337 metres of elevation gain.
- The Sälfjäll Trail, a 14 km circular route, 4–5 hours. A classic start opposite Gammelgården on Högfjället, via Hemfjällsstugan; at the cottage, you can choose to go over Mellanfjället or round it via Storfjällsgraven.
- Storfjällsgraven, approximately 7 km there and back, 2 hours, easy. From the summit of Gustav Express, or 4 kilometres one way from Högfjällsgården, opposite Gammelgården.
- The Syndal Trail: a 15 km circular route, 3–4 hours, 320 metres of elevation gain. Start at Myrflodammen; steep descent towards Kruggån.
- Lördagsgraven, 17 km circular route, 5–7 hours, black. From the Högfjällshotellet – for the experienced.
- Köardalsleden, 3.9 km, easy, between Lindvallen and Högfjället; suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs; also suitable for cycling.
The season as a whole, including other things you can do without skis: Things to do in Sälen.
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.
Stay close to the trails in a whole house for your group, with off-peak rates from the end of April to the end of November: rent a cottage in Sälen in the summer.
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
- The Hundfjäll Trail, 12 km, 3–4 hours, red. Start at Tandådalstjärn on Road 66, approximately 2 kilometres past Hundfjället, via Hundfjällskölen and Skogsäterstugan up to the summit of Hundfjället; the trail ends at the summit, then descends towards the ski area and back along Road 66.
- Trollskogen, 1.5 km, very easy, to the right of SkiStar Lodge, Hundfjället, heading up towards Valles Fäbod; open for walking from 18 June to 1 November.
- The Southern Hemfjäll Trail, 11 km circular route, approx. 3 hours, blue, from Hemfjällstangen (car park, wind shelter, toilet) via Mellanfjällsstugan and Hemfjällsstugan.
- Stor-Närfjällsleden, 15 km, 5 hours, red, from Myrflodammen, over Stor-Närfjället (931 metres) and down to Orrliden; Lill-Närfjäll Trail, 15 km, 6 hours, black, from Hemköp in Tandådalen.
- Stöten: The route to Granfjället, Sälenfjällens, highest peak at 948–949 metres, marked with red crosses from Soltorget or below the Långliften; the Granfjällssätern circuit, 15.5 km, red. Distances and times for the Stöten trails are not published by the resort.
- Kläppen: The mountain trail from Tranantorget to the summit of Kläppenberg, the Toppleden trail from the summit, the Trollsterleden trail (1.8 km) to the Trollsterhusen caves, and the Vertical Challenge (2 km) with 320 metres of elevation gain.
Sälens and Västerdalälven
The village has no hiking trails of its own, but is the starting point for the Vasaloppet trail: 90 kilometres from Berga by to Mora, taking around five days, with rest huts costing 100 kr per bed per night. Running alongside the river is the Älvslingan trail, a 6.5-kilometre flat route from the campsite.
Southern King's Trail
The Southern Kungsleden trail begins at the Högfjällshotellet and heads north across Östfjället towards Fulufjället, Grövelsjön and beyond – the entire trail is approximately 34 mil Sälen–Storlien according to the County Administrative Board, of which Dalarna is managed by the County Administrative Board Dalarna. The first 4 kilometres from the hotel are accessible. The stages, rest huts and what can be done as a day trip: Southern King's Trail.
Mountain peaks
Granfjället, at 948 metres, is the highest, followed by Stor-Närfjället at 931 metres and Källfjället at 903 metres; the summit of Hundfjället can be reached via the Hundfjällslingan trail, and that of Kläppen via the Bergsleden trail or the gondola. Which peaks can be climbed and how: mountain peaks to hike up in Sälen.
When do you go hiking?
According to Naturkartan, the snow-free season on the bare mountain lasts roughly from Midsummer to the end of September; in June, the marshes may be wet and patches of snow may still remain. The SkiStar lifts run daily from mid-June to mid-August and at weekends until the end of September, carrying walkers and cyclists, whilst Trollskogen and Trail Park are open until 1 November. Month by month: When is the best time to go hiking in Sälen? and go for a walk in Sälen in the spring.
First mountain hike
Start with Stensjön or the Östfjällsrundan; take the lift up and walk down, and pack for a change in the weather. Step by step: How to plan your first mountain hike in Sälen.
The best trails
Our favourites, with reasons given, one by one: the best walking routes in Sälen.
Hiking with your dog, with children and along the Vasaloppet trail
Dogs are welcome on the trails but must be kept on a lead from 1 March to 20 August – walking the dog in Sälenfjällen. For families with children, Stensjön, Trollskogen, Köardalsleden and the tarmac section of the Östfjällsrundan are suitable – The walking trails in Sälen are suitable for families with children. And for anyone who wants to go all the way to Mora: hike the Vasaloppet trail in summer.
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.