How do you get to Sälen from the Netherlands?

The ski resort Sälen is situated in the province of Dalarna in central Sweden. From the Netherlands, it is a two-day drive for most families. You drive north through Germany and then choose between two routes into Sweden: the ferry across the Baltic Sea, or the overland route through Denmark and across the Öresund Bridge. Flying is an option, but travelling by car is the most common choice for groups with their own equipment.

The journey is therefore longer than a drive through the Alps, and that is the only real drawback. In return, you get a whole house instead of a flat, cross-country ski trails right on your doorstep and a mountain setting that is open and child-friendly. Many Dutch groups choose luxury cottages in Sälenfjällen with a sauna and space for two families, precisely so that the long journey can be shared between more people.

Short answer: here’s how to get from the Netherlands to Sälen

The table shows the three most common arrangements chosen by Dutch companies.

We have deliberately chosen not to give exact distances in kilometres or journey times in hours. The route varies considerably depending on which ferry you choose and where in the Netherlands you start from. Enter your own address into a route planner for the dates you’re travelling, and then allow extra time for winter road conditions on the final leg.

The road journey through Germany and Denmark

The road heads north through Germany, up through Denmark and over the Öresund Bridge to Malmö. From there, you continue north through Sweden and then turn inland towards Dalarna. The final section follows minor roads through wooded countryside, and these roads are narrower than the motorway network you started on.

The advantage of travelling by road is that you aren’t tied to any departure times. The downside is that the whole journey involves driving, without the chance to rest that a ferry offers. You should therefore make sure to take proper breaks, and plan them in advance at places where the children can stretch their legs.

The toll for the Øresund Bridge and any ferry tickets should be included in your travel budget from the outset. Prices are revised every season, so please check the current charges directly with the Øresund Bridge and the ferry company.

Ferry options: Kiel, Travemünde, Rostock or Puttgarden

There are two fundamentally different ways to travel by ferry. One is a short crossing between Germany and Denmark, Puttgarden–Rødby, which is essentially a shortcut for the overland journey. The other is a longer crossing directly to Sweden from the ports of Kiel, Travemünde or Rostock, which saves a fair bit of driving.

The longer crossing has a practical advantage: you can eat, rest and, in some cases, sleep on board. A driver who arrives on shore well-rested will drive more safely on the Swedish leg of the journey. The downside is that you’re tied to a specific departure time, and the ticket is a significant item in the budget.

Routes, departure times and fares vary from season to season, so always check the latest information with the ferry company before finalising your itinerary. We have compared the options in our guide to ferry routes into Sweden.

Breaking up the journey – when is it sensible to stay overnight?

Almost all Dutch groups travelling with children split the journey into two stages. The most common itinerary is a long first day’s journey to northern Germany or Denmark, an overnight stay there, and a shorter second day’s journey to Sälen in Dalarna.

There’s a good reason to leave the short leg until last. That way, you’ll arrive in daylight, you’ll have the energy to buy some food on the way up, and the final stretch will be driven by a well-rested driver. If you arrive late in the evening instead, the journey itself will be the most tiring part of the whole trip.

If you choose the overnight ferry, it will sort out your accommodation for the night. In practice, this means the journey takes two days, but only about a day’s driving.

Fly to Sweden and then on to Sälenfjällen

There is an airport near the Sälen, Scandinavian Mountains Airport ski resort, as well as larger airports in Sweden and Norway within a reasonable driving distance by hire car. The range of flights varies between seasons and from one winter to the next, so please check which flights are actually operating during your specific week before making any further plans.

Flying is ideal for couples and small groups. For a family with their own equipment, travelling by car is often both cheaper and easier, as skis and boots incur an extra charge in the boot and you’ll need to hire a car at your destination anyway. Always factor in transport from the airport to your accommodation when comparing your options.

Cross-country trails, swimming and children’s slopes – what Dutch visitors are looking for

Sälenfjällen is low-lying and wide, with open terrain. This makes the area particularly well-suited to children who have just started skiing, and the beginners’ areas are concentrated in one place rather than scattered about. It is precisely for this reason that many Dutch families choose Sweden over a more exposed mountain environment.

Cross-country skiing is the second main reason. The network of trails is extensive, running through woodland and across open mountain terrain, and there are trails for both beginners and experienced skiers. We’ve compiled the routes and practical information in our guide to the cross-country ski trails around Sälen.

Whether it’s raining or windy, there are also swimming facilities and spas in the area, including the water park and spa at Experium. A house with a sauna often serves the same purpose at home, and for families in need of space, there is accommodation for families with children in a range of sizes.

Practical information on site: tyres, payment and food shopping

Sweden has its own requirements regarding tyres during the winter months, and these requirements may also apply to a car registered in the Netherlands. Check this first and foremost, as it is the only issue that could prevent you from travelling. The regulations can be found at the Swedish Transport Agency, which is the responsible Swedish authority.

Payment is straightforward. Prices are quoted in SEK, not in EUR, and card payments are accepted virtually everywhere: on the ski lifts, in shops and at rental outlets. Cash is rarely needed. However, do check what currency surcharge your bank charges for purchases in SEK.

Do your big weekly shop on the way up or in the valley below the slopes. That’s where you’ll find the widest selection, and a fully equipped kitchen in the cottage is one of the biggest financial advantages of staying in a holiday home compared to a hotel.

Summary – planning your trip to Sweden from the Netherlands

The journey from the Netherlands to Sälen in Dalarna takes two days, and it’s more comfortable if you do the long leg first and the short one last. Choose between the overland route through Denmark and a ferry from Kiel, Travemünde or Rostock, and book the ferry well in advance of the school holidays. Check the tyre regulations with the Swedish Transport Agency before you set off, work out the costs in SEK and plan to arrive during daylight hours. If you’re unsure which cottage is best suited to your trip and your group, please get in touch – we’d be happy to help with the planning.