Sälen shines when you combine simple logistics with great experiences: alpine skiing in Lindvallen-Högfjället and Tandådalen-Hundfjället, Trollskogen with the kids, cross-country skiing on Hemfjället, a couple of hours on Experium and a long spring winter lunch in the sun; in summer, Kungsleden starts, cycling in Sälen Bike Park and an excursion to Njupeskär in Fulufjället.
1. Trollskogen in Hundfjället
A 1.5-kilometre ski run through the forest featuring over 800 trolls, sound and light effects, easy enough for the little ones – and, from 2024, a summer fairy tale accessible via QR codes from Valles sheepfold up to Åke Skidor, open 18 June–1 November. Winter: featuring SkiPass, a new button lift to the Lyktan restaurant. Hundfjället - the ski resorts in Sälen
2. Väggen – Sweden’s steepest
The Hundfjället black run: 500 metres, 200 metres of vertical drop, up to a 45-degree gradient, with no flat sections, only in daylight and only for experienced skiers. Just standing below and watching is an experience in itself – and on Easter Saturday, people will be climbing up it in »Uppåt Väggen«.
3. Experium in Lindvallen
A 3,000-square-metre water park with an outdoor pool, FlowRider surfing, a spa, bowling, a children’s play area and a cinema, all under one roof, right in the heart of Lindvallen. Book your visit in advance – it’s only open to those with a booking – and children aged 0–11 must be accompanied by an adult. Water park and spa at Experium
4. Waffles at Hemfjällsstugan
A mountain cabin at 850 metres, with no electricity or running water, kerosene lamps and waffles; open daily from 22 December until the end of April. Access is by ski along a five-kilometre trail, or by snowmobile sledge for those who wish; children pay half price. Hemfjällsstugan
5. The calf on cross-country skis
Eleven kilometres of blue trail from the ski centre in Tandådalen, Sälen’s classic loop for both interval training and family outings; Högfjället’s 26 km and Stöten’s 47 km for those who want more. Cross-country skiing in Sälen
6. Storfjällsgraven in the early spring sunshine
Sälen’s oldest mountain café, situated in the valley between Storfjället and Mellanfjället, has been serving guests since the 1930s; it is four kilometres on skis from Högfjällsgården, opposite Gammelgården. In early spring, from mid-February onwards, there are well-trodden tracks in the morning and sunshine on the veranda – do bring your card, as Swish has no coverage here. Prefer lunch on the slopes? Restaurants and cafés in Sälen
7. The Östfjälls Circuit on the Södra Kungsleden
A nine-kilometre circular walk from Högfjällshotellet; the first 2.5 kilometres are on tarmac, with benches and suitable for pushchairs, past Sälen’s botanical garden to Östfjällsstugan and back. The starting point is also the start of the Södra Kungsleden trail, 34 mil north towards Storlien. Hiking in Sälen
8. Sälen Bike Park
Lift-assisted downhill from June with the Gustav Express and Experium Express, pump track and Trail Park at Experiumtorget; SälenP pass from 280 SEK for the lifts, helmets compulsory. Cycle park and downhill - hiking and cycling
9. Njupeskär in Fulufjället National Park
One of Sweden’s highest waterfalls, 93 metres high, 70 of which are in free fall; a day trip of around nine mil from Sälen, with a four-kilometre walk from the nature centre. Day trip to Fulufjället and Njupeskär
10. The autumn mountains and the Northern Lights
From September, the mountain heathlands blaze with yellow and red, the trails are deserted and the berries are ripe; dark, clear nights from October to March can bring the Northern Lights this far south when the activity is intense. Sälen in the autumn - Activities and experiences in Sälen
And then: the evening at home
The sauna, the fire and a dinner prepared by a chef from one of our partners, subject to a quote per group: private chef in Sälen. Everything about Sälen – facts, history and nature: about Sälen.
Summary & related tips
In the end, Sälen is all about contrasts that fit within minutes: fast-paced skiing and deep silence on the mountain; the buzz of the après ski and the crackling of wood in the cabin; the high-season pulse and the off-season lull. Tick off some of the highlights above - Trollskogen, a cross-country skiing trip on Hemfjället, Experium, a sunny lunch on the slopes, a summer trip on Kungsleden and preferably Njupeskär - and you will have experienced Sälen as Sälen is meant to be: big, close and unforced.
Discover more tips under Explore Sälen, plan your mountain adventure and book accommodation in Sälen to be based close to everything that makes travelling unforgettable.
To really make the most of your visit, you can read more about Guided Tours Sälen and discover the highlights with a knowledgeable guide.