About Sälen · Dog
Dogs in Sälen – a practical guide for dog owners
Take your dog to the mountains – trails, lakes and dog-friendly accommodation with room for the whole family.
Your party
1per house, no other guests
The whole house from
29,500 SEKweek, low season
Three houses next to one another
51guests in Sälengodset, Fjällgodset and Winebunker, with their own function room
Dog-friendly houses
3Sälengodset, Olarslodgen, Gattarstugan
On Olarslodgen - Our exclusive, dog-friendly accommodation in Sälen - we've considered the whole family, including the four-legged ones. Created with comfort, function and quality in mind, the lodge offers everything from spacious social areas to direct access to hiking trails and winter activities.
Want to combine mountain experiences with accommodation that works regardless of weather and season? Explore our range of exclusive accommodation in Sälen and find a mountain lodge that suits your trip.
In this guide, you'll find tips and advice for planning the perfect mountain holiday with your dog: activities, preparation, mountain rules and accommodation that will make your stay comfortable and memorable for both of you.
The activities
Can my dog come with me on the slopes and on the ski lift?
The slopes and ski lifts are part of the SkiStar area, and the resort’s rules apply there: please note that dogs are not permitted on the lifts or on the slopes when the slopes are open – check at the lift station or on skistar.com for the area you are visiting, as rules may vary between lifts and seasons. What works for dogs in winter is everything off-piste: ploughed roads and paths around the houses, the edges of cross-country ski trails where dogs are permitted, Trollskogen’s trails in Hundfjället when the paths are open, and snowmobile tours at a leisurely pace. You can take your dog to the summit in summer, when the trails up there are open for walking.
Walking with your dog – leads and leashes
Under the Dog Control Act, between 1 March and 20 August, dogs must be kept under such supervision that they are prevented from running loose in areas where there is game; in practice, this means keeping them on a lead in the mountains throughout the spring and summer. In the nature reserves around Sälen – Norra Transtrandsfjällen, Hundfjällets Reserve, Tandövala – the reserves’ own regulations apply, usually requiring dogs to be kept on a lead all year round and special consideration to be given during the summer pasture season from midsummer to August; in Fulufjället National Park, dogs must be kept on a lead. Trails that are suitable for dogs: Östfjällsstigen and Hemfjällsrundan in summer, ploughed roads and forest tracks in winter. Specific rules for each trail: Can you go for a walk with your dog in Sälenfjällen?.
Veterinary practice and pet shop
There is no veterinary clinic up in the mountains. The nearest small animal clinic is in Malung, about seven mil from Lindvallen, with limited opening hours; animal hospitals with a 24-hour emergency service are available in Falun and Borlänge, two and a half to three hours away. Save the number of your regular vet and the animal hospital’s emergency service before you set off, and bring your dog’s insurance details and any medication. Dog food, poo bags and paw balm are available in the supermarkets in Lindvallen and the village of Sälen; please bring any special dietary food with you from home.
Winter with a dog – the cold, paws, snowmobiles
In January, the average daily temperature in the mountains is −6 degrees, with nights dropping to around −8 in a typical year; it is colder in the valley. Short-haired and small dogs need a coat, and all dogs need paw balm or boots on gritted roads. Dry your dog’s paws and belly after every walk, and check between the pads for lumps of ice. Snowmobiles travel on marked trails and on roads between houses – keep your dog on a lead near snowmobile trails and in the dark, and put a high-visibility vest on it. Water freezes in the bowl outside; let your dog drink indoors.
Dog across the border
If you are travelling on to Trysil in Norway, 4 mil away, Norway’s import regulations for dogs apply: a valid EU passport, an ID microchip and a rabies vaccination, as well as treatment for tapeworms within a certain period prior to crossing the border. Full details can be found on the Mattilsynet website; if you are travelling from Norway to Sälen, the Swedish Board of Agriculture’s regulations apply in the opposite direction – What do you need to take with you when crossing the border into Sweden? and How do you get to Sälen from Norway?.
Dog sledding – experience the sled dogs
If you’d like to see the mountains from a sledge, Fjällaventyr’s dogs will pull you from Högfjället every day from December to April; the Classic tour takes 1.5 hours and costs from 1,599 SEK per adult. Your own dog will stay at home whilst you’re on the tour. Dog sledding in Sälen
Living with a dog
Three of our houses allow dogs during standard stays: Sälengodset at Gamla Sälfjällstangen, Olarslodgen at Sälfjällstorget and Gattarstugan at Tandådalen. Dogs are allowed in all rooms but must not be allowed on furniture or beds; they must be kept on a lead on the property, and a fee may apply. A comparison of the properties in terms of rules, location and price: dog friendly accommodation in Sälen.
Activities with dogs in Sälen - all year round adventure
The Sälen offers a unique variety of activities for your dog to join - whatever the season. There are plenty of opportunities to move around, discover the mountains and enjoy the fresh air together.
Winter dog-friendly experiences
As the snow settles over the mountains, a world of possibilities opens up for you and your dog. Winter in the Sälen doesn't have to mean your four-legged friend has to stay at home or be alone in the cabin:
- Marked winter walking trails where dogs can run freely (off-leash times)
- Snowshoeing on easier trails where your dog can come along
- Dog tracks in the forest - follow the tracks of other dogs and their owners
- Evening walks with headlamps under the stars
- Rest areas with shelters where you and your dog can warm up
Remember that winter has special requirements for dog care. Always bring a towel to wipe paws from snow and ice. For dogs with short fur or sensitive paws, we recommend paw warmers or shoes, especially for longer walks in cold snow. Several days in the snow can also cause your dog to need extra energy in its food.
Tip! Also check out our winter conferences in Sälen if you are planning a trip with colleagues - many guests combine work with nature experiences, dogs and mountain air.
Ready for a winter adventure with your dog?
The Olarslodgen offers the perfect base for both of you, with close proximity to dog-friendly winter activities and comfortable recovery after the day's adventures.
Summer dog paradise in the mountains
Summer in Sälen offers a mountain landscape in full bloom - perfect for sharing nature experiences with your dog. The long, bright days and cool mountain winds make it possible to hike, play and explore together in a peaceful and beautiful setting. The mountains' variety of trails, waterways and viewpoints make Sälen a real dog's paradise in summer.
Best hiking trails for dog owners
- Hundfjället - naturally a first choice for dog owners with several easily accessible trails
- Östfjället - quiet trails with fewer walkers and plenty of space for the dog to explore
- Tandådalen - family-friendly trails with several rest areas and waterways
- Lindvallen Summer Park - adapted activities where the dog can come along
Tips for a safe and enjoyable summer walk with your dog
- Always carry extra water - mountain streams can dry out in high summer
- Plan trips early in the morning or late in the evening on hot days
- Check paws regularly for damage from sharp stones
- Carry tick repellent and check the coat after each trip
Many of our guests enjoy ending the day with a quiet evening walk along the ridges as the sun goes down. There are also several smaller mountain lakes where the dog can swim and cool off after an active day - a favourite feature for master, mistress and dog alike.
Practical information
Planning your trip with dog to Sälen - practical tips
A well-planned trip makes the experience better for both you and your dog. Here are our top tips for a successful mountain holiday together, based on the experiences of hundreds of satisfied dog owners who have visited us over the years.
Packing list for the dog
Dog packing list for mountain holidays
- Leash and harness - preferably a reflective leash for evening walks
- Your dog's usual food plus extra for unexpected extensions of stay
- Collapsible water bowl and water bottle for tours
- Paw protectors for sensitive paws (especially important in winter)
- Your dog's own blanket or bed for safety in a new environment
- First aid for dogs - including paw balm and wound wash
- Your dog's medication if available - bring extra just in case
- Biodegradable poo bags - show consideration in the mountain environment
Rules and considerations in the mountain environment
When visiting Sälen with your dog, there are important rules and guidelines to follow to protect the sensitive mountain environment and wildlife:
Important rules for dog owners in the mountains
- Leashes are required in most nature reserves and national parks all year round
- From 1 March to 20 August, leashes are generally required in the wild to protect wild animals and birds
- Respect local signs and instructions - some areas may have special rules
- Always keep your dog under supervision and control, even where a leash is not required
- Take all rubbish and dog poo from the wild - use biodegradable bags
- Don't let your dog chase wild animals or disturb grazing animals
By following these rules, you’ll help to preserve the sensitive mountain environment and ensure that dogs continue to be welcome in the area. Your consideration makes a difference and helps to keep Sälen accessible to all dog owners in the future too. Please also remember to greet other people’s dogs with respect and always ask the owner before letting your dog greet them, as dogs’ territorial and dominance behaviours can vary. If you’re looking for the right accommodation, you can read more about Dog-friendly Sälen.
Accommodation
Which dog-friendly house is right for you?
Dogs are welcome on Sälengodset, Olarslodgen and Gattarstugan. The table shows what’s available right now.
| Company | Outline | Guests | Bedroom | Location | A whole week | Sun–Thu | Thu–Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over 30 guests | Sälengodset + Fjällgodset + Winebunker combination | 51 | 22 | Gamla Sälfjällstangen | 25 Oct (32 dates) | 25 Oct (39 dates) | 29 Oct (32 dates) |
| 21–30 guests | Sälengodset + Fjällgodset combination | 43 | 19 | Gamla Sälfjällstangen | 25 Oct (32 dates) | 25 Oct (39 dates) | 29 Oct (32 dates) |
| Up to 24 | Gattarstugan | 24 | 11 | Tandådalen | 18 Oct (39 dates) | 18 Oct (44 dates) | 22 Oct (41 dates) |
| Up to 22 | Fjällgodset | 22 | 10 | Gamla Sälfjällstangen | 25 Oct (32 dates) | 25 Oct (40 dates) | 29 Oct (32 dates) |
| Up to 21 | Sälengodset | 21 | 9 | Gamla Sälfjällstangen | 18 Oct (40 dates) | 18 Oct (46 dates) | 22 Oct (42 dates) |
| Up to 21 | Olarslodgen | 21 | 8 | Sälfjällstorget | 18 Oct (33 dates) | 18 Oct (31 dates) | 22 Oct (28 dates) |
| Up to 15 | Stenlodgen | 15 | 5 | Sälfjällstorget | 18 Oct (49 dates) | 18 Oct (44 dates) | 22 Oct (41 dates) |
| Up to 12 | Villa Åsstigen | 12 | 5 | Gilleråsen | 18 Oct (50 dates) | Fully booked | Fully booked |
| Up to 10 | Winebunker | 8 | 3 | Gamla Sälfjällstangen | 18 Oct (49 dates) | 18 Oct (52 dates) | 22 Oct (49 dates) |
| Up to 8 | The Skiers Lodge | 8 | 4 | Lindvallen | 18 Oct (45 dates) | 18 Oct (45 dates) | 22 Oct (44 dates) |
The dates shown are the next available arrival dates; the figure in brackets indicates the number of available periods in the coming year. As we manage the properties ourselves, we can combine them, and the combinations are only shown when all properties are available at the same time. The information is updated automatically from our booking system.
Book your dog-friendly mountain holiday in Sälen
Treat yourself and your four-legged friend to a memorable stay in the Swedish mountains. You’ll find all the dog-friendly accommodation options under dog friendly accommodation in Sälen. At Olarslodgen, exclusive accommodation is combined with a focus on the well-being of both people and dogs – close to nature, the walking trails and tranquillity. We look forward to welcoming you for a stay where the whole family can relax and enjoy the mountains together.
How many dogs can I bring to Olarslodgen?
As a general rule, a maximum of two dogs per booking is allowed – if you’d like to bring more, please do get in touch with us in advance so we can discuss it and try to find a solution that works for your family and dogs.
Are there additional costs for bringing a dog?
No – we do not charge an extra fee for dogs. As a general rule, a maximum of two dogs per booking; if you’d like to bring more, please contact us in advance. We ensure that the accommodation is kept in top condition for all guests and that your dog has the best possible stay.
What are the rules for dogs in Olarslodgen?
We ask you not to leave your dog alone in the cottage for long periods, to keep it on a lead in communal areas, and to show consideration for other guests. We therefore ask that you prioritise the safety and well-being of both dogs by showing consideration for other dog owners.
Is there a vet available nearby?
The nearest small animal clinic is located at Malung, and there are veterinary hospitals with an on-call service in Falun and Borlänge; Sälengodset does not have an agreement with any vet. We therefore recommend that you check the current contact details and emergency services yourself before your stay, so that you can get help quickly should the need arise.
Ready for a mountain holiday with your four-legged friend?
Book Olarslodgen today and give you both a mountain experience like no other. Our dog-friendly cabins are popular all year round - secure your place in time!
Travelling with a dog to Sälen is easy - the mountains offer wide open spaces, healthy hiking trails and plenty of places where dogs are welcome. If you want to experience more seasons with your four-legged friend, read more about summer in Sälen and autumn in Sälen.
For practical tips on travelling with your dog in the mountains, visit our Knowledge Base.