Travelling from Stockholm to Sälen is the start of your mountain adventure. Whether you choose to travel by car, train, bus or plane, the road to the mountains is full of possibilities - and with the right planning, the journey will be as memorable as the stay itself. Here we guide you through all the options for your Stockholm to Sälen trip, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Introduction - the road from Stockholm to Sälen
Sälen is located approximately 450 kilometres from Stockholm, a journey that takes around 5-6 hours by car under normal conditions. As one of Sweden's most popular ski areas, Sälen attracts visitors all year round, but especially during the winter season when the powder-covered slopes invite you to enjoy some great skiing.
There are several ways to get from Stockholm to Sälen. Cars offer the most flexibility, while trains and buses offer a more relaxing journey where you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving. For those who want to maximise their time in the mountains, flying is also a quick option.
Which option is best for you depends on several factors: how many of you are travelling together, how much luggage you have, your budget, and of course your personal preferences. Let's explore each option in detail.
Planning a trip to the mountains?
No matter how you choose to travel to Sälen, you'll need somewhere to stay. At Sälengodset you'll find exclusive accommodation in the perfect location for your mountain holiday.
Car travel - freedom and flexibility
Driving from Stockholm to Sälen gives you the freedom to stop when and where you want, bring as much luggage as you need, and explore the area at your own pace once you arrive. Here are the most popular route options:
Recommended routes
| Route | Distance | Approximate travelling time | Recommended for |
| Stockholm - Uppsala - Gävle - Falun - Mora - Sälen | 450 kilometres | 5-6 hours | Best road conditions in winter |
| Stockholm - Västerås - Borlänge - Mora - Sälen | 440 kilometres | 5-6 hours | Slightly shorter route |
| Stockholm - Enköping - Västerås - Ludvika - Malung - Sälen | 445 kilometres | 5-6 hours | Alternative route with beautiful views |
Recommended stops along the way
A 5-6 hour car journey becomes more enjoyable with some strategic breaks. Here are some nice stops that break up the journey:
- Sala Silver Mine - Historical mining environment with guided tours, about 1.5 hours from Stockholm
- Falun - Visit the Falu Gruva World Heritage Site or have a coffee in the charming city centre
- Mora - Home to Vasaloppet and the Zorn Museum, perfect for a longer break
- Malung - Last major resort before Sälen, good for replenishing supplies
Keep in mind that in winter, road conditions can vary greatly. Stay updated via the Swedish Transport Administration's website or app for current traffic information before and during the journey.
Charging facilities for electric cars
Travelling by electric car from Stockholm to Sälen is becoming easier thanks to the expansion of charging infrastructure. There are now plenty of fast chargers along the main routes, making travelling easy even for shorter-range electric cars.
Strategic charging points
- Uppsala/Gävle - More fast chargers for first stop from Stockholm
- Falun/Borlänge - Good charging facilities halfway to Sälen
- Mora - Strategic charging point before the final stage
- Malung - Last major charging opportunity before Sälen
- Sälen - Several charging stations at ski resorts and in the centre Sälen
For a worry-free journey, we recommend charging your car to at least 80% at every stop in winter, as cold weather can significantly affect range. Use apps like Plugshare or charging operators' own apps to find available chargers in real time.
Travelling to the mountains by electric car?
At Sälengodset we offer accommodation with charging facilities for your electric car. Wake up to a fully charged car every morning!
Train & bus - convenient alternatives
For those who prefer not to drive themselves, there are several public transport options that will take you from Stockholm to Sälen. Both train and bus offer a comfortable journey where you can relax, work or enjoy the view.
Train alternative
There is no direct train connection all the way to Sälen. The most common route is:
- Train from Stockholm to Mora (about 3.5 hours)
- Bus from Mora to Sälen (about 1.5-2 hours)
SJ operates the Stockholm-Mora route several times daily. From Mora, there are connecting buses to Sälen that are timetabled to the train arrivals. Tickets can be booked via SJ's website.
Bus alternative
Fjällexpressen offers direct buses from Stockholm to Sälen in high season. The buses depart from Stockholm on Fridays and return on Sundays, making them perfect for weekend trips. The journey time is around 6-7 hours depending on road conditions.
Benefits of public transport
- Environmentally friendly alternative
- Possibility to rest or work while travelling
- No more driving in severe winter conditions
- Often cheaper than car travel for lone travellers
Disadvantages of public transport
- Limited flexibility in departure times
- Restrictions on baggage allowance
- Need for local transport in Sälen
- May be more expensive for families compared to car journeys
Flights from Stockholm to Sälen
If you want to maximise your time on the slopes and minimise your travel time, flying is the fastest option. Thanks to Scandinavian Mountains Airport, which opened in 2019, you can now fly directly from Stockholm to Sälen in just one hour.
Flight connections
SAS operates the Stockholm Arlanda - Scandinavian Mountains Airport route during the winter season (December to April). The flight takes about 1 hour, and the airport is only 10 minutes from Hundfjället and about 40 minutes from other parts of Sälen.
Transfer from the airport
There are several transfer options from the airport:
- Airport bus - Adapted to the flight arrivals, takes you to the different ski areas
- Taxis - Available at the terminal
- Car hire - Several car hire companies are represented at the airport
Tip! Book transfers in advance, especially in high season, to ensure a smooth journey from the airport to your accommodation.
Are you flying to Sälen?
We at Sälengodset can help organise transfers from the airport directly to your accommodation. Please contact us for more information.
Carpooling for groups
If you are travelling with several people, carpooling is both economical and environmentally friendly. For larger groups or business trips, there are several options that make travelling both convenient and enjoyable.
Options for larger groups
- Minibus - Ideal for groups of 8-16 people, can be hired with or without a driver
- Chartered bus - For larger groups, corporate events or conferences
- Caravan of cars - Coordinate multiple cars and stay in touch while travelling
For corporate groups, a chartered coach with comfortable seats, wifi and catering facilities can make the journey a pleasant start to the conference or team-building activity.
Travelling in winter - safety and tips
In winter, travelling from Stockholm to Sälen can present challenges in the form of snow, ice and cold. With the right preparations, your journey will be both safe and comfortable even in the coldest months.
Safety tips for winter travelling
- Winter tyres - Legal requirement between 1 December and 31 March for winter road conditions
- Plan for longer journey times - Expect 1-2 hours extra in case of snowfall
- Pack necessities - Warm clothes, blanket, hot drink, snow shovel and jump starter
- Keep your tank full - Don't run on reserve in the cold
- Check road conditions - Use the Swedish Transport Administration app for up-to-date information
Pay particular attention to the section between Malung and Sälen, where weather conditions can change rapidly and visibility can be limited in snowdrifts.
Summer and autumn - travelling as part of the experience
Sälen is not just a winter destination. During the summer and autumn, the journey from Stockholm offers beautiful nature experiences and opportunities to stop at attractions along the way.
Sights along the way
- The Siljan region - Beautiful villages around Lake Siljan with traditional valley culture
- Vasalopps arena - Follow the classic route from Sälen to Mora
- Fulufjället - National park with Sweden's highest waterfall, Njupeskär
- Zorngården - Artist Anders Zorn's home in Mora
In summer, the trip can be split into two days to experience more of Dalarna on the way. Stay overnight in Mora or Rättvik, for example, and then continue to Sälen rested.
Sustainable transport options
More and more travellers value environmentally friendly transport options. Here we compare the different travel options from a sustainability perspective.
| Means of transport | CO2 emissions per person | Sustainability rating | Commentary |
| Bus (fully loaded) | Low | Very good | Effective at high occupancy |
| Train | Very low | Excellent | Electrically powered with low environmental impact |
| Electric car (4 persons) | Low | Very good | Depending on the origin of the electricity |
| Petrol/diesel car (4 persons) | Means | Acceptable | Better with a full car |
| Aeroplanes | High | Less good | Fast but higher emissions |
For the environmentally conscious traveller, we recommend train in combination with bus, or carpooling in an electric car for the lowest possible climate impact.
Book your accommodation in Sälen via Sälengodset
After a long journey, you want to arrive at a comfortable and welcoming accommodation. At Sälengodset we offer exclusive accommodation options in the perfect location for your mountain holiday.
Sälengodset
Large accommodation with luxurious facilities and unbeatable views of the mountains. Perfect for those looking for that little extra.
Fjällgodset
Spacious and modern accommodation perfectly located near the ski slopes. Ideal for families and larger groups.
Olarslodgen
Charming and cosy accommodation with a genuine mountain feel. Here you get close to nature without compromising on comfort.
Ready to book your mountain holiday?
However you choose to travel from Stockholm to Sälen, we are happy to finalise your planning with the perfect accommodation for your stay.
Summary - your trip from Stockholm to Sälen
Travelling from Stockholm to Sälen is the start of your mountain adventure. Whether you choose a car for flexibility, a train and bus for the environment, or a plane to save time, there are options to suit your needs and preferences.
With the right planning, travelling becomes an enjoyable part of the experience. Pack smart, choose the mode of transport that suits you best, and look forward to a wonderful stay in the Swedish mountains.
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