Holiday apartment in Malung-Sälen between the fells and leather tradition

Malung-Sälen stretches along the Västerdalälven from the Transtrandsfjällen in the north to Malung in the south. Kvarnstensbrottet is Dalarna’s first cultural reserve. A 1.7-kilometre walk leads through an environment where nature and culture can be experienced. Kvarnstensbrottet is also considered one of Sweden’s largest millstone quarries; the oldest millstone finds carved in Malung have been dated to around 800 AD.

Nature and trails

East of Malung and continuing northwards stretches a large sandstone plateau landscape, described as Dalarna’s largest lowland area. West of Lima rises Tandövala, described as Sweden’s southernmost fell. The landscapes of Malung-Sälen include fells, bogs and an especially beautiful troll spruce forest. The forests around Malung and Lima offer many hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels.

At Högfjällshotellet in Sälen, an accessible hiking trail begins and follows the Södra Kungsleden approximately four kilometres northwards; two kilometres are paved and two kilometres are gravel. The Södra Kungsleden begins at Högfjällshotellet in Sälen and runs northwards through the Norra Transtrandsfjällen nature reserve. Organised hikes take place in Malung-Sälen during the summer. The diversity of the area can also be seen by bicycle: there are cycling routes around lakes, in the fells and on forest roads, as well as short and long tours through varied terrain.

In Malung-Sälen’s three fishing areas, the options range from put-and-take fishing for rainbow trout in ponds and lakes, through stream fishing for trout, to fly-fishing for grayling, trout and char.

Water and active days

The Malung-Sälen swimming pool has a relaxation area with a hot tub, cold-water pool, sauna and lounge. It also offers the Aufguss sauna ritual, a fragrance and heat ceremony using water and essential oils. For days at the water, there is Hustjärn bathing area in Torgås, which is operated by Malung-Sälen Municipality, and Kläppen bathing area on the Västerdalälven. Kläppen has a jetty and diving tower; the campsite also has a small lake with a sandy beach.

In Sälen, Fjälläventyr organises packraft tours every day, including family tours, adventure tours and overnight tours. The programme also includes a weekend course in whitewater paddling. In Malung, Malungs DiscGolfPark begins at Sportfältet by the ice rink and comprises nine holes.

Culture and history

Olnispagården stands at its original location on the Västerdalälven and is closely associated with Vasaloppet. The building was inaugurated as a local heritage museum in 1947 and listed as a historic monument in 1967. In summer, exhibitions and stories about the local cultural heritage and the period of self-sufficiency from the 18th to the early 20th century are presented there. Olnispa bystuga offers cultural activities, a café with homemade bread and tunnbröd baking in the bakery.

The Kvarnarna i Jägra mill area is described as unique and as one of the few preserved mill systems in Sweden. Vasastenen is a memorial stone on Vasaholen, a hill with beautiful views over Sälen and the valley. At Gustav Vasa lekpark in Sälens by, visitors can go on an exploration tour, read, follow tracks and play in the historical adventure of King Gustav Vasa.

Crafts and living traditions

At the Öje Leather Museum, historical tools, materials, leather machinery, patterns, buttons and other accessories are displayed in an old leather factory. The interior of the old leather factory has remained unchanged since the last employee left in June 1977. Malung’s identity as Sweden’s leather centre lives on in leather shops, among leather artisans and in Skinnarspelet, whose story revolves around tanners and leather craftsmanship.

Arvselens levande fäbod is a traditional summer pasture farm where cows and goats graze freely in the forest during the day and sleep at night in a wooden barn. Butter and cheese are made there from the milk almost every day.

Discover more places

More destination pages: Lima, Limedsforsen, Malungsfors, Stöten, Sälen, Sörsjön, Transtrand, Tandådalen, Malung, Öje.

To the overarching travel overview: Dalarna County.