Sälen, outside of being a great place for winter sports, also hosts various vibrant festivals and events which offer another cultural layer to an experience there. Let these regional festivities set the tone for your visit to this picturesque Swedish town.
Winter Wonderland
Ski and Rock Festival (April)
Each year the Ski and Rock Festival in Sälen is full of nice winter sports, concerts and other entertainments. During the daylight, the winter sports lovers can ski on the beautiful Sälen mountain with well managed trails. At night time, they put up a lot of rock bands and musicians outdoors, making it with a touch of fire in the dark. There is an exciting combination of skiing with high adrenaline which is also accompanied by the thrills of energetic music to end the day, apparent to both the band and winter sports fans. The festival is not complete without good parties after skiing, which is one place where one should go over the winter holidays in Sälen.
Vasaloppet (March)
Although this internationally renowned 90 km cross-country ski race isn’t held entirely in Sälen, the event does start close to this place and finishes some 5000 m or so later on at Mora. The main race is 90 kilometers long and draws thousands of participants as well as spectators. Even if you are not a competitor, it’s an electrifying time to be in town with various events held around the city during the race week.
Christmas Market (December)
Sälen’s Christmas markets are totally worth the visit. Markets you’d have never been to before- the authentic, experience it all about Swedish holiday life. Immerse into the festive spirit by browsing stalls selling unique handcrafted gifts, tasting local foods and glögg (Swedish mulled wine), while carol singers sing on stages around town.
New Year’s Celebrations (December 31 – January 1)
Celebrate the New Year among snow-capped peaks. Most resorts in Sälen host special New Year’s Eve 2009 parties, with firework displays that streak across the winter sky.
Summer Adventures
Easter Celebration with Tradition and Adventure (28 Mar – 31 Mar 2024)
Experience Easter in Sälen, one of Sweden’s most beloved traditions filled with adventures. Exciting sports like The Up the Wall by EQPE and other sports takes place that becomes the highlight of Easter Eve.
Uka Pain Ultra Trail (Älvdalen) (24 May – 26 May)
This demanding race in Sälen is known for its friendly and supportive atmosphere, where volunteers keep cheering the runner throughout the course. Participants come from all over the world to test their limits and make it a great opportunity to meet new people from various cultures.
Cultural Evenings at Sälen’s Heritage Center
Regular events showcasing local history, traditional music, and folklore take place at Sälen’s heritage center. Planning your visit to Sälen around these festivals and events can add an extra layer of excitement and cultural immersion to your mountain getaway. From the thrill of world-class sporting events to the charm of traditional celebrations, Sälen’s event calendar offers something for every type of traveler.
Remember to book your Sälen boende (Sälen accommodation) well in advance, especially for popular events like Vasaloppet and Midsummer. Many local hotels and resorts offer special packages during festival periods, often including event tickets or exclusive experiences.
