Beginners or paddling with kids? Our day trips Högstrand–Sälen (10 km, calm) or Fulunäs–Sälen (24 km, a bit more adventure) are perfect. Want to go further and sleep in a tent along the river? Then Ljördalen–Sälen (3 days) is your trip. Unsure? Call +46 280 218 28 and we'll help you choose.

Do we need paddling experience?

No, not for our day trips. The water is calm and flows downstream — you get a short briefing before you start. For the multi-day Ljördalen–Sälen we recommend prior paddling experience and comfort on moving water.

Do we need to be able to swim?

All adult participants should be able to swim and feel comfortable in water. Life jackets are always worn throughout the trip, even by strong swimmers. Children paddle with a responsible adult.

How long do the day trips take?

Högstrand–Sälen takes about 2–4 hours and Fulunäs–Sälen about 5–7 hours, depending on water level, pace and how long you stop for swimming and snacks.

How does the transport work?

You park free of charge at our base in Sälen. We drive you and the canoe by minibus to the starting point upstream — then you paddle calmly back toward your car. No return-transport hassle.

What's included in the rental?

Canoe, paddles, life jackets and transport to the starting point. Multi-day trips also include waterproof barrels and a map. Food and personal gear (clothes, snacks, and tent/sleeping bag for overnight trips) you bring yourself.

How many people fit in a canoe?

2 adults (13+) per canoe. If there is an odd number (3, 5, 7 people), 3 can sit in a canoe. 2 people paddle per canoe. The day trips from Högstrand and Fulunäs go downstream so it's easy to paddle.

How do children sit in the canoe?

Example: 2 adults + 1 child 8–12 2 adults + 2 children 0–7 2 adults + 1 child 0–7 + 1 child 8–12 1 adult + 2 children 8–12. Our tip: rent an extra canoe and let the kids paddle themselves for a better experience!

Yes, dogs are welcome at no extra charge. We recommend that you bring your own life jacket for the dog as we do not have any for rent. The dog must be able to sit on your lap or in front of you in the minibus during transport.

What do we need to bring?

Dress comfortably and in layers. Bring a jacket if it's windy or rainy, a change of clothes in a waterproof bag, snacks, water, and swimwear if you'd like to stop at the sandy beaches.

What happens in bad weather?

The weather in the mountains can vary greatly but paddling is an excellent activity even in rain. Bring a rain jacket and warm clothes and you'll be fine. A rebooking guarantee (20 SEK/canoe) allows rebooking up to 4 hours before.

How far in advance should we book?

During the holiday weeks (weeks 28–32) and weekends, popular dates often fill up 2–4 weeks in advance. Weekdays outside high season are usually available the same week. We recommend booking multi-day trips well in advance — spots are limited.

How do I cancel or rebook?

Cancellation 3 days before gives a full refund. Cancel by email to bokning@salenkanot.se or call 0280-21828. Later cancellation gives no refund. Cancellation due to illness requires a medical certificate. Exceptions are made for thunder or dangerous conditions.

What does the rebooking guarantee mean?

With a rebooking guarantee (20 SEK/canoe) you can rebook and change the date and time of your trip up to 4 hours before it starts.

Are there single kayaks?

Yes, we have single kayaks for rent on multi-day trips. When booking, first select the number of canoes and press 'complete booking', then you can choose kayak in the add-on menu. Call 0280-21828 if you need help.

What fishing licence is needed?

Fishing in Görälven requires a licence from Transtrand FVO. Fishing is at your own risk and you must follow FVO rules.

What applies at Ersbo?

The Ersbo stretch has special rules: fly fishing with a fly rod only, approx. 2 km, 200 SEK/day, max 3 salmonids, minimum size 25 cm. Slot size 25–35 cm is a recommendation. Check current rules.

What is the minimum size?

Minimum size is 25 cm for salmonids in Transtrand FVO. Smaller fish must be released immediately.

Can I fish for trout in autumn?

No. Trout is closed 15 September–31 December in Transtrand FVO.

Paddle through Dalarna's wilderness

Jump in the canoe, glide downstream and enjoy nature. We handle everything – you just paddle.

Your summer adventure starts here – choose your tour

Ready to book or have questions?

Find us

We're located on Näsholmen in Sälens by, right by the Västerdalälven river.

You can see the canoes right from the road – it's easy to find.

Näsholmen
780 67 Sälen, Sweden

From the roundabout, drive towards central Sälen. Turn off towards Näsholmen and follow the road down to the river – you'll find us there.

Free parking is available right next to the canoe centre.

No parking reservation needed.

Trouble finding us?

Sälen's most popular paddling

Jump in the canoe, glide downstream and enjoy nature. We handle everything – you just paddle.

Book your tour

See tours & prices

✓ All equipment included · ✓ Transport included

4.9/5 from 470+ guests

Popular dates fill up fast

Why paddle with us?

Since 2008

Over 15 years of experience, 5,000+ happy guests and certified by the Swedish Canoe Federation. We know how to create the perfect paddling experience.

You don't need to plan anything – we handle transport, equipment and briefing. You just enjoy.

We handle everything

Transport, equipment & briefing included

Certified canoe rental

Approved by the Swedish Canoe Federation

Perfect for families

No experience needed – easy and safe

4.9/5 from 470+ reviews

5,000+ happy guests since 2008

Free cancellation (3 days)

This is how it works

It's that easy

Park your car with us – we handle the rest

Park with us

Your car stays at the canoe centre

We drive you upstream

We take you and the canoe to the starting point

Paddle back

Enjoy nature at your own pace

Back at your car

You finish the trip where you parked

Choose your tour

Click the one that suits you best

See tour

Unsure? Start with Högstrand

Short & easy

2–4 hrs · Perfect for families

Full day with nature

5–7 hrs · Nature reserve in flowing and calm water

Multi-day adventure

2–4 days · Overnight in the wild

Our tours

Day trips

Everything included: transport to the starting point, canoe, life jackets and paddles.

Multi-day trips

Everything included: transport, life jackets, paddles, waterproof bags, and map.

Day trip

Multi-day trip

From

Included

When can you paddle?

Map

Högstrand – Sälen

"Best thing we did in Sälen" – perfect first canoe trip

10 km of calm water through beautiful nature. Stop at sandy beaches for swimming and snacks.

Calm water – perfect for beginners
Sandy beaches with swimming & snacks
Great fishing opportunities

Transport, canoe, life jackets and paddles.

Everyone can paddle this tour. No experience needed.

Fulunäs – Sälen

More adventure

Nature reserve, flowing water and Dalarna's most beautiful stretch

Start in Hälla Nature Reserve. Flowing water that transitions into calm paddling.

Starts in a nature reserve
Flowing water transitioning to calm water
Stunning nature the whole way

No experience required, but good fitness recommended.

Ljördalen – Sälen

Adventure

Start in Norway, paddle to Sweden – an unforgettable experience

Follow the Görälven river with Fulufjället's dramatic mountain landscape. Rapids, calm water and wilderness.

Fulufjället's dramatic nature
Alternating rapids and calm water
True wilderness feeling

Moving water with recurring rapids and calmer stretches. Some sections may need scouting from shore, and conditions depend on the water level. The final 15 km after the confluence with Fuluälven are calm.

Transport, life jackets, paddles, waterproof bags, and map. Great advice from our qualified guides.

Previous paddling experience recommended. You should be comfortable with moving water and wilderness camping.

Water levels vary through the season and can affect the start point, difficulty or feasibility of the trip.

Sälen – Malung

Beginner friendly

Your first multi-day trip – calm water through beautiful valley landscape

A calm and beautiful stretch perfect for your first multi-day trip.

Mostly calm water
Perfect first multi-day trip
Beautiful valley landscape

Transport, life jackets, paddles, waterproof bags, and map.

No previous experience needed.

Normally possible to paddle the entire season, with reservation for extremely high water flows.

This trip runs on moving water and is affected by the water level. In very low or high water the route may need to be adjusted.

Canoe trip Ljördalen–Sälen – day by day

Ljördalen – Sälen · Multi-day trip 65 km

Paddle the Görälven river from the Norwegian border down to Sälen — one of Scandinavia's most scenic multi-day canoe trips. 65 km of varied river over three days, with wild camping along the way.

Start in Ljördalen

Calmer flowing water through mountain landscape. Wild camping under the stars.

Active paddling

More moving water and recurring rapids. A higher-tempo day.

Calm into Sälen

After the confluence with Fuluälven the river calms all the way into Sälen.

The route

START

Mountain landscape

Rapids

Confluence

Calm finish

FINISH

Beaver Safari

Unique experience

Evening trip with a chance to see beavers

Paddle one of our most popular routes (Högstrand – Sälen, 10 km) at dusk. Take in the silence, the calm, and the beautiful nature. With some luck you might spot a beaver. Above all, experience the river's tranquility and peace in the evening.

Meet at the canoe centre, then transport up to Högstrand where you'll receive paddling instructions and tips to increase your chance of seeing beavers. You then paddle back at your own pace to the canoe centre.

Approx. 2–3 hours

Every day at 18:00, weeks 24–33

Everyone can paddle this tour. No experience needed. Perfect for the whole family.

Transport of you and canoe to the starting point. Life jackets and paddles.

700 SEK

Beaver Safari with Explore Sälen

Join a beaver safari in Sälen – a peaceful and magical evening trip where we paddle canoe along quiet rivers and look for beavers.

This nature experience offers a unique chance to see wild beavers up close, while learning about their lives, building techniques and habits. Perfect for families, nature lovers and curious adventurers!

3 hours

Click Book beaver safari with Explore Sälen to see availability.

Suitable for both children and adults, beginners and experienced paddlers.

Yes

Paddling technique and safety briefing. Guidance about the beaver's life, behaviours and role in the ecosystem. Quiet paddling in small groups. All equipment: canoe, paddle, life jacket.

See price

at booking

Practical information

Good to know

What should I bring?

Comfortable clothes, preferably layered
Rain jacket in uncertain weather
Change of clothes in a waterproof bag
Snacks, water, and sunscreen
Swimwear if you want to stop at the beaches

Children in the canoe

2 adults + 1 child (8–12 years)
2 adults + 2 children (0–7 years)
2 adults + 1 child (0–7) + 1 child (8–12)
1 adult + 2 children (8–12 years)
Tip: Rent an extra canoe so the kids can paddle themselves!

Cancellation & rebooking

Cancel 3 days before = full refund
Rebooking guarantee: 20 SEK/canoe
Allows rebooking up to 4 hours before
Illness: medical certificate required for refund
Exceptions made for thunder or dangerous conditions

What our guests say

Guest reviews

Real reviews from paddlers who visited us

Sofia N.

Best thing we did in Sälen – fantastic service from start to finish!

Åsa N.

Magical evening on the river – mirror-calm, still and we saw beavers!

Sälen

Lina K.

Easy to book, fair price and a memorable trip with my son.

Emelie E.

Fantastic experience with the kids – the Högstrand tour was perfect length.

Jens T.

Three-day trip with an amazing route and just the right challenge. Highly recommended!

Netherlands

Maria E.

Smooth booking, friendly staff and an absolutely fantastic day on the river.

Frequently asked questions

Which trip suits us?: Beginners or paddling with kids? Our day trips Högstrand–Sälen (10 km, calm) or Fulunäs–Sälen (24 km, a bit more adventure) are perfect. Want to go further and sleep in a tent along the river? Then Ljördalen–Sälen (3 days) is your trip. Unsure? Call +46 280 218 28 and we'll help you choose.
Do we need paddling experience?: No, not for our day trips. The water is calm and flows downstream — you get a short briefing before you start. For the multi-day Ljördalen–Sälen we recommend prior paddling experience and comfort on moving water.
Do we need to be able to swim?: All adult participants should be able to swim and feel comfortable in water. Life jackets are always worn throughout the trip, even by strong swimmers. Children paddle with a responsible adult.
How long do the day trips take?: Högstrand–Sälen takes about 2–4 hours and Fulunäs–Sälen about 5–7 hours, depending on water level, pace and how long you stop for swimming and snacks.
How does the transport work?: You park free of charge at our base in Sälen. We drive you and the canoe by minibus to the starting point upstream — then you paddle calmly back toward your car. No return-transport hassle.
What's included in the rental?: Canoe, paddles, life jackets and transport to the starting point. Multi-day trips also include waterproof barrels and a map. Food and personal gear (clothes, snacks, and tent/sleeping bag for overnight trips) you bring yourself.
How many people fit in a canoe?: 2 adults (13+) per canoe. If there is an odd number (3, 5, 7 people), 3 can sit in a canoe. 2 people paddle per canoe. The day trips from Högstrand and Fulunäs go downstream so it's easy to paddle.
How do children sit in the canoe?: Example: 2 adults + 1 child 8–12 2 adults + 2 children 0–7 2 adults + 1 child 0–7 + 1 child 8–12 1 adult + 2 children 8–12. Our tip: rent an extra canoe and let the kids paddle themselves for a better experience!
Can we bring a dog?: Yes, dogs are welcome at no extra charge. We recommend that you bring your own life jacket for the dog as we do not have any for rent. The dog must be able to sit on your lap or in front of you in the minibus during transport.
What do we need to bring?: Dress comfortably and in layers. Bring a jacket if it's windy or rainy, a change of clothes in a waterproof bag, snacks, water, and swimwear if you'd like to stop at the sandy beaches.
What happens in bad weather?: The weather in the mountains can vary greatly but paddling is an excellent activity even in rain. Bring a rain jacket and warm clothes and you'll be fine. A rebooking guarantee (20 SEK/canoe) allows rebooking up to 4 hours before.
How far in advance should we book?: During the holiday weeks (weeks 28–32) and weekends, popular dates often fill up 2–4 weeks in advance. Weekdays outside high season are usually available the same week. We recommend booking multi-day trips well in advance — spots are limited.
How do I cancel or rebook?: Cancellation 3 days before gives a full refund. Cancel by email to bokning@salenkanot.se or call 0280-21828. Later cancellation gives no refund. Cancellation due to illness requires a medical certificate. Exceptions are made for thunder or dangerous conditions.
What does the rebooking guarantee mean?: With a rebooking guarantee (20 SEK/canoe) you can rebook and change the date and time of your trip up to 4 hours before it starts.
Are there single kayaks?: Yes, we have single kayaks for rent on multi-day trips. When booking, first select the number of canoes and press 'complete booking', then you can choose kayak in the add-on menu. Call 0280-21828 if you need help.

How many canoes do you need?

Day trips only

Enter the number of people in your group and we'll work out how many canoes you need and how to sit safely. Applies to our day trips.

13 years and older

8–12 years

0–7 years

Decrease

Increase

Add at least one person to see the recommendation.

You need {count} canoes.

You need 1 canoe.

This distribution follows our safety rules for day trips.

Recommended distribution

adult

adults

child(ren) (8–12 yrs)

child(ren) (0–7 yrs)

Children aged 8–12 may paddle in their own canoe with a guardian's consent.

Children aged 0–7 must always sit in a canoe together with an adult. Please add more adults to the group.

We can't calculate this group composition automatically. Please contact us and we'll help.

Unsure which canoe distribution suits your group?

Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

Call us

Email us

Not sure how many?

Not sure how many canoes you need?

Not sure how to seat your group?

Contact

Not sure which tour to choose? Get in touch and we'll help you find the right one.

End of season – pre-booking required

We're not always on site. You can still rent a canoe or book a tour – just book in advance.

from

en-GB

Loading current conditions…

Conditions are not available right now.

Select day

Today

Tomorrow

Low

Normal

High

Extremely low

Very low water — paddling can be tricky.

Experienced only

Low water — some sections may be shallow.

Some experience needed

Below normal

A bit lower than usual — still good for paddling.

Good for most

Normal conditions — great for most paddlers.

Above normal

Slightly higher water — faster flow.

Slightly faster water

High water — more challenging paddling.

Extremely high

Very high water — only for experienced paddlers.

Clear

Partly cloudy

Cloudy

Fog

Drizzle

Rain

Snow

Rain showers

Snow showers

Thunder

Sleet

Weather

Water level

Weather from SMHI

Weather from Open-Meteo (backup)

Water conditions

Water data is not available right now.

Water

(latest)

Calm water in the Västerdalälven river and a light mountain breeze – perfect for a paddle in Sälen.

The Västerdalälven river is flowing higher than usual and there's a fresh mountain wind.

The Västerdalälven river is flowing higher than usual – a bit more pace on the water.

Fresh winds in the mountains today – a little more resistance than usual.

Low flow in the Västerdalälven river and a moderate mountain breeze – nice conditions for most paddlers in Sälen.

Moderate wind and normal flow in the Västerdalälven river – great paddling conditions in Sälen.

Perfect conditions today – jump in and paddle!

🌟 Today is one of the best days to paddle in Sälen

More people booking now

Perfect conditions tomorrow – plan your paddle!

🌟 Tomorrow looks like one of the best days to paddle

Good conditions today – great for a trip on the river

👍 A good day to paddle in Sälen

Good conditions tomorrow – nice day for a river trip

👍 Tomorrow looks like a good day to paddle in Sälen

A bit more current today – great if you want a more exciting trip

🌊 A bit more current today – a fun day for an exciting trip

A bit more current tomorrow – perfect for an exciting trip

🌊 Tomorrow brings more current – a fun day for an exciting trip

Paddling forecast

Pick a date

Calculating forecast…

Forecast unavailable

Medium

m³/s

Based on historical water flows from previous years

Read the guide: Fishing in Görälven – rules, species and current conditions

Görälven

Conditions

Water flow

Species

Spots

Licence

Rules

Guide

Season

Fishing in Görälven

Local guide to fishing for grayling, trout and whitefish in Sälen. See current fishing conditions, water flow, weather and the rules for Transtrand Fisheries Conservation Area.

Fishing conditions right now

Current conditions

Updated

Data

Water flow – indicator for Görälven

Best time to fish

High reliability

Medium reliability

Low reliability

Why?

Very good fishing conditions

Good fishing conditions

Average conditions

Difficult conditions

High water temperature – check rules

Trend

Wind

Precipitation

Water temperature

Time of day

No data available

Measured water temperature

Modelled water temperature

Water temperature unavailable

Transtrand FVO may close the rivers at high water temperatures. Catch & release is not allowed above 18 °C.

Catch & release is not allowed in the rivers when water temperature is above 18 °C.

How does water flow affect fishing?

Water flow dictates where fish hold, where you can wade and which methods work. We show flow from SMHI's Ersbo station in Västerdalälven as an indicator for Görälven.

Very low

Fish crowd into remaining current seams. Low oxygen and lethargic fish are concerns.

Calmer water. Fish are cautious. Long, fine casts and light tippets are needed.

Best conditions. Current seams, rocks and transition lines between fast and slow water are productive.

Water is stained and strong. Fish hold along edges. Wade carefully and avoid the main channel.

Very high

Difficult and potentially dangerous. Wading is not recommended. Safety first.

above normal

below normal

at normal

The water level is among the lowest recorded for this time of year.

The water level is below the historical normal for this time of year.

The water level is slightly below the historical normal for this time of year.

The water level is within the historical normal range for this time of year.

The water level is slightly above the historical normal for this time of year.

The water level is above the historical normal for this time of year.

The water level is among the highest recorded for this time of year.

Derived

Water level derived from SMHI's measured daily discharge — not a direct observation. SMHI does not measure water level at ERSBO.

No historical comparison is available for this period (the dataset covers June–August).

The normal is the median for the same week 2015–2025 at SMHI station ERSBO. Water level is given in cm in the measurement series' own reference system.

This describes the water situation historically only — it says nothing about how the fishing is right now.

Weather & fishing

Unavailable

Water temperature is not measured in Görälven. We therefore show no figure, and temperature is not part of the assessment.

What can you catch?

Görälven is primarily a grayling river, but trout and whitefish are also present. Learn where and when to fish for them.

Grayling

Grayling is the signature fish of Görälven. It lives in flowing, oxygen-rich water and often takes flies on the surface. Fast, beautiful and the most common sport fish in the river.

May–September is best, peaking in early summer.

Light dry flies, nymphs and small streamers. Best at dawn and dusk.

Brown trout

Wild trout occur in Görälven. It is closed 15 September–31 December. Trout are more solitary than grayling and often hold in current seams, under trees or near rocks.

Spring and early summer. Autumn is closed for trout fishing.

Larger nymphs and streamers. Fish deep in flowing water. Always release trout carefully.

Whitefish

Whitefish occur in the river and can be caught under the right conditions. They are more stationary and nocturnal.

Late summer and autumn can produce whitefish, especially in calmer deeper sections.

Fish at night or early morning. Small flies and lures work.

Fishing spots in the area

Here are some excellent locations along and near Görälven. Remember to follow Transtrand FVO rules and buy the correct fishing licence.

Transtrand

Classic fishing spot by the village. Calm stretches alternate with flowing sections. Good for grayling and trout.

Reached by road and easy wading.

Grayling, trout

Ersbo

Flow measurement point. Current seams and rocks attract grayling. Check local rules for this stretch.

Wading possible at low/normal flow.

Slow sections of Västerdalälven

Where Görälven meets the Västerdalälven system, calmer sections suit whitefish and larger grayling.

Best reached by canoe or from a nearby road.

Grayling, whitefish

Fishing licence for Görälven

Fishing in Görälven and nearby waters is covered by Transtrand Fisheries Conservation Area. Buy a licence and read the rules before fishing.

Transtrand Fisheries Conservation Area

Ersbo licence 200 SEK/day. Other licences – see current prices on iFiske

Day, week, year

Buy the licence on iFiske and read the complete rules for Transtrand FVO.

Buy fishing licence

Source: Transtrand FVO via iFiske.

Prices and rules may change. Always verify current prices and rules with Transtrand FVO/iFiske before fishing.

Important fishing rules

The rules below are a guide. Always check current rules with Transtrand FVO before fishing.

What fishing licence is needed?: Fishing in Görälven requires a licence from Transtrand FVO. Fishing is at your own risk and you must follow FVO rules.
What applies at Ersbo?: The Ersbo stretch has special rules: fly fishing with a fly rod only, approx. 2 km, 200 SEK/day, max 3 salmonids, minimum size 25 cm. Slot size 25–35 cm is a recommendation. Check current rules.
What is the minimum size?: Minimum size is 25 cm for salmonids in Transtrand FVO. Smaller fish must be released immediately.
Can I fish for trout in autumn?: No. Trout is closed 15 September–31 December in Transtrand FVO.
What applies at high water temperature?: Transtrand FVO may close the rivers at high water temperatures. Catch & release is not allowed above 18 °C. Always check current rules before fishing.

Fishing guide for Görälven

How to maximise your chances and handle fish correctly.

Read the water

Grayling often hold in current seams, behind rocks or where the current breaks. Look for transition lines between fast and slow water.

Wade safely

Never wade deeper than your knees and use a wading staff. At high or rising flow, stop fishing.

Fly choice

Dry flies in water that carries them, nymphs in flowing sections and streamers at current seams. Match the size to the insects.

Handle fish

Always wet your hands before touching fish. Use a hook remover, keep the fish in the water and release quickly. Above 18 °C: if you practise C&R, stay home.

Respect closures

If FVO announces a closure, stop fishing. The system also warns at high water temperatures.

Season guide

How fishing changes through the year.

May

Water is cold. Grayling start moving. Trout fishing picks up.

good

June

Early summer – often the best grayling time. Stable weather and plenty of insects.

excellent

July

Warm days. Fish mornings and evenings. Watch water temperature.

August

Grayling is active. Dusk is best. Watch C&R rules in heat.

September

Trout is closed from 15/9. Grayling fishing continues early in the month.

fair

Oct–Apr

Season is over. Ice, cold and closed seasons make fishing unsuitable or not allowed.

difficult

Contact and booking

Sälens Kanotcentral, Näsholmen, 780 67 Sälen, Sverige. +46 280 218 28, bokning@salenkanot.se.