Canoe trip Fulunäs – Sälen

Canoe trip Fulunäs – Sälen

A journey downstream — from where two rivers meet, through the nature reserve, all the way to a calm arrival in Sälen. The complete day tour, paddled at your own pace.

• 24 km
• 5–7 hours
• From Fulunäs
• 900 SEK per canoe

Book now

Follow the journey

Richard Gray

A fantastic day for the whole family — friendly, helpful staff who do everything to make sure you enjoy it.

Quick facts

Start

Fulunäs

We drive you to the start

Distance

Time

A full day on the river with time to swim and rest

Difficulty

Easy

A little flow at the start, calm the rest of the way

Season

June–September

Suits

Families, couples & friends

• Our most varied day tour
• Where two rivers become one
• Through Hälla nature reserve
• Transport to the start included

Where the rivers become one

The story begins here

• The trip begins at Fulunäs — the place where the Fulu River and the Gör River flow together and become the Västerdal River. It is a place with a force all its own: two waters that have travelled their separate ways through the landscape, woven into one here.
• As you put in, you feel the current take hold. The first stretches are lively and bright — this is where the journey finds its direction. From here the river carries you downstream, all the way towards Sälen.

Did you know?

Fulunäs is the place where the Fulu River and the Gör River meet and together form the Västerdal River, which then continues south through Dalarna.

Henrik Leion

A really lovely trip from Fulunäs! Easy booking, and everything around the transfer and return worked smoothly.

Once the first flowing stretches settle, the river opens up and the tempo changes.

A tour with two faces

Few tours change so much along the way. Fulunäs–Sälen starts with life and movement and ends in an almost mirror-calm stillness — the day follows the river's own rhythm.

Flowing water

Lively stretches at the start give pace and feeling right away.

Relaxed paddling

The current eases and you glide gently downstream.

Hälla nature reserve

The river spreads out among islets, pines and wildlife.

Beach & coffee break

Pull up the canoe, take a swim and rest in the sun.

Calm finish in Sälen

The final kilometres lie glassy and still.

It's the variation that makes Fulunäs–Sälen unique — a whole paddling experience in a single day.

Through Hälla nature reserve

A little further down the river opens up and you glide into Hälla nature reserve — one of the most beautiful parts of the route, where the water splits into calm channels between forested islets.

A river that spreads out

Here the Västerdal River weaves into a mosaic of channels and islets. The water is calm and still, and tall pines mirror themselves on the surface as you paddle.

Rich in life

The protected landscape is home to abundant wildlife. The stillness of paddling means animals often come close to the water's edge.

Stillness and space

It's quiet in a way you rarely get to experience. Only the paddle strokes, the birdsong and the wind through the pines.

Keep an eye out for

• Moose
• Beaver
• Roe deer
• Mink
• Dipper
• Birds

No sightings are guaranteed — that's exactly why they feel so special when they happen. A pair of binoculars in your pack can be worth its weight in gold.

Johanna Bouarné

A wonderful and peaceful canoe trip where we saw lots of different animals along the way — roe deer, mink and various birds. We stopped at a little beach for a picnic.

After the nature reserve the river changes character again — and the day's second face emerges.

The whole river to yourselves

There is no guide to follow and no other groups to share with. You paddle your own tour, at your own pace, and along long stretches it feels as if the entire river belongs to you alone.

Bryony Culver

We were given as much time as we wanted and had a really enjoyable evening paddling through stunning surroundings. We felt like we had the whole river to ourselves.

Pull up the canoe in the sun

• Along the way fine sandy beaches appear — perfect for a break. Many pull up the canoe, jump in for a swim and then settle down for a picnic in the sun before continuing.
• At low water the sand lies open in the sun — easy to find a little beach of your own. When the water runs higher you simply glide softly on between them.

Ronny Edstrand

A wonderful experience along the beautiful Västerdal River. We stopped for a picnic in one spot and went swimming in another.

With sun-warmed cheeks and the canoe back in the water, the last still kilometres towards Sälen await.

Fishing along the way

Fishing requires a valid fishing permit. It's easy to sort out online before you set off.

The Västerdal River offers fine fishing. Many bring a rod and combine the paddle with a calm cast or two where the water looks promising.

Grayling and trout

The flowing stretches and the calm pools make this a fine water for grayling and trout. Get your permit in advance and you're ready.

Fishing permits are bought separately via iFiske.

A catch can never be guaranteed — but a calm moment with the rod is part of the paddle.

Linda Haglund

We had a wonderful canoe trip with a coffee break and some fishing. So easy.

How the tour works

You paddle yourselves, at your own pace — no guide and no fixed times.

Book and meet us in Sälen

You book easily online and park at the canoe centre in Sälen. The day starts and ends right here, where your car is.

Transport to Fulunäs

We drive you and the canoes up to the start at Fulunäs. On the way you get a safe briefing — life jackets are always included.

Paddle downstream

You put in at the confluence and let the river carry you. From a flowing start to a calm finish — 24 km down the Västerdal River.

Back in Sälen

The tour ends at the canoe centre, where your car is waiting. No return transport needed — you paddle all the way home.

How long does it take?

Count on 5–7 hours. The actual paddling time is shorter — but who wants to hurry? Most people stop for a swim, a coffee and a quiet moment, and let it become a whole day on the river.

The way down to Sälen

One continuous stretch downstream — from the confluence at Fulunäs, through Hälla nature reserve and on to Sälen. Where you stop along the way is entirely up to you.

Start — where the rivers meet

Islets, pines and wildlife

Sälen

Finish — at the canoe centre

Fulunäs – Sälen through the summer

The tour runs from early summer to early autumn — and the experience shifts beautifully with the season.

June

Bright, long days and lush greenery. The river is often lively and the water is starting to become swimmable.

July

High summer with warm water and sunny beaches. The perfect time for swimming and picnics along the way.

August

Warm days and pleasant water, often a little calmer on the river. One of the very finest months.

September

Early autumn with clear air and golden leaves. Quiet and atmospheric — nature almost to yourselves.

What's included

• Canoe
• Paddles
• Life jacket
• Transport to the start at Fulunäs
• Safety and paddling briefing
• Map of the route

Voices from the river

Stina Järperud

Smooth booking and transport, friendly welcome and good equipment. It was a really lovely trip from Fulunäs to Sälen.

David Jämtfjäll

Friendly welcome and fantastic service with the transport to the start. What a paddling adventure and what magical nature!

Robert Flink

A lovely paddle on the calm, beautiful Västerdal River. Strongly recommended as a break from cycling or hiking.

Arvid Eriksson

Very friendly staff and a fun, exciting canoe trip!

Susanne Qvick

Thank you for a lovely canoe experience. Children and adults were happy and content — friendly staff and beautiful surroundings to paddle in.

Marie Nelson

Thank you for a smooth, well-run arrangement and a magically beautiful experience!

The journey from two rivers' meeting all the way to Sälen

A day that stays with you

When you step ashore in Sälen you carry a whole day's journey with you — the lively start, the stillness of the nature reserve, the swim on the beach and the last glassy kilometres. A tour many want to do again.

A wonderful experience along the beautiful Västerdal River — we'll gladly do this again.

Questions before your tour?

0280-218 28

bokning@salenkanot.se

Which tour suits you?

Three different ways to experience the river — choose the one that feels right for you.

Högstrand – Sälen

Shorter and calmer. 10 km of still water, swimming and relaxation — perfect for families and beginners.

hogstrand

Ljördalen – Sälen

The big adventure. 65 km of wilderness over several days, with nights in a tent along the river.

ljordalen

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the tour?

Fulunäs–Sälen is rated as easy. The first stretches have a little pace and life, but nothing that requires experience. The rest of the route is calm paddling downstream. You get a safe briefing before you start.

Is the tour suitable for beginners and children?

Yes. Many families paddle this tour. Children should be able to sit still in the canoe and wear a life jacket all the way. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you're unsure about your particular children.

How strong is the current at the start?

The start at Fulunäs has lively, playful stretches that give pace and feeling — but these are not difficult rapids. The current eases quickly and the rest of the tour is calm paddling.

How long does the tour take?

Expect 5–7 hours for the whole day. The effective paddling time is shorter, but most people make several stops for swimming, coffee and photos.

How does transport to the start work?

You park for free at the canoe centre in Sälen. We drive you and the canoes up to the start at Fulunäs — then you paddle all the way back to your car. No return transport needed.

Can you swim and fish during the tour?

Yes. Along the way there are beaches for swimming and picnics, and the Västerdal River offers fine fishing. Fishing requires a valid fishing permit, bought online.

What's included?

Canoe for 2 people, paddles, life jacket, transport to the start at Fulunäs, a safe briefing and a map of the route.

What's the difference from Högstrand–Sälen?

Högstrand–Sälen is shorter (10 km) and calm all the way — perfect for a relaxing half day. Fulunäs–Sälen is longer (24 km), more varied and runs through Hälla nature reserve, from flowing water to mirror-calm. The complete day tour.

What does the tour cost?

900 SEK per canoe. The price is for the whole canoe (2 people) — not per person.

Contact and booking

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