Högstrand – Sälen Canoe Trip

Högstrand – Sälen Canoe Trip

The perfect summer day on the river. Calm water, lovely sandy beaches and the freedom to paddle at your own pace — all the way down to Sälen.

• Calm water
• Perfect for beginners
• 2–4 hours
• SEK 700 per canoe

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See the whole tour

Cecilia

Thank you for a lovely paddling day! A nicely manageable distance from Högstrand, great swimming spots and a warm welcome.

Quick facts

Distance

10 km

Time

Paddling at a calm pace without stops takes 2 hours. A full day if you stop to swim and picnic

Type

Day tour

Difficulty

Easy

Suitable for beginners

Water

Calm and gentle

Suited to

Families, couples & friends

Swimming

Sandy beaches along the way

Fishing

Possible during the trip

Transport

Included — we drive you to the start

• One of our most loved day tours
• Hundreds of happy guests every summer
• Suits both beginners and experienced paddlers
• Calm water all the way

Why Högstrand – Sälen is something special

One of Sälen's calmest canoe trips — simple, free and made to be enjoyed at your own pace.

The perfect first canoe trip

Calm water and easy paddling make this a safe start if you've never paddled before.

Calm paddling

The river flows gently and softly. No stress here — just the water, the forest and the silence.

Freedom to stop whenever you like

No fixed stops and no guide to follow. Stop for a swim, a picnic or just a rest exactly where it feels right.

For families, couples and friends

A much-loved activity where both children and adults can enjoy nature together.

One of Sälen's calmest nature experiences

Forest landscapes, mirror-still water and sandy beaches.

Experience the river at your own pace

You paddle yourselves and set the tempo. The day becomes exactly as calm or playful as you want it.

Who is the tour for?

A trip almost anyone can enjoy — no previous experience needed.

Beginners

Never paddled before? Perfect. Calm water and a simple briefing mean you'll feel safe from the very first stroke.

Families

A summer activity for the whole family. Kids love the swims and sandy beaches, and you can relax the whole way.

Nature lovers

Glide through quiet forest landscapes, watch for birds and wildlife, and enjoy the river at its most beautiful.

How the tour works

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

Meet & transport to Högstrand

You meet us at the canoe centre in Sälen and park your car there. Then we drive you up to the start at Högstrand — your car waits for you at the finish.

Safety briefing

At the start you get a simple, reassuring briefing: how to paddle, how to sit and what to keep in mind. A life jacket is always included.

Calm paddling through nature

You launch the canoes and let the river carry you downstream. The water is calm and the paddling easy — just lean back and enjoy.

Stop whenever and wherever you like

Along the way there are sandy beaches and lovely spots. Take a swim, picnic in the sun or simply rest — it's up to you.

Arrival in Sälen

The tour ends at the canoe centre in Sälen, right where your car is. You step ashore with sun-kissed cheeks and a smile.

How long does it take?

The actual paddling time is around 2 hours — but most people stop for a swim and a coffee and let it become a whole summer day on the river.

The nature along the river

Between Högstrand and Sälen one of Dalarna's most beautiful river landscapes opens up. Here are some of the experiences that await.

The forest landscape along the river

Tall spruces and bright birches line the water the whole way. The forest is dense and green, and now and then the sun glitters through the canopy down onto the river.

Calm waters and stillness

The Västerdalälven flows gently on this stretch. The water often lies mirror-still, and all you hear are the paddle strokes and the birdsong. A rare kind of silence.

Sandy beaches and swimming

Lovely sandy beaches appear along the river — perfect for a break, a swim or a picnic in the sun. When the water level is normal or low, there are plenty of beaches to choose from.

Wildlife

With a little luck you'll see beaver, osprey or black-throated diver. Sometimes a moose or roe deer appears at the water's edge. The calm of paddling often draws the animals out.

Fishing opportunities

The water offers grayling, trout, pike and perch. Many bring a rod and combine paddling with a calm cast or two along the way.

Johanna

A peaceful canoe trip where we spotted mink, roe deer and all kinds of birds along the way.

Take a dip along the way

• Many of our guests say the swims are the highlight. You glide in towards a sandy beach, pull up the canoe and jump into the cool, clear water — then a picnic in the sun before paddling on.
• At low water the sandy beaches lie open and inviting for a swim. When the water runs higher you glide on softly and unbroken instead — a different, but equally beautiful, day on the river.

Sofie

We were lucky with the weather, so we had both a picnic break and a swim.

Wildlife along the river

The calm paddling makes Högstrand–Sälen a lovely place to meet the river's wildlife. Keep an eye out — with a little luck you may see:

• Beaver
• Osprey
• Black-throated diver
• Moose
• Roe deer
• Crane

No sightings are guaranteed — that's exactly what makes them so special when they happen. A pair of binoculars in the pack can be well worth it.

The way down to Sälen

A simple downstream stretch from Högstrand to Sälen. We mark only the start and finish — where you stop along the way is entirely up to you.

Högstrand

Start — put-in

Sälen

Finish — at the canoe centre

Sandy beaches and water levels

The river's water level varies naturally through the season — and every level has its own charm.

Low water

Many sandy beaches lie open in the sun. Perfect for long swim breaks and picnics on dry sand.

Normal water

The classic experience — calm paddling with plenty of lovely beaches to stop at along the way.

Higher water

The paddling flows more continuously and you glide along smoothly. Some sandbanks lie underwater, giving a different but equally beautiful nature experience.

We follow the water level continuously and are happy to tell you what conditions look like right now before your departure.

Högstrand – 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. Fresh air and water that's starting to become swim-friendly — a beautiful time to paddle.

July

High summer. Warmest in both air and water, sunny sandy beaches and the perfect time for swimming and picnics along the river.

August

Warm days and pleasant water, often a little quieter on the river. One of the very finest months for a relaxing tour.

September

Early autumn with clear air and golden shimmering leaves. Peaceful and atmospheric for those who want nature almost to themselves.

What's included

• Canoe
• Paddles
• Life jacket
• Transport to the start at Högstrand
• Safety and paddling briefing
• Route map

Tips for your first paddle

A few small things that make your day on the river even better — from us who've paddled this stretch many times.

• Bring extra drinking water — it gets warm in the sun.
• Use sunscreen and a cap. The reflections off the water are stronger than you think.
• Keep your phone and camera dry in the barrel.
• Take your time — it's not a race.
• Plan at least one swim and picnic stop on a sandy beach.
• Don't rush through the tour. The calm is the whole point.

Good to know before you book

How booking works

You book easily online and choose your date. You pay per canoe (SEK 700) — not per person.

How transport works

You park at the canoe centre in Sälen and we drive you up to the start at Högstrand. You then paddle back to your car.

How long it takes

Expect 2–4 hours of paddling. With swimming and picnics it often becomes a whole, lovely summer day.

Canoe, paddles, life jacket, waterproof barrel, transport to the start and a reassuring briefing — everything you need.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need paddling experience?

No. Högstrand–Sälen is one of our calmest tours and is perfect for beginners. The water is calm and flows downstream, and you get a short briefing before you start — then you paddle at your own calm pace.

Can children come along?

Yes, the tour is very popular with families. Children should be able to sit still in the canoe and wear a life jacket the whole way. Feel free to get in touch if you're unsure about your children. With children: 2 adults + 1 child 8–12 yrs 2 adults + 2 children 0–7 yrs 2 adults + 1 child 0–7 yrs + 1 child 8–12 yrs 1 adult + 2 children 8–12 yrs. Our tip: rent an extra canoe and let the children paddle themselves for a better experience and to feel involved!

Can you swim during the trip?

Yes! Swimming is one of the highlights. Along the way there are sandy beaches where you can stop for a dip. How many beaches are exposed varies with the water level.

Can you fish?

Yes, fishing is possible along the stretch. Common species are grayling, trout, pike and perch. You need a valid fishing permit — see the fishing section further down.

How long does the tour take?

The effective paddling time is around 2 hours. The whole tour takes around 2–4 hours depending on the water level, paddling experience and how long you stop for swimming and picnics — many make it a whole day on the river.

What happens if it rains?

The tour runs in most weather — the right clothing makes a big difference and a rainy day on the river can be atmospheric. A rebooking guarantee can be bought for SEK 20 per canoe, giving you the right to rebook up to 4 hours before your rental time. In really bad weather we'll be in touch and help you find a solution.

How many fit in a canoe?

2 adults (13 and up) per canoe. With an odd number, you can sit 3 in one canoe. 2 people paddle per canoe. The tour runs downstream, so it's simple and easy to paddle. With children: 2 adults + 1 child 8–12 yrs 2 adults + 2 children 0–7 yrs 2 adults + 1 child 0–7 yrs + 1 child 8–12 yrs 1 adult + 2 children 8–12 yrs. Our tip: rent an extra canoe and let the children paddle themselves for a better experience and to feel involved!

What should I bring?

Dress comfortably and in layers. Bring a jacket if it's windy or rainy, a change of clothes in a waterproof bag, a picnic, water and ideally swimwear for the beaches. See our tips section for a full list.

Do I need to be able to swim?

All adult participants should be able to swim and feel safe in water. A life jacket is worn at all times during the paddling, even for confident swimmers. Children paddle together with a responsible adult.

How does transport work?

You park for free at the canoe centre in Sälen. We drive you and the canoe by minibus to the start at Högstrand — then you paddle back towards your car at a calm pace. No return transport needed.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, we recommend booking online in advance. During the holiday weeks (weeks 28–32) and at weekends, popular dates often fill up 2–4 weeks ahead, while weekdays outside high season can usually be booked the same week.

What does the tour cost?

SEK 700 per canoe. The price is for the whole canoe (2 people) — not per person.

Can we paddle at our own pace?

Absolutely. That's the whole point. There's no guide to follow and no fixed times — you set your own tempo and decide where to stop.

Is it a group tour?

No, you paddle your own tour. You share neither canoe nor stops with other guests.

Can we bring a dog?

Yes, dogs are welcome at no extra cost. We recommend bringing your own life jacket for the dog, as we don't have any for hire. The dog must be able to sit on your lap or in front of you in the minibus during transport.

Is there an age limit?

There's no strict lower age limit, but children should be able to sit still and wear a life jacket the whole tour. The tour suits most families.

Is it dangerous?

No, this is a calm tour on still water with no rapids. With a life jacket and a simple briefing it's a safe experience for almost everyone.

Can we bring food?

Yes, please do! Many bring a picnic basket and stop on a sandy beach for a break in the sun. Keep the food dry in the barrel.

What do we do with our belongings?

You get a waterproof barrel / dry bag to keep valuables, phone and a change of clothes in during the tour.

What if I'm unsure about something?

Call us on +46 280 218 28 or email bokning@salenkanot.se. We're happy to help you decide if the tour suits you and answer any questions.

Fishing during the canoe trip

Fishing is possible along the whole stretch, but you need a valid fishing permit.

Fishing is a much-loved part of the Högstrand–Sälen canoe trip. On the calm stretch of the Västerdalälven you can combine paddling with a few quiet casts along the way. Common species are grayling, trout, pike and perch.

• Grayling
• Trout
• Pike
• Perch

Fishing permit for Västerdalälven

Fishing on this stretch requires a valid permit for the Västerdalälven. It's easiest to buy online via iFiske, quickly and simply right on your phone.

Valid for fishing along the Högstrand–Sälen route.

Always check current fishing rules and any protected zones before you fish.

Voices from the river

Linda

A lovely, nicely long paddle with teenagers and children, with a great picnic stop halfway.

Pia

A wonderfully pleasant experience, just right for a beginner.

Carl

We took a day trip. Friendly service and a wonderful canoe ride. Warmly recommended!

Joost

It was wonderful! So fulfilling to be in the canoe surrounded by wonderful nature. We come back!

Erika

Our second year renting a canoe here. We're aiming for next year too.

Marie

Easy to book, super friendly staff and great service.

Why our guests love Högstrand – Sälen

It's not the route itself — it's the feeling. The calm, the freedom and the little moments along the way.

Anders

Lovely to be dropped off with no pressure to be back at a certain time.

Ronny

We stopped for a picnic in one spot and a swim in another.

Susanne

A delightful canoe trip on still water.

A day without stress

Your day on the river

No times to keep. No guide to follow. No fixed stops. Just you, nature and the river slowly carrying you forward. You stop when you want, swim when you want and picnic when you want. The rest of the world can wait.

Lovely how the water slowly carries the canoe along, so you don't have to paddle the whole time.

Looking for a bigger adventure?

If you're after more, our three-day Ljördalen–Sälen expedition is the next step — flowing water, wilderness and nights in tents along the river.

Questions? We're happy to help you plan your day on the river.

Call +46 280 218 28

Email us

Contact and booking

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