Malung-Sälen: Millstone Quarries, Leather and Mountains

Malung-Sälen stretches along the Västerdalälven from the Transtrandsfjällen in the north to Malung in the south. Cultural history, forest and mountain landscapes, and trails shape the different parts of the municipality.

Millstones, leather and local history

At Kvarnstensbrottet, a 1.7-kilometre walk combines nature and culture. The area is Dalarna’s first cultural reserve and is considered one of Sweden’s largest millstone quarries. The oldest millstone finds carved in Malung date back to around 800 AD. The trail therefore passes through a landscape whose history is closely connected to millstone craftsmanship.

Olnispagården stands at its original location beside the Västerdalälven and is closely associated with the 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 there focus on local heritage and self-sufficiency from the 18th to the early 20th century. Olnispa bystuga offers cultural activities, a café serving homemade bread, and tunnbröd baking in the bakehouse.

The leather tradition is also part of Malung’s identity, reflected in leather shops, leatherworkers and Skinnarspelet, whose story revolves around tanners and leather craftsmanship. Öje Skinnmuseum displays historic tools, materials, leatherworking machines, patterns, buttons and other accessories in an old leather factory. The factory’s interior has remained unchanged since the last employee left in June 1977. Check access before visiting.

The Vasaloppet route between Sälen and Mora is 90 kilometres long and is considered a scenic experience, an adventure and a demanding challenge. Another summer event is Dansbandsveckan in Malung, which brings together around 50,000 visitors and more than 80 dance bands. These approximate figures can vary from year to year.

Mountains, forests and trails

East of Malung and farther north lies a large sandstone plateau landscape, described as Dalarna’s largest lowland area. West of Lima, Tandövala rises up and is considered Sweden’s southernmost mountain. The municipality’s landscapes also include mountains, marshes and a particularly beautiful forest of troll spruce. These varied landscapes provide a distinct setting for nature outings in Malung-Sälen.

There are many hiking trails in the forests around Malung and Lima, with a range of lengths and difficulty levels. Organised hikes are also held in the municipality in summer. The Södra Kungsleden starts at Högfjällshotellet in Sälen and heads north through the Norra Transtrandsfjällen Nature Reserve. A hiking trail suitable for people with disabilities also starts at Högfjällshotellet and follows the Södra Kungsleden for around four kilometres northwards: two kilometres are paved and two kilometres are gravel. Check trail conditions and accessibility before your trip.

There are various ways to explore by bike, with routes around lakes, into the mountains and along forest roads. Both short and long rides are available across varied terrain. In summer, cross-country ski trails, training tracks and sports fields are also prepared for walking, running and cycling.

More leisure ideas

The Malung-Sälen swimming pool has a relaxation area with a whirlpool, cold-water pool, sauna and lounge. It offers a sauna infusion ritual, a fragrance and heat ceremony using water and essential oils. If you plan to take part, check which facilities and activities will be available when you visit.

The municipality stretches a long way from north to south and connects places with different cultural and landscape highlights.

Discover more destinations: Lima, Limedsforsen, Malungsfors, Sälen, Sörsjön, Transtrand, Tandådalen, Malung, Öje, Stöten.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Dalarna County.