Things To Do
in Säter

Säter is a small, historic town in central Sweden, framed by forests and lakes. Its compact center features well-preserved wooden townhouses, a medieval church, and the stately nearby Säter Castle. Visitors enjoy a calm pace, easy access to nature, and cultural events that celebrate Dalarnas heritage.

The town serves as a convenient base for exploring Falun, Borlänge, and the broader Dalarnas region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Säter and settle into your cozy accommodation. Start your day with a traditional Swedish breakfast at a local café, featuring freshly baked bread and creamy cheese. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets, enjoying the charming wooden houses and the serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Visit the Säter Church, known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings. Afterward, head to the local museum to uncover the town's rich history and cultural heritage. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling classic Swedish dishes.

evening
:

Wind down your day by visiting a local pub and enjoying a hearty meal paired with local brews. After dinner, take a relaxing walk around Säter’s idyllic parks, enjoying the tranquil evening air. End your day with a good book or a chat with locals back at your accommodation.

day 2
Nature Hiking
morning
:

Grab your hiking gear and prepare for a day in nature around Säter. Enjoy a filling breakfast before heading out to the nearby nature reserves, where fresh air and beautiful landscapes await. Engage with nature as you embark on one of the well-marked trails, surrounded by lush forests.

afternoon
:

After a morning filled with exploration, find a scenic spot to enjoy a packed lunch amidst the trees. Continue your hike, taking the time to observe the local wildlife and stunning vistas that Säter has to offer. Make sure to take photos of the breathtaking views along the way.

evening
:

Return to Säter and relax at a local café with some freshly baked pastries and a cup of coffee. In the evening, consider visiting a nearby lake for a tranquil sunset view, where you can reflect on the day's adventures. Enjoy a quiet dinner back in town, perhaps trying some traditional fish dishes.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee or fika$3-5
🚆Public transport ticket (one-way)$2-4
🏨Hotel room (mid-range)$90-140
🍽️Three-course dinner for two$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm, scenic setting with easy access to outdoor activities
  • Compact town center ideal for walking and exploring on foot
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment options within the town
  • Public transport beyond the town can be sparse, requiring a car or longer trips to nearby cities
  • "Hej" - Hello
  • "Tack" - Thank you
  • "Ursäkta" - Excuse me
  • "Var ligger toaletten?" - Where is the restroom?
  • "Hur mycket kostar det?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Säter

Visit one of these nice places.

Säter Church (Säters kyrka)

A striking medieval church with a tall tower and stonework that makes for dramatic morning or golden-hour photos.

Säter Castle (exterior grounds)

Impressive estate grounds and classical façades ideal for wide-angle shots.

Historic wooden town center (Storgatan and nearby streets)

Quaint, well-preserved wooden houses and cobbled lanes offering charming compositions.

Riverside walk and bridges

Water reflections and historic bridges along the town’s river create serene compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Säter

Dalarnas cuisine in Säter emphasizes hearty, comforting dishes, fresh dairy, forest berries, fish from local waters, and seasonal produce. Expect simple, flavorful meals that pair well with a fika break—coffee and cake or light pastries are common throughout the day.

Säter Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Köttbullar med lingonsylt

Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce, a staple in many eateries.

Must-Try!

Raggmunk or Pytt i Panna

Potato-based dishes with bacon, onions, and eggs, popular in local taverns.

Gravad lax or fiskgryta

Cured salmon or fish stews featuring local river or lake fish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Town Market (seasonal)

Seasonal stalls offering berries, mushrooms, bread, cheese, and local honey.

Climate Guide

Weather

Säter experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: cold, snowy winters; mild to warm summers; and transitional springs and autumns. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing, while summer days can rise into the 20s Celsius (high teens to low 20s). Rain is possible year-round, with wetter periods in late summer and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is valued; plan schedules with a little flexibility for social visits.

Fika culture

Take time for fika breaks; coffee and cake with conversation is a daily habit.

Quiet in public

Keep voices moderate in public spaces; nature areas require respect for wildlife and other visitors.

Respect for personal space

Respect personal space and queues; wait your turn in markets and public services.

Safety Guide

Safety

Safety is high in Säter; common-sense precautions apply as in any small town: keep valuables secure, be aware of icy sidewalks in winter, and follow local guidance during outdoor activities. Emergency services are reliable, and 112 is the universal emergency number in Sweden.

Tipping in Säter

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in Sweden; rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip for excellent service is common but appreciated.

Payment Methods

Card payments are widely accepted; mobile payments (Swish) are popular; cash usage is declining.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days with mild to warm temperatures; great for outdoor dining, lakeside swims, and long photography golden hours.

Autumn

Vibrant foliage and harvest markets; cool air perfect for scenic forest trails and moody landscapes.

Winter

Cold, snowy days with short daylight hours; ideal for cosy cafés, winter light, and snowy landscapes, plan for driving in icy conditions.

Spring

Milder days with budding trees and rivers rising from snowmelt; good for early hikes and cultural events as towns wake up.

Nightlife Guide

Säter at Night

Säter has a modest nightlife scene, centered on cozy cafés, wine bars, and small pubs. In the evenings, locals often meet for fika and light meals, with more options available in nearby Falun or Borlänge for late-night dining and live music. Expect a relaxed atmosphere rather than a club scene, with seasonal events and cultural evenings in town halls and libraries.

Hiking in Säter

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Forest trails around Säter

Gentle to moderate hikes through pine and spruce forests with lake viewpoints.

Lakes and ridges nearby

Scenic day hikes with opportunities for picnics and wildlife watching.

Airports

How to reach Säter by plane.

Borlänge Airport (BLE)

Regional airport serving the area; car or bus connections to Säter are available.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)

Major international hub about a few hours away by train or driving; good for international arrivals and onward flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Säter’s town center is compact and walkable, with most sights, cafés, and shops within a short stroll. The surrounding countryside is best explored by bike or car, especially for forest trails and lake access.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of families, retirees, and professionals; high value on community and outdoor life.

Students and commuters

People traveling to Falun or Borlänge for work or study shape the day-to-day rhythm.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular recreational and local league play in the region.

Ice hockey

Common winter sport in nearby towns with rinks and clubs.

Cross-country skiing

Widely accessible on forest trails during winter.

Transportation

Traffic

Säter is a small town with light traffic. Road connections to Falun and Borlänge are straightforward, and regional buses connect to nearby towns; trains run through Falun/Borlänge for longer trips. In winter, anticipate icy conditions on some routes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Säter.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in most places; ask for veggie plates or eggs/dairy-based dishes; many kitchens can adapt meat dishes to be vegetarian.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Sweden offers universal healthcare; in Säter you can access primary care clinics and pharmacies locally. For specialist care or emergencies, regional hospitals in Falun or Borlänge serve the area; bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) where applicable or ensure travel insurance coverage. For emergencies, dial 112.

Discover Sweden

Read more in our Sweden 2025 Travel Guide.

Sweden Travel Guide