Olarsgården

In the heart of the popular Sälen ski resort, a source of pride for snowy Sweden, lies a wonderful place called Olarsgården. More than just a bar or restaurant, it is a historic family-run hotel embodying the concept of a traditional Swedish estate ("gård"). Here, the vintage coziness of the past blends harmoniously with modern comfort, creating an atmosphere of authentic Scandinavian hospitality.

Olarsgården. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Olarsgården is famous for its personal touch: the hotel has only 21 rooms, each decorated in its own unique style. The main entrance carefully preserves its 75-year history, welcoming guests into a space where the lobby bar serves as a natural meeting point for warm conversations by the fireplace.

The place gained special fame thanks to the Elgen restaurant, whose cuisine is deeply inspired by local Dalarna traditions. The use of the freshest local ingredients and a commitment to culinary heritage turn every dinner into a gastronomic discovery. Despite being categorized as a "bar" in some directories, it is a full-fledged tourist complex, ideal for recharging surrounded by ski slopes.

For those planning a visit or wishing to book a table at the famous restaurant at Olarsgården, here is the current contact information. It is recommended to contact the staff in advance, especially during the peak of the ski season.

Visiting this place is primarily an opportunity to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of après-ski relaxation. In the cozy lobby bar, considered the heart of the hotel, guests can unwind, discuss the day's adventures on the slopes, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting before dinner. Several spacious and bright lounges provide a comfortable corner for everyone, whether it's a large group of friends or a couple seeking privacy.

The main activity for gourmets is tasting the dishes at Elgen restaurant. Be sure to try the seasonal delicacies or the traditional Swedish Christmas table (Julbord) with its abundance of herring, salmon, and exquisite desserts. On weekends, breakfast starts as early as 08:00, allowing you to fuel up with their famous American pancakes and reach the ski lifts by the time the runs open.

Thanks to its great location, it is easy to take walks from Olarsgården to Sälfjällstorget square, where shops and entertainment centers are concentrated. This place is ideal for those who appreciate quality gastronomy, a family atmosphere, and the opportunity to be at the center of ski life while maintaining a feeling of home-like warmth.

Finding Olarsgården is easy—it is located at Olarsvägen 20 in the popular Lindvallen area. If you are already at the resort, you are just a 400-meter walk from the nearest ski lift (be prepared for a slight uphill walk). The central square, Sälfjällstorget, the heart of local life, is also within walking distance.

Travelers arriving from Stockholm usually choose to drive—the trip along scenic roads takes about 5–6 hours. You can also take a train to the nearest stations (such as Mora), from which regular buses and transfers run directly to the town of Sälen. During the winter season, special shuttles often run between key points of the resort, making it convenient to get almost to the hotel's entrance.

The history of this hospitable house began back in 1949 when the first building of the estate was erected. Over the decades of its existence, Olarsgården has been expanded several times, but the owners have managed to preserve the original charm and authenticity that modern travelers value so much. The place is steeped in the atmosphere of old Sweden, carefully adapted to the needs of skiers.

Notably, the current co-owner of the establishment, Jonas Persson, has been inextricably linked to this place for over thirty years. Having started his career here as a chef in 1989, he went a long way in the restaurant business before returning to Olarsgården in 2017 as the owner. This personal involvement guarantees the preservation of high quality standards and truly home-like comfort.

Locals often call the hotel a kind of "starting point" for Lindvallen. Like ripples spreading across water from a stone, the development of the resort occurred around this historic building. Today, the complex represents a harmonious blend of vintage flair and modern service standards, remaining an important part of the cultural landscape of the Dalarna region.

When planning your day, allow about 1.5–2 hours for a visit to Olarsgården if your goal is a leisurely lunch or dinner at the Elgen restaurant. This time is quite enough to appreciate the local cuisine and enjoy the traditional Swedish manor-style interiors.

For those who want to fully experience the magic of this place, it is better to set aside an entire evening. Relaxing in the lobby bar after an active day on the slopes can easily stretch into several hours. If you are staying here as a hotel guest, then the stay turns into a complete retreat, where time is measured not in minutes, but by the level of comfort and tranquility.

The establishment is open to visitors daily, providing convenient access for both early breakfasts and cozy dinners. Olarsgården maintains a consistent schedule, allowing guests to easily plan their leisure time at the resort.

Opening hours from Monday to Sunday: 07:00 – 21:00. Please note that breakfast on weekends is served from 08:00—the perfect time to energize before hitting the slopes.

Its location at the center of tourist activity makes Olarsgården an excellent starting point for exploring the surroundings. A walk through the Lindvallen area will allow you to discover many other interesting establishments and iconic locations that complement the overall picture of a mountain vacation.

The variety of neighboring sites—from cozy taverns to modern entertainment centers—ensures that everyone will find something to do within a few kilometers of the hotel.