Quick FactsOverview
About Selma Spa
Selma Spa, Sweden is Sweden's first spa hotel, at Storgatan 25, Sunne, Varmland, on the shore of Lake Fryken, approximately 55 kilometres north of Karlstad. It opened in 1991 and is named after Selma Lagerlof, the Nobel Prize-winning author who was born in Sunne and whose estate Marbacka is nearby. The hotel is part of Strawberry Hotels and has 184 rooms, 16 of which are suites; the building is designed so that all rooms have views over Lake Fryken.
The spa uses heated pools, not geothermal water. Facilities: one indoor pool, two outdoor pools (one infinity pool merging visually with Lake Fryken), two hot tubs, and three saunas (dry, steam, herbal). Treatments include body treatments, five massage types (including pregnancy and hot stone), facials, and spa baths. Products are from Swedish brand Maria Akerberg Deepskin Organics.
The resort offers over 20 exercise classes including yoga, spinning, Zumba, Tabata, Body Pump, Bodybalance, Boot Camp, and water aerobics. Restaurant Smak serves a breakfast buffet, lunch buffet, and a la carte dinner with local Varmland ingredients and lake views. A rooftop terrace is available in fine weather. The Sundsberg outdoor area adjacent to the hotel has hiking and mountain bike trails, running paths, and lit evening tracks. Ski Sunne alpine resort is within 20 minutes.
Location & Access
Getting to Selma Spa
Selma Spa is at Storgatan 25, 686 30 Sunne, Varmland, on the shore of Lake Fryken. From Karlstad, drive north on the E45 toward Sunne; approximately 55 kilometres and 50 minutes. From Stockholm, drive west on the E18 to Karlstad and then north to Sunne; approximately 330 kilometres and 3.5 hours. From Gothenburg, drive northeast on the E20 to Karlstad and then north to Sunne; approximately 250 kilometres and 2.5 hours. Free parking is on site.
By public transport, regional trains connect Karlstad to Kil and then a bus to Sunne; journey approximately 1 hour from Karlstad. From Sunne bus station, Bus Line 212 stops at Selma Spa. Stockholm Central connects to Karlstad by regional train in approximately 2.5 hours; transfer to a local service from Karlstad. Gothenburg connects to Karlstad by regional train in approximately 2 hours. Hagfors Airport is approximately 35 kilometres north; limited domestic flights operate seasonally.
Book at selmaspa.se or through Strawberry Hotels. Day spa visits are offered in three formats: spa with breakfast, spa with lunch, and spa with dinner; booking is required. Advance booking is strongly recommended on weekends and during Swedish school holiday periods. Hotel packages including accommodation, spa access, and meals offer the most complete experience. The hotel is open year-round with different seasonal activities.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Selma Spa Suits
Selma Spa suits guests seeking a lakeside Scandinavian spa hotel in a natural, literary, and culturally rich setting rather than an urban or city-adjacent spa. The infinity pool overlooking Lake Fryken, the Varmland forest backdrop, and the connection to Selma Lagerlof's landscape give the resort a distinctive atmosphere. Couples seeking a calm overnight break, families wanting a lakeside spa day, and groups who want to combine spa with Varmland's outdoor activities all find the resort well suited.
The cultural context around Selma Lagerlof adds value for literary travellers: Marbacka, her estate and museum, is approximately 7 kilometres from the spa. Rottneros Park, a sculpture garden and arboretum on Lake Fryken, is also within easy driving distance. For those looking for hot springs near Karlstad, Selma Spa is the primary dedicated spa hotel in the region. In winter, Ski Sunne alpine resort is 20 minutes away, making the spa a natural post-skiing recovery base. The Sundsberg outdoor area adjacent to the hotel has trails for all seasons.
Wheelchair access at Selma Spa is partially confirmed. An elevator is present in the hotel. However, step-free entry to the outdoor pools and full spa area access has not been explicitly confirmed. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should contact selmaspa.se before booking to confirm current routes and whether adapted pool entry is available.
Safety & Etiquette
Selma Spa Safety Tips
Selma Spa is a managed facility with staff on site during all operating hours. The heated pools and hot tubs are maintained at comfortable bathing temperatures; limit continuous soaking to 20-30 minutes and rest between rounds. In colder months, outdoor transitions between the indoor pool and outdoor pools require a robe or towel; the temperature difference can be significant. People with cardiovascular conditions or pregnancy should seek medical advice before extended hot tub or sauna use. The three saunas (dry, steam, herbal) have different levels of intensity; start with the gentler herbal sauna if you are new to sauna practice, then progress to the drier and hotter options.
The infinity pool is designed to appear visually continuous with Lake Fryken but is a separate facility; do not attempt to enter the lake directly from the pool area. The outdoor pools have wet surrounds and require grip sandals. Children are welcome at Selma Spa; keep children under close supervision at all times in pool areas. Water aerobics classes and gym facilities are also available for guests who want structured activity alongside spa time.
Book day spa visits and treatment appointments at selmaspa.se in advance, particularly at weekends and during Swedish summer and winter school holidays. Restaurant Smak serves lunch between 12:00 and 14:00 and dinner by reservation; book the dinner sitting when planning a spa with dinner day. Treatments use Maria Akerberg Deepskin Organics products; notify reception of any skin allergies or sensitivities when booking. The Sundsberg outdoor trail area is adjacent; wear appropriate footwear for forest trails and check conditions in winter.
