History

Our story begins in the winter of 1520–1521.

More than two million participants have crossed the finish line in one of Vasaloppet’s various races since it began in 1922. But in truth, the event was born 400 years earlier, with just a single person. Vasaloppet follows the very route along which a certain Gustav Vasa fled from the Danish king’s soldiers.

During his flight from the Danish king in 1521 Gustav Eriksson stopped in Sälen and returned to Mora to lead the uprising against the occupation forces. Gustav Eriksson eventually united the realm and became Sweden’s first king, better known under the name Gustav Vasa. In other words, Sälen is not only the starting point for one of the world’s largest exercise race; it is also the starting point for the history of our whole country.

Here you can read more about the history of Vasaloppet, as well as exciting facts, records, lists and trivia. We see these pages as the start of ”Vasaloppet’s digital museum”. Enjoy!