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Five days in Sweden tracking wild mammals. Although not all mammals were seen or heard, the whole five days was spent experiencing their habit with lots of evidence of their proximity, particularly Beavers and Wild Boar. Wolf droppings also proved we were within their territory even if they did not want to answer our Tour Leader's (very realistic) calls. Moose day was wet but we were still lucky to come across a few including Mum and yearling. Three Bear sightings were a real boost at the end of the five days (worth the night without sleep). The Black Woodpecker feeding her young was also a bonus even for those not necessarily into bird-watching. Picnicking (even in the rain) was good fun as locations were picturesque and the speedy erection of tarpaulin to keep us all protected from the elements was an excellent additional amenity. I did not take many photographs so nothing to download. I preferred to observe with the naked eye rather than a camera. Also, being in a small group made the experience more personal, facilitated interaction with like-minded people the same time as giving space for individual enjoyment and experience. All in all an excellent trip which I would recommend to anyone wanting an adventure whilst maintaining some creature comforts.
J.L.F. Suffolk, May 19
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Sweden's Mammals
Tour Code: SWE06A 5-day holiday amongst the dense forests and lakes of scenic Bergslagen in central Sweden, where we will search for some of Sweden's larger mammals, in particular Elk, Mountain Hare, Beaver and Wolf.
£1,695 (Inc flights)
£1,545
Highlights
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Summary
In the beautiful forests of central Sweden some of Europe’s larger mammal species, long since extinct in the British Isles, still outnumber the human population. On this short break we’ll search for Elk, Beaver and learn how to track Wolves amidst the scenic lakes and dense forests of Sweden’s Bergslagen region. Based in a lakeside guesthouse, inside a forest, we’ll make evening excursions to look for Elk and Beaver. We’ll track Wolves and our guide may even demonstrate how to attract their attention – by howling!
- 20-30 Elk in one evening possible in ‘royal forests’
- Float gently downriver in a boat at dusk and get close to Beavers
- Track Wolves inside their territory
- Listen for howling Wolves in the forest after dark!
- Enjoy the forest at night, sitting round a camp fire in Wolf country
- Mountain Hare, Roe Deer, Red Squirrel & Red Fox
- Friendly, attentive hosts & led by an expert local naturalist guide
Grading
Grade B. As well as gentle walks through the woods and pastures of the lowlands, this holiday also includes longer, forest walks on rougher tracks, including after dark, so an enjoyment of walking and a measure of fitness is required.
It is just a short international flight from London to Stockholm and a drive of less than two hours to the tranquil and beautiful forests of central Sweden, home to such mammals as Elk, Wolf and Lynx, all long since extinct in the British Isles. It is these sought-after animals on which we will focus during this fascinating 5-day holiday amongst the scenic lakes and dense forests of Sweden’s Bergslagen region, in which these larger mammals far outnumber the local human population.
Our guides live in these forests and spend much of their time tracking and watching its 4-legged inhabitants, to which they are deeply devoted. We will spend much of our time travelling on foot through the forests using only the animal trails, and our guides will share with us their knowledge of tracking both Elk and Wolves and demonstrate various ways of communicating with them, some of which have been used by the region’s hunters for thousands of years. It is a magical experience to hear these creatures respond, and we have had great success calling to local Wolf packs over the years.
On arrival in Stockholm we head north into the forests of Bergslagen to the small, family-run, Udden Guesthouse which overlooks a tranquil lake. This delightful guesthouse is a short drive from the Bergslagen Wildlife Research Station. Here researchers work to conserve such species as Wolf, Lynx and Brown Bear and we will visit the research station during our stay to learn about their work, and the lives of these rare and secretive predators.
We should have time on our first evening to search the forests, by vehicle and on foot, for Elk (or Moose, as it is known in north America), the ‘king of the forest’ and the mightiest of all Nordic animals. With a population of over 400,000, Sweden boasts more Elk per square kilometre than any other country in the world, and in these ‘royal forests’ it is possible to see 20 or 30 of these magnificent animals in an evening, as well as such other mammals as Roe Deer, Mountain Hare, Red Fox and, very occasionally, Eurasian Lynx.
We spend our next three full days exploring the forests of the region thoroughly, enjoying their birdlife and such mammals as Red Squirrel and perhaps Stoat or Pine Marten by day. On one evening, we will take to one of the nearby lakes where Beaver is common, travelling silently by electric boat. We are likely to pass several Beaver lodges along the way and, as dusk falls, we will search for the inhabitants of these lodges as they commence their busy evening activities. On another day we will explore the territory of a local Wolf pack, walking in the forests and swamps of the region looking for signs and tracks of the pack. A sighting of these Wolves in such dense terrain is a rarity but, returning to the forest as dusk falls, we will enjoy dinner over the camp fire in the heart of the forest and our guide will call to the pack and endeavour to attract a response — for the howling of Wolves at night is one of the most memorable experiences that the natural world has to offer!
As many of the species that we will be searching for are easier to see at dusk — and we will need to stay out late to try and hear the howls of the local Wolves — we can expect some late nights during the tour, but no compulsory early mornings! There will be time to relax during the day too, to take a gentle stroll around the lake, borrow a canoe and go for a paddle, enjoy a little local birdwatching or to simply sit and appreciate the stillness and the stunning scenery. All too soon, however, after lunch on our final day, it will be time to drive the two hours back to Stockholm’s Arlanda airport, and journey home to the United Kingdom.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We are based throughout at the delightful Udden Guesthouse on the edge of Bergslagen forests and overlooking a large lake. Most rooms have private en-suite bathrooms, although the guesthouse does also have two rooms sharing one en suite bathroom between them and a further two rooms which share a separate bathroom. On most departures we can provide en-suite bathrooms to the entire group, but on rare occasions it may be necessary for a couple of group members to share.
- Food:
All food is included in the price.
Reviews
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This was the best holiday ever! Amazing nature experience made even more special by such wonderful local guides. They were flexible, humorous and with such expert knowledge of the surrounding natural wildlife and area. EXCELLENT!
R.C. Herefordshire -
Short break watching Mammals in Sweden. Everything from the local guide, to the accommodation to the food was outstanding. We were lucky enough to see Elks, Fox cubs, Beavers and spent over an hour watching Bears. As always Naturetrek know how to look after their customers.
S.W. Gwent -
5 days around the forests and lakes of mid Sweden watching on the trail of bears, wolves, moose, beavers and pine martens. We had a fantastic guide and stayed in great local guesthouses and had a great time and got to see and hear all we had hoped for and more. Thoroughly recommended!
S.L. Dorset -
Marcus was a fantastic guide and all round adorable person who shared our enthusiasm at the animals we saw and we saw them all!
T.C. Hampshire -
My main reason for choosing this holiday was to see a Beaver - which I did (at very close range and for a good length of time) within 30 minutes of leaving the guesthouse on our first wildlife walk of the holiday! Amazing…
S.W. Nottinghamshire -
Marcus' enthusiasm was infectious. It was a wonderful holiday. Lots of lovely mammals - and lots of tasty cakes!
Y.M. Derbyshire -
Marcus was an excellent guide. He was very thoughtful and went to a great deal of trouble to ensure we had a trip to remember. It fulfilled all my expectations.
M.J. Monmouthshire -
This trip fulfilled all my expectations.
J.W. London -
This was my first Naturetrek holiday which I thoroughly enjoyed. The trip was greatly added to by Marcus' enthusiasm, humour and knowledge. He has set a high bar for future trips to live up to. I was also very impressed with the attention paid to all the meals as my strange dietary requirements were catered for at every meal, something which I greatly appreciated.
H.P. Aberdeenshire -
Very enjoyable trip with well informed and personable guides.
D.P. Aberdeenshire -
As with all the holidays we have been on with Naturetrek, everything was very well organised. Our tour leader, Marcus, was excellent. Our hosts at the guesthouse and bear lodge were very welcoming and friendly. Sweden is a beautiful country, and where we stayed, the peace and quiet was wonderful. Elk and beavers were new for us, and it is always a thrill to see wildlife for the first time. As for the wolves howling, what a fantastic experience.
B.C. & L.C. Suffolk -
We particularly enjoyed the stunning scenery and the walks in the forests, the beaver watching trip on the beautiful lake and the canoeing. Marcus was an outstanding guide – friendly, motivating, infectiously enthusiastic and also extremely knowledgeable. We really appreciated the information he shared about all aspects of the forest flora and fauna and about Swedish history.
C.S. London -
It is hard to sum up this experience in just a few words. But first off, what an amazing, humbling trip that takes you right back to your roots. Marcus does a terrific job, making everything about the experience as personal and unforgettable as possible. His enthusiasm, knowledge and connection with the wildlife and landscape is just so inspiring. Throughout the trip we saw many beaver, badgers, wild boar, fox, some moose, a glimpse of two wolves and more. But hearing Marcus call to the wolves and the return call has to be the highlight, to be in their territory and experience their world is very hard to put into words. Another mention has to go to the guest lodge; amazing food and amazing people also. All around an amazing trip, we will be back, thank you!
J.S. Northamptonshire
Dates & Prices
2021
2022
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