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The leaders could not have been better: two extraordinarily knowledgeable and enthusiastic wildlife specialists, who at every stage were able to answer questions and tell us stories about their experiences, as well as showing us around. It was very special having three intensive days with top bird and wildlife specialists. There was a great balance of adventure in the outdoors and comfort at the hotel.
E.C. Uppsala, Jan 23
Location Highlights
- Central Sweden – Bergslagen and Hälsingland - search for some of Europe’s larger and most sought-after mammal species deep within tranquil and beautiful forests, including Moose, Wolf, Beaver and Brown Bear
- Swedish Lapland - travel into the Arctic Circle for opportunities to marvel at the majestically vibrant Aurora Borealis, as well as good chances of winter birdlife, Reindeer and Moose
Tailormade Holidays in Sweden
Tailormade | Tour Code: TSWECreate your own Tailormade holiday to Sweden with dates and an itinerary to suit you.
or call +44 (0) 1962 733051
When to Visit
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| YY | YY | Y | Y | Y | YY | YY | YY | YY | Y | - | YY |
SAMPLE HOLIDAY: Mammals of Central Sweden
5 days from £2,595 (Flight Inclusive)
A 5-day holiday amongst the dense forests and lakes of scenic Bergslagen and Halsingland, in central Sweden.
Location Highlights
- Central Sweden – Bergslagen and Hälsingland - search for some of Europe’s larger and most sought-after mammal species deep within tranquil and beautiful forests, including Moose, Wolf, Beaver and Brown Bear
- Swedish Lapland - travel into the Arctic Circle for opportunities to marvel at the majestically vibrant Aurora Borealis, as well as good chances of winter birdlife, Reindeer and Moose
Summary
Sweden is renowned for its vast tracts of untouched primeval forest, its long and varied coastline dotted with over 8,000 islands, its mighty mountain ranges and deep azure lakes. Famous too for its Viking past, today this breathtaking Nordic country is a highly developed democracy and a peace-loving nation. Although the third largest country in the EU, over 85% of its populace is centred in urban areas, leaving vast tracts of wild land ready to be explored by the keen naturalist.
Some 65% of Sweden is covered in dense forest, home to a mesmerising array of mammals, including Brown Bear, Wolf, Beaver, Mountain Hare and Moose. Most of Sweden has a temperate climate, with pleasant summers and quite cold winters, although 15% of the country lies north of the Arctic Circle. One can enjoy searching for the charismatic resident wintering birds in Swedish Lapland or marvel at some fabulous breeding birds in spring. Botanists will delight in spectacular carpets of wildflowers on the islands of Oland and Gotland, including many orchids, and those with an interest in butterflies will have chances of an intriguing combination of Scandinavian and Eastern European species, including Sweden’s rarest butterfly, Assman’s Fritillary. Sweden also has a long coastline to the east, and to the west lies the long Skanderna mountain chain. Gotland and Oland are its largest islands, and Vanern and Vattern are its largest lakes.
With so much to offer the naturalist, and all to a simply breath-taking scenic backdrop, Sweden is an obvious choice for a European holiday, which lends itself extremely well to Tailormade itineraries.
Our Destinations
A drive of only a couple of hours from Stockholm takes you deep within the tranquil and beautiful forests of central Sweden, where some of Europe’s larger and most sought-after mammal species, long since extinct in the British Isles, still outnumber the human population. Elk (locally known as the ‘king of the forest’), Beaver, Lynx and Brown Bears can be found amidst the scenic lakes and dense forests of the Bergslagen and Hälsingland regions, alongside smaller but equally enthralling species such as Mountain Hare, Roe Deer, Red Squirrel and Red Fox. Indeed, the Elk population here exceeds 400,000; the highest density in the world! Opportunities, too, exist to join experts tracking Wolves, looking for signs and listening for their haunting deep into the night. It is a magical experience to sit in front of a crackling campfire and hear these most elegant of creatures respond to the ‘calls’ made by expert guides, in a technique used by the region’s hunters for thousands of years. A night spent in a Bear Hide, set deep within the rolling forested hills of Gästrikland, is an equally enticing experience and offers one of the best opportunities to view and photograph Brown Bears in Sweden. Days in Central Sweden can be spent scouring the water ways by electric boat in search of Beaver, Moose tracking along the deserted byways, or taking traditional canoes across the tranquil lakes. It is simply the perfect choice for a relaxing nature escape.
Home to the Sami people, Swedish Lapland is often visited during the winter months. Those braving the cold will be rewarded with simply spectacular scenery, a small but superbly special selection of wildlife and good chances of seeing the majestic Northern Lights, which can be viewed whilst standing atop a frozen lake, sipping on warming lingonberry juice. In winter the ground is covered with a thick blanket of glittering, pristine snow, trees bending under its weight to create an almost other-worldly landscape. Daylight hours are short, and this majestic landscape can be explored by vehicle, on foot or, perhaps most excitingly, by traditional husky sled, warming up around roaring camp fires during breaks. Accommodation options are varied to suit every taste, perhaps the most special being the opportunity to spend a night (or two!) deep within snow-covered lands, in a traditional and supremely cosy ‘lávvu’ tent, dining on local meals and falling asleep to the unspoilt backdrop of the Milky Way and even, perhaps, the green and red hues of the Northern Lights.
Those in search of the Aurora Borealis should consider venturing to Jokkmokk, north of Luleä and just inside the Arctic Circle. Here, the climate is fairly stable, dry, cold and clear – excellent conditions for watching this wonderful natural light show as it dances silently across the sky to the wonder of its enchanted audience.
During the winter months, the forests are relatively quiet of birdsong, however there are still good chances of such species as Dipper, Willow Ptarmigan, Black Grouse, Capercaillie and Raven, and a superb feeding station offers chances of Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Crested Tit and Willow Tit, and perhaps Red Squirrel too. During the spring, however, this wilderness region offers a comprehensive range of birds, including owls, seven woodpecker species, Hazel and Willow Grouse, with Slavonian Grebes in full summer plumage in later months, as well as Bluethroats singing day and night, and even the whisper of Great Grey Owl wings through the forest. Mammals are also a key interest in this region, with herds of ever-roaming Reindeer, as well as some of Europe’s largest Eurasian Elk (Moose), providing fabulous photographic opportunities. This is truly an unforgettable place!
Accommodation
Sample Itineraries
A 5-day holiday amongst the dense forests and lakes of scenic Bergslagen and Halsingland, in central Sweden.
Day 1
Fly Stockholm Arlanda and transfer Bergslagen. Evening Elk watching
Day 2
Wolf tracking & howling; overnight Bergslagen
Day 3
Beaver watching; overnight Bergslagen
Day 4
Transfer Hälsingland; overnight Bear Hide
Day 5
Transfer Västerås and fly London
SAMPLE ITINERARY
COST (PER ADULT)
The Essentials
- Wildlife Guides: Good local English-speaking naturalists are available as well as specialist birding guides.
- When to Visit: This really depends on what you are hoping to see and which part of Sweden you would like to visit. For those looking for a mammal focused holiday in Central Sweden, the months of June to September are best, and offer long days and pleasant temperatures. Those looking for the pristine winter landscapes of northern Lapland should time their visit between December and March.
J F M A M J J A S O N D YY YY Y Y Y YY YY YY YY Y - YY - Getting Around: Most Tailormade guests will choose to travel around Sweden in a private vehicle driven by their guide, although the country is served by an excellent road network so those preferring to self-drive will be well accommodated.
Reviews
Why Naturetrek Tailormade?
'A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.
Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age
Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!'
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