Tailormade Holidays in Sweden

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.

Accommodation in Central Sweden – Bergslagen and Hälsingland

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 in Swedish Lapland