Sweden is a compelling wildlife destination, with large areas of preserved wilderness — thick moss-blanketed forests, mirror-still lakes, scenic rivers and vast wetlands — that are home to a huge variety of species, including majestic moose, brown bears, Arctic wolves and the elusive lynx. With an impressive 30 national parks, it’s the ideal place to get up close and personal with beautiful animals. Visitors can experience everything from moose safaris, to beaver expeditions, to sailing with seals. Read on to find out more about wildlife in Sweden.
- What You Can See
- Explore the Land and Water Around Stockholm
- Meet Reindeer in Northern Sweden
- Track Bears and Beavers in Central Sweden
- Join a Moose Safari in Southern Sweden
- Spot Coastal Wildlife in Western Sweden
- What to Pack for Your Adventure
What You Can See
Among the most spotted wildlife in Sweden are moose (often referred to as elk), seals, beavers, otters, wild boar and deer. In fact, Sweden has a denser moose population than any other country in the world, with about 300,000 to 400,000 roaming around come summer. Ornithologists are spoilt for choice too, with opportunities to see owls, woodpeckers, robins and, arguably Europe’s most majestic bird, the golden eagle. Predators such as brown bears, wolves, Arctic foxes, and wolverines — the largest terrestrial member of the weasel family — do live in Sweden but are harder to spot, with lynx proving to be the most evasive.
Explore the Land and Water Around Stockholm
You don’t have to head to the remote wilderness to spot some of Sweden’s wonderful wildlife, there’s plenty to see close to the captivating capital, Stockholm. Less than 13 miles from the city, Tyresta National Park and Nature Reserve is loaded with hiking trails from which you can track roe deer, hare, fox and elk as well as local birds including robins, willow warblers and chaffinches. The park is one of the country’s top nature and wildlife areas and its proximity to the capital makes it an excellent day trip to slot into a city break. Alternatively, you could take to the water. Kayaking and sailing around the Stockholm Archipelago are two of the best – and most enjoyable – ways to spot seals and white-tailed eagles.
Meet Reindeer in Northern Sweden
Northern Sweden is renowned for its reindeer. Although they are wild, they’re treated as domestic animals by the indigenous Sami people, who herd them, use them for work and sell their meat. Head to Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland for a choice of safari experiences focused on tracking reindeer, moose, and perhaps even golden eagles. During the summer months you might see bears, wolverines, lynx and large elks. For really wild adventures, visitors can venture to the remote Sarek National Park – often called Europe´s last true wilderness – in the vast Laponia region, for moose spotting.
Track Bears and Beavers in Central Sweden
In central Sweden, Halsingland’s rocky, mountainous terrain is covered with dense forest – the perfect habitat for brown bears. It’s also good for viewing wolves, roe deer, golden eagles, plus some 20,000 beavers, known as the ‘architects of the river’. To find one, just look for trees and fresh water (both of which are plentiful in central Sweden). The Klarälven River is rich territory, and canoeing or rafting is a fun way to encounter this unique rodent, with April to September being the best time to spot them. A known hotspot for otters is Gysinge Bruk by Dalälven River in Färnebofjärden National Park where you can even see them playing on the ice during the winter.
Join a Moose Safari in Southern Sweden
Åsnens Nationalpark in Småland is a wildlife treasure trove three hours’ drive southeast of Gothenburg. Elk and wild boars are often seen in the area, and the park’s islets are home to many birds, such as osprey, white-tailed eagles and woodpeckers. Smålandet Moose Safari near Markaryd offers the unique opportunity to come face to face with the ruler of the forest. Head out on an adventure among elk and bison across the leafy, winding trail. There’s also a goat enclosure and a great café on site where you can recharge after all the excitement. Söderåsen National Park is another southerly spot for wildlife in Sweden. The landscape dates back 70 to 80 million years and is characterised by beautiful beech forests, clear streams, high cliffs and volcanic faults. The park has a rich variety of flora and fauna including rare species of mushrooms, insects, water creatures, mosses, birds and bats. In the summer, you can also take a revitalising dip in the waters of Lake Odensjön.
Spot Coastal Wildlife in Western Sweden
Kosterhavet National Park is a stunning area around the Koster Islands in Bohuslän. Beneath the sea lie coral reefs waiting to be discovered while rich birdlife and seals attract visitors above the waterline. Alternatively, you could head off the west coast of Gotland to the island of Stora Karlsö. One of the world’s oldest nature reserves, the island is considered a prime place for spotting wildlife in Sweden. It’s known for fantastic birdlife – watch out for common murre, razorbill and black guillemot – as well as varied flora and stunning sea views.
What to Pack for Your Adventure
As with any safari, you will need to pack for the weather. Swedish summers are short, and even then, it’s best to bring warm clothing. Layers, including a hat and a waterproof jacket, are essential. In winter, it’s prudent to prepare for snow, as the ground is often cloaked from November until April. Pack a warm coat, hat, waterproof trousers, gloves, and winter boots. If you’re travelling with children, you may also want to bring them a change of clothing for the days that you’ll be out exploring Sweden’s stunning nature.