Wildlife in Sweden
Sweden is a beautiful country with vast forests and wilderness areas that are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including moose (also known as elk), brown bears, wolves, lynx, and reindeer. If you're a tourist looking to see these animals up close, here are some tips to help you:
This frozen lake view can be seen from the house and offers the chance to see birdlife all year round
Be lucky: Seeing Swedish wildlife particularly moose, brown bears, wolves, lynx, and reindeer is not guaranteed. Patience and luck is needed but you can do a number of things to stack the odds in your favour. Firstly, choose the right time and place. Moose and other wildlife are most active during early mornings and late evenings. The best time to see them is from late May to early September and choose open areas like fields and meadows. Although moose spend the majority of their time in dense forests, in summer evenings they often venture out into open areas in search for food.
Join a guided wildlife tour: A guided tour with an experienced local guide is the best way to see moose and other wildlife safely and responsibly. They know the best places to go and can provide you with useful information about the animals and their behavior. There are many tour companies that offer wildlife tours, and you can book them online or through your hotel. Check out WildSweden for some incredible experiences and the chance to see wolves, moose, beavers and bears.
Use binoculars: Even if you're on a guided tour, it's important to bring binoculars with you. They will help you spot animals from a distance without disturbing them. If you rent our vacation house we provide a pair for you to take into the forest or use from the comfort of the outdoor decking areas.
Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable and warm clothing, as wildlife tours usually take place in the early mornings and late evenings when it can be chilly. Dress in layers, so you can easily adjust your clothing as the temperature changes.
Stay quiet and still: When you're in the presence of wildlife, it's important to stay quiet and still. Any sudden movements or loud noises can startle the animals, causing them to run away. If you are on foot, walk in silence, and very patient as the wildlife are more likely to see and hear you coming before you see them.
Be respectful: Remember that you're in the animals' habitat, so be respectful and observe them from a distance. Never approach them or try to feed them, as this can be dangerous for both you and the animals.
Drive carefully: If you're driving on roads near wildlife areas, be sure to drive carefully and slowly. Moose and other animals can suddenly appear on the road, so be alert and ready to brake.
Safari: There are numerous wildlife parks in Sweden that almost guarantee seeing the local wildlife. If you’re driving to the house from Denmark or Germany it’s worth stopping off at one of these moose safari parks listed here in Småland. The nearest park to the vacation home is only a 30-min drive away with animals that are kept in large enclosures that are as natural to them as possible. Find our more here!
Overall, seeing moose and other wildlife in Sweden can be an unforgettable experience. By following these tips, you can do it safely, responsibly, and with respect for the animals and their habitat.