Though it is one of Europe’s largest countries, Sweden has a comparatively small population that is mostly based in urban areas, allowing its vast wilderness areas to remain pristine and beautiful. Indeed, Sweden was the first European country to establish national parks, of which there are now 30 spread throughout the country. These parks encompass a variety of landscapes, including vast boreal forests, mountains, lakes & wetlands, offshore islands, and even deep-water coral reefs!
These diverse landscapes protect an equally diverse catalogue of wildlife species. The wildlife highlights of Sweden include Arctic fox, Eurasian wolf, wolverine, lynx, moose, reindeer, brown bear, beavers, red squirrels, stoat, red deer, mountain hare – to name but a few! Sweden has over 500 species of bird, including the great grey owl, pine marten, sea eagle and the very rare golden eagle. The blackbird is the national bird of Sweden.
Sweden’s great wilderness regions provide a setting for fabulous walking holidays as well as wildlife-viewing. The Scandinavian Mountains divide Sweden and Norway and stretch as far as Finland. Although not a high mountain range (few of the peaks in Sweden exceed 2,000 metres), they offer great walking and trekking, including along the famous King’s Trail.
SWEDEN AT A GLANCE
Sweden can be visited year-round, though many activities and regions are seasonal.
Late June to mid-August is high summer with the longest and hottest days. This is a good time for walking and trekking, and for visiting the off-shore islands around Stockholm for diving and kayaking.
June is a fabulous time to view birds, flowers and butterflies in Svartådalen – approx 2 hours’ drive from Stockholm.
Bear watching is best late summer/autumn, when the forests are full of berries! Bergslagen forest is wonderful for observing, not just bears, but also wolves, moose and (occasionally) lynx – and the forest is just 2 hours from Stockholm! Further afield, Dalarna - approx. 4 hours’ drive from Stockholm – also offers fabulous bear watching.
The winter months from October to early March bring opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights and winter sports.
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