Experience Wildlife Safaris in Sweden

So you’ve watched elephants lumber across the dusty plains of the Serengeti, and spotted Bengal tigers lapping from waterholes deep in the jungles of India. Perhaps you’ve seen polar bears playing in the snow in Canada, or observed sloths doze in the treetops of the Amazon Rainforest. However, have you ever considered a wildlife safari in Sweden? Welcome to Europe’s most underrated wildlife-watching destination.

The Untouched Wilderness of Sweden

Sweden, with its vast forests, numerous lakes, and long coastline, is an ideal setting to reconnect with nature. There are many unique ways to experience its wilderness, from hiking blueberry-lined trails to staying in quirky off-grid ecolodges. Moreover, in recent years, Sweden’s tourism industry has started to emphasize one of its greatest natural treasures: its wildlife. Here are five incredible species you can now check off on a Swedish safari.

Wolves

Hunted to extinction in the 1960s, grey wolves have been returning to Sweden since the early 1980s. Protected since 1966, Sweden’s wolf population now numbers at least 300, with approximately 40 family groups residing in the forests of Central Sweden. While many farmers perceive the return of wolves as a nuisance, wildlife tour guide Marcus Eldh views it as a gift.

“It’s not easy to predict where you might see a wolf during the day, but if you can locate a den, you have a good chance of hearing them howl at night, which is a truly special experience,” states Eldh, who is Sweden’s only wolf-tracking tour operator.

Working closely with the Scandinavian Wolf Project, Wild Sweden offers an overnight tour camping in a secret location near Skinnskatteberg, about two hours northwest of Stockholm by train or car. After learning to identify wolf tracks, droppings, and sounds, groups venture out on foot to a strategic location within howling distance of a wolf den, from where they can hear wolves make their distinctive calls signaling their return from hunting. If you’re fortunate, you might hear the pups yelp in response.

“Sometimes we even hear wolves howl from the camp,” Eldh adds. “The last deadly wolf attack in the wild in Sweden occurred in the 1820s.”

When to go: Tours operate from May to September.

Beavers

Sweden’s endemic Eurasian beavers were also hunted to extinction, primarily for their fur and castoreum used in perfumes. Declared extinct in 1871, they were reintroduced 50 years later. Today, Sweden’s beaver population boasts over 130,000 individuals, with many residing in Central Sweden.

To maximize your chances of spotting beavers, you’ll need to join a tour in a beaver-rich area after sundown, when they are most active. Wild Sweden conducts its beaver safaris via electric motor boat near the village of Färna, which is two hours northwest of Stockholm. This eco-friendly option is quieter and ideal for observing wildlife. Alternatively, those seeking a more immersive experience can join evening beaver canoe safaris in the biodiverse Malingsbo-Kloten Nature Reserve by Nordic Discovery.

“This silent mode of transport allows us to observe beavers closely, and also provides a chance to spot moose, deer, foxes, badgers, hares, and various birds,” says Mikael Nilsson, wildlife guide and founder of Nordic Discovery. Both operators report near guarantees of sighting beavers on nearly every tour, as they frequently swim, chew soft plants, and fell trees for food and building materials.

When to go: Tours are conducted from May to September, with winter options available in non-freezing waterways.

Moose

With a higher per capita population of moose than anywhere else in the world, spotting the world’s largest elk in Sweden is nearly guaranteed. While these majestic creatures inhabit all parts of the country, they are often spotted in energiskog or timber plantations known as “energy forests,” especially during dawn and dusk.

“The trees are harvested regularly, providing ample young leaves for moose to enjoy,” explains Eldh, who conducts moose safaris by both car and foot. Additionally, Stockholm-based operator Green Trails offers a moose safari with transfers from Stockholm.

If you’re inclined to embark on your own safari, make sure to check hunting season dates prior to entering energiskogs or wilderness areas on foot, as these dates can vary. Furthermore, always remain vigilant while driving, as thousands of road accidents involving moose occur in Sweden annually.

When to go: Evening tours run from May to September.

Bears

While Sweden may not have polar bears, it is home to an estimated 3,200 Eurasian brown bears that roam the wilds of Central Sweden. Several purpose-built bear hides offer prime viewing opportunities for observing this majestic predator. Based in Järbo, a little over two hours north of Stockholm, Wild Nordic organizes overnight tours to a nearby hide featuring nine windows and photo openings along with bunk beds for guests who might need a rest.

Near the village of Annefors, just 90 minutes northwest of Järbo, Vargas Vildmarkslodge boasts its own bear hide, once called the world’s best by the BBC.

“In 2019, we recorded a 98.7 percent success rate of seeing at least one bear from the hide per night; sometimes, we see up to five,” mentions Håkan Vargas, the owner of the Wilderness Lodge. Bears have been known to come as close as five meters from the hide, which also features bunk beds and comfortable seating. Visits to both hides can be arranged through Wild Sweden.

When to go: Bear viewing tours run from May to August, with the best light for photography occurring during the midsummer months (mid-June to mid-August).

Seals

Along Sweden’s coastlines, you can spot three species of seal: common, grey, and ringed. Seal-spotting boat safaris are available in both the Stockholm Archipelago (consider Skargard in Nynäshamn, a 45-minute drive south of Stockholm) and in the Gothenburg Archipelago (check out Hönö Boat Trips or Kastor Boat Trips on Hönö island). Notably, Kosterhavet National Park — Sweden’s first marine national park — hosts one of the largest seal colonies, making a two-hour drive north of Gothenburg worthwhile for a seal safari with Selin Charter, which operates out of Strömstad.

“Kosterhavet National Park is home to approximately 6,000 different marine species, creating a rich habitat for seals,” states Helena Lantz of Selin Charter. “On a sunny day with little wind, we observe hundreds of seals on each tour as they relax on the rocks or swim around the boat.”

When to go: Most tours operate during the summer months; aim for July to mid-August for the best chance to see seals with their pups.

Sarah Reid explored Sweden with support from the Adventure Travel Trade Association, West Sweden, and Wild Sweden.