WILDLIFE
EXPERIENCES
Meet the king of the forest – and more!
We will take you on an adventurous wildlife photo safari through “untouched land” within one of the oldest national parks of Sweden – where you will also get to see one of the oldest trees in the world with 9 500 years of age…
The region of Jämtland / Härjedalen is home to a great variety of wild animals and unique nature phenomena. The “king of the forest”, the moose, is part of Jämtland’s official emblem for a good reason, since you may not only spot him in animal parks but also as he crosses the roads from time to time.
In the wild nature in general, but for sure in the national park, you will have the opportunity to meet a lot of animals. We will teach you reading their tracks as well as how and when you may get the best chances for a ”wild encounter”. The landscapes in the national park will amaze you with rare and well-preserved geological and biological forms that once got shaped by the massive ice sheets and melting waters as well as by nature itself. There is an extensive system of so-called “squeegee gutters” on the mountain slopes, formed by running water along the melting ice edges. Other remnants from the Ice Age that give the area its character are the uncountable boulders which often got arranged by nature’s forces in grid patterns, so-called stone rings.
Besides mooses, foxes, beavers, lynx, snow hares, golden eagles and a great variety of other birds, Härjedalen is one of the rare spots where you can also go on a photo safari for another fascinating inhabitant of the wild: the bear.
The Bear
Our region is one of the bear densest areas in Scandinavia, being a permanent residence of a larger group of bears that roam huge areas of the national park – most of the time each one on its own.
Our experienced guides invite you to come along on a tour in autumn, when the bears are on their ways to the winter quarters.
During that time, they eat a lot to be able to fast for months since they sleep all winter long. Don’t forget to bring your telephoto lens, as you will watch the bear from a safe distance, of course!
For safest encounters with bears, these guided tours will only take place from September until the winter comes.
Following these exciting nature experiences there are two more unique kinds of animals to visit: the reindeer and the musk.
The Reindeers & the Sami
Take a selfie with the reindeers as they cross the streets – or as you visit the Sami in our area.
The Sami were the first native inhabitants of northern Scandinavia. Earlier the Sami population was named “the Laps” and their land was called “Lapland”. However, today everybody uses the words “Sami” and “Sápmi”(south sami language for Sameland), talking about the historical settlements of the Sami.
In Sweden, it is merely the Sami population who is allowed to own reindeers – though it is not forbidden to owe a couple of reindeers in general. The breeding mark that every reindeer gets from its owner is an individual sign that gets inherited from one generation to the next. In Sweden all reindeers in the wild are belonging to the Sami, while in Norway there are some wild reindeers roaming the landscapes as well.
However, most of the Sami in Scandinavia are no longer working with reindeers. Many now live in the bigger cities and work there as lawyers, teachers, computer specialists etc. just like anybody else.
The Musk
Last but not least, you will be able to meet the musk. There are merely a handful left running wild in Sweden – actually almost right outside our doorstep. But to make sure you will get to observe them, we will take you to a nearby musk park, where these wonderful animals have found shelter and a refugee.
The musks that live in Scandinavia had been transported over from Greenland to Norway at about 100 years ago. Today, there are a couple of hundred musks still living in Scandinavia, of which approximately 25 found home in the Swedish highlands. But as this population is actually too small to persist, the park is breeding them to preserve the species.
As you discover the Swedish wildlife during your trip through the “fjäll” (highlands) you will also be able to enjoy the unique flora of the area – including edible mushrooms and berries if you happen to come in late July or August.
This week is packed with fantastic wildlife experiences within genuine nature. We take our breaks at old wooden sheds and shelters where we enjoy the warmth of an open fire on which we will brew fresh coffee and cook some tasty snacks that we take along with us.
Accommodation
Your accommodation will be at the wonderful Skarvruet Highland Hotel with its vintage wilderness ambience. Its wellness area offers a panorama sauna with breath-taking views over the untouched mountains and a wood burning finish sauna built from old timber and a grass roof. The artisanal food served at Skarvruet has the character of the northern wilderness.
During the evenings of your wildlife adventure week, you are welcome back to the hotel to warm up in the saunas or the hot tubs and enjoy a three-course dinner at the restaurant.
See more of the hotel at: www.skarvruet.com
Trip details
Season:
August, September, October
For safest encounters with bears, these guided tours will only take place from September until the winter comes.
Trip duration:
4 – 6 days
Price range:
1 700 – 2 100 Euro
Including all transfers, guided tours, entrance fees, equipment, accommodation, breakfast, lunch packs and dinner.
Let us create your personal adventure box!
Many activities from our portfolio can be combined to shape an individual program. Our adventure travel consultants are looking forward to receiving your inquiry.
