Wolves, Moose & Beavers in the forests of Central Sweden

We did the tour as a family of 7, children aged 17 -23. Every minute was wonderful, our guide Sofia was charming, knowledgable and judged the pace of each activity perfectly. The week was divided in to activities and downtime for each day which we loved, and felt that we'd used every minute to the max. Everything was beautifully planned and organised, and all necessary equipment was available for us to use. (We took our own walking boots and waterproofs) The food was fabulous, the scenery is even better - and even in a torrential rainstorm we loved our picnic supper with a campfire under the tarpaulin. We didn't manage to see Beavers the night we went out to look for them, but we didn't feel that we'd missed out - the evening on the water and our picnic on a little island camp on the lake was dreamy, and a beaver would have been a bonus, but definitely not a requirement. It was huge fun looking for them. For the Wolf tour we were joined by two extra guides, Simon and Eddie (as well as Sofia). I was worried that we wouldn't be able to sit in silence for up to 2 hours without giggling, but after the full and fascinating explanation, wolf workshop and extremely delicious camp supper, we were more than ready to follow all instructions to the letter. Simon was extremely knowledgeable and we were all completely gripped from the start. He managed our expectations very well, and we realised that the chances of hearing a wolf in the current conditions weren't all that high, and the chances of seeing one even less but we were keen to try. Simon and Eddie had spent the previous few days searching a wide aread for signs of recent wolf presence, and selected a spot they thought had the best opportunity. We walked in single file, in silence for about an hour (easy walking on a dirt road), and then sat in the dark for a further hour and a half waiting and listening. It was extraordinary. It was so intense, so full of hope and excitement, that we strained every fibre to hear. To sit in silence for nearly two hours, in a forest far away from signs and sounds of human population is a unique experience on it's own, and something that everyone should think about doing. I felt I could almost hear the trees growing....and then, a wolf howled. It was nothing short of electrifying, a true privilege to hear. It was primal, haunting, beautiful and truly life enhancing. DO NOT MISS A CHANCE TO DO THIS. The hotel is delightful - it has an elegant country house feel, with a calm and efficient management. The food is outstanding, much of it grown in the grounds, and most of the other ingredients are locally sourced. The staff were always smiling and helpful. The Spa is an added bonus, and the lakes are perfect for swimming and canoeing. Honestly, it was the best holiday we've ever had, and we'd do it again in a heartbeat. We will definitely be back to do other tours. One recommendation - stay an extra night in the hotel after the Wolf Tour. It will allow you to digest the full magical experience in a calm and peaceful environment - I think going straight back to a city straight afterwards would have been difficult. •

From the moment of booking Wild Sweden (Gina) were fantastic answering all my questions very industriously and quickly and I loved the fact that however small my question they always said ‘it is good that you ask’ and gave me succinct and timely advice. Well - Simon and Sweden have had a profound effect on us as a family - we miss him and Sweden a lot and are already planning how and when to return. Many of my friends are envious of our trip and even though in reference to the itinerary it could be deemed as unsuccessful - we didn’t see beavers or hear wolves - we wouldn’t change a thing. - In place of beavers we had an owl in flight, a heron in flight, amazing sunset and rain on lily pads and a rainbow - and instead of wolves howling, we had Simon singing and an exciting thunderstorm. However - the icing on the cake was definitely Simon - oh my gosh how do I explain? - Calm, funny, excitable, knowledgeable, reassuring, patient, passionate, full of energy and wisdom. He was wonderful company and his attention to detail when preparing the meals and excursions and flexibility was second to none. He coped with the sassiness of one particular guest in a respectful yet funny way that lent the trip a positive energy and showed his great command of the English language in interpreting situations! For my teenage boys I could not have asked for anyone better - he engaged with them and inspired them on so many different levels - from actively asking about their interests and plans for the future to also supporting and encouraging them in their burgeoning interest in photography with wonderful tips for a ‘richer’ photo of plants, to stopping frequently for the wildlife and staying out longer when some owl juveniles were found after the moose interaction. He filled them with knowledge inspiration and confidence and they blossomed whilst with him. He is truly a treasure and we feel extremely lucky to have found Wild Sweden - we will be booking again!

A well organized tour with a professional and engaging guide. The accommodation, food and schedule was first rate with a pace that ensured it was a relaxing, informative and enjoyable trip. Seeing moose and hearing wolves and beavers while immersing in their natural environment was a wonderful experience. Thank you Wild Sweden and our guides Sofia and Simon!