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Relaxing with a cold beer or glass or wine after a hard day’s paddling on one of our self-guided canoe tours in Värmland or hiking tours in the mountains of Lapland is one of life’s little pleasures. But you may find it harder than you think! In this series of FAQs, we look at some of the questions most frequently asked by our clients regarding Systembolaget – the Swedish national chain of off-licences.
What is Systembolaget?
Systembolaget is a nationwide, government-owned chain of off-licences in Sweden. Systembolaget stores are the only places in Sweden apart from bars, restaurants and night-clubs where strong alcoholic beverages can be purchased.
When was Systembolaget introduced?
In the second half of the 18th century, following a series of unsuccessful attempts to regulate the consumption of alcohol in Sweden, all restrictions were removed by the king. This led to a rapid increase in the consumption and home production of alcohol. In 1830, the first society for moderation in drinking was started in Stockholm, and in 1850 alcohol first began to be regulated by the state. During and following the First World War, strict rationing was in place with the quantities of alcohol which could be purchased limited. This was abolished in 1955 when Systembolaget stores were introduced. In 1965 private stores were permitted to sell beer up to 4.5% abv, but this was reduced to 3.5% in 1977 following a dramatic rise in beer consumption.
Does Systembolaget have a monopoly?
Yes. In June 2007 an EU panel of judges ruled that Systembolaget’s shop monopoly was justified, though did lift restrictions on the private import of alcohol.
Why is Systembolaget allowed to be only chain of off-licences in Sweden?
A number of regulations govern how Systembolaget stores are operated. One major reason for the monopoly being permitted is to enforce the minimum age law. Also, Systembolaget stores are prohibited from favouring particular brands, which in theory leads to a fairer choice for the consumer. Systembolaget can promote itself, but not individual products. All products are taxed on alcohol content rather than price, and all are sold with the same profit margin. Another advantage sometimes cited is that the enormous bulk buying power of the Systembolaget chain helps to keep prices down – Systembolaget is one of the largest buyers of wines and spirits in the world. Staff are well-trained and often surprisingly knowledgeable about the products on sale.
When are Systembolaget shops open?
Opening hours have been extended in some places in recent years. In larger centres, Systembolaget stores may be open Monday-Saturday, perhaps until 7pm on weekdays and 3pm on Saturdays. In smaller towns, opening hours may be restricted to weekdays and/or office hours only. In remote areas and small villages, the local store often operates as an extension of Systembolaget, where orders can be placed in advance for collection on particular days of the week
How do I buy alchohol in Systembolaget?
In some stores you can choose products off the shelf yourself as you would at the supermarket to pay at the till. In other stores, available example products are displayed behind glass cabinets. You write down the codes of the products you would like to purchase, take your order to the cash point and the assistant will fetch your items from the stores.
What is the legal age to buy alcohol in Sweden?
To buy alcohol at Systembolaget you must be aged 20 years or over. To buy alcohol in a bar or restaurant you must be 18.
Do Swedish supermarkets sell alcohol?
Yes, but only beer up to Klass II or “folköl” (“people’s beer”), max. strength 3.5% abv. Stronger beers and other alcoholic beverages must be bought at Systembolaget.
Is alcohol in Sweden expensive?
Generally yes, but not always. Sweden certainly has a reputation for high prices for alcohol. In general, prices for beer, wine and spirits in Swedish bars and restaurants are likely to be higher than in the UK.
However, Systembolaget has a very wide selection to suit a range of tastes and budgets. Prices for a bottle of wine start from around 60 SEK (about £5). As products are taxed on alcohol content rather than price, some products can be quite competitively priced relative to the international market.
Light beers (up to 3.5% abv) are sold in supermarkets and are usually very affordably priced.
Can I recycle cans and bottles in Sweden?
Yes. The price for all beer and other drinks cans includes “pant” or deposit, which will be refunded if you return the empty cans to a recycling station. Most supermarkets have a station outside the store, where you feed in your cans and then get a receipt which you can take to the till to exchange for cash or use as a discount on purchases. Don’t squash the cans! The machines will only accept them if they are intact. The same system also applies to plastic PET bottles.
The Systembolaget monopoly and restricted opening hours can seem strange to visitors from overseas, but in many ways the system functions very well. Provided you plan ahead and check local opening times, there is no reason why you should not be able to enjoy a glass of wine or cold beer after a day of outdoor activities in Sweden!
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
As an ecotourism company, we hope that you will choose to take trains and buses whenever possible as you travel around Sweden. However, cars do offer a degree of independence and allow access to certain areas hard to reach by public transport. If you do decide to drive in Sweden, there are some things that you should be aware of, for the sake of safety, ease of travel, and the environment, and we have tried to present some of the most important information in this collection of FAQs. If you have never driven in the snow before, or would like information on other aspects of driving in Sweden, you should find many of the answers below…
Which side of the road should I drive on?
Until 1967, traffic in Sweden drove on the left, as we do in the UK. Then, at 04.50 in the morning on September 3rd, traffic all across the country was directed over to the right side of the road and stopped still for 10 minutes before setting off again at 05.00, this time driving on the right, where it has remained ever since. It is hard to imagine how such a logistical operation could have been accomplished on British roads, even in 1967!
Are roads in Sweden busy?
Swedish roads generally haves far less traffic than the UK, and in many areas it is possible to drive for hours without meeting another vehicle. Outside major cities, traffic jams and queues are very rare, though you are likely to experience delays in Stockholm during peak hours.
Are the roads in good condition?
Roads in Sweden are generally very well-maintained. Rural roads may have some bumps and pits, especially in winter, and forest roads in more remote areas are likely to be unsurfaced (known as “Grusvägar”).
What special requirements are there?
Motorways are toll-free. You must drive with your headlights on at all times. If you hire a car in Sweden, headlights will be switched on as standard. You must also carry a warning triangle in the car, which you should place 50-100m behind your vehicle if stopped on a road. Again, this will be standard equipment in a hire car.
What about parking in Sweden?
Parking regulations are generally clear and easy to follow. In cities you will usually need to pay for parking, either at an on-street meter or ticket machine, between 8am and 6pm. If parking on the street, keep to the right side only (don’t park against the flow of traffic). There are a number of lay-bys for parking on main roads (see also our article on the Swedish Right of Public Access for regulations on overnight parking).
What is the speed limit in Sweden?
Don’t forget that speeds and distances in Sweden are measured in kilometres (1 mile=1.6km). Swedes will often talk of distances in terms of “mil” or “Swedish miles”: 1 mil=10km, so if a Swede tells you it is “10 miles to Gothenburg”, they mean 100km!
On motorways (roads marked with blue signs), the limit is 110kph/68mph. Main roads are marked with green signs and usually named with E plus a number (e.g. E14 for “Europaväg 14”). Speed limit here is 90kph/56mph. In towns the speed limit is 50kph/31mph. Other speed restrictions are clearly marked.
Does Sweden have speed cameras?
Yes. Presence of speed cameras in an area is usually clearly marked by signs. They look a little like a cross between a traffic light and a Dalek! The level of the fine is dependent on the amount by which you exceed the speed limit, and for serious offences your driving license may be withdrawn.
Is there a danger of animals on the road?
Driving in Sweden is an excellent way to encounter wildlife, and during your travels you may be lucky enough to spot moose, reindeer, deer, hares, red squirrels and perhaps some of the rarer animals. However, many Swedish roads travel through densely forested areas and animals on the road are a hazard to be taken seriously in order to prevent casualties among both the animal and human population. There are around 4500 accidents involving vehicles and moose alone each year in Sweden, resulting in 10-15 human fatalities.
Major roads will often have fencing to prevent animals crossing, though there will be periodic breaks to allow animals to cross. Danger points are clearly marked, but you should be aware of animals on the road at all times. If you wound an animal and it wanders off into the forest, mark the spot where it entered the forest with a ribbon or by some other means and call the police. The police will then attempt to track down the animal to put it out of its misery. It is not a criminal offence to hit an animal.
What about drinking and driving in Sweden?
Sweden has some of the strictest regulations relating to driving and alcohol consumption of any European country. The legal blood alcohol limit is currently 0.02, compared to 0.08 in the UK. Police have the right to demand a blood sample and failing a test will result in imprisonment.
Do I have to wear a seatbelt in Sweden?
Yes. Seatbelts are compulsory both front and rear. Children under 7 must have an approved seat, and it is illegal to use a backwards-facing child seat in cars with an airbag on the passenger side.
How old do I need to be to drive in Sweden?
The minimum age for driving is 18.
Do I need to carry documents with me?
It is a good idea to carry your driving licence, registration documentation, passport and insurance certificate with you when driving.
What are some useful Swedish words to know for motorists?
Parkering Förbjuden – No Parking
Infart – Entrance
Avfart – Exit
Bensin – Petrol
Sjukhus – Hospital
Omläggning – Diversion
Gäller Ej… – Doesn’t apply to…
What is the number for emergency services in Sweden?
Dial 112 for Police/Fire/Ambulance Service.
What do I need to know to drive in winter in Sweden?
If you have not driven in snow before, it can be quite daunting initially, especially for those who have experienced icy conditions on UK roads. But don’t worry – winter tyres make an enormous difference and even smaller roads are regularly ploughed. Provided you follow some simple guidelines you should be able to drive confidently and safely.
- While of course helpful in extreme conditions, it is not necessary to have a 4WD vehicle if you are planning to drive on normal roads in Sweden.
- Cars with front-wheel-drive will handle better in snowy conditions than those with rear-wheel-drive.
- ABS can be a useful feature to assist safe braking in snowy conditions.
- Your vehicle must be fitted with winter tyres (not necessarily studded, though studded tyres will give better grip) to drive in Sweden during the winter. If travelling to Sweden during the winter, it is probably best to hire a vehicle rather than take your own. Hire cars will come fully outfitted for winter conditions.
- When driving on snow and especially on ice, you should allow much greater stopping distance. Be especially carefully when doing downhill or approaching curves. The “slipperiness” of the road will vary considerably depending on the temperature and surface conditions, so be aware that a snow-covered road that seemed easy to drive one day may be much icier the next.
- Ice often forms on bridges, so take extra care when driving over them.
- When driving on remote roads with little traffic, you may find it helpful to drive in the middle of the road, as you will have more room to maneuver and correct any slides if forced to brake suddenly. When going over hills and dips and around corners, you may meet traffic coming from the other direction, so slow down and keep to the right.
- If the road is very slippery and you feel that it is difficult to keep control, drive as slowly as possible in the lowest gear. If the car begins to slide when going downhill, change down gear, use the engine to brake and go as slowly as you can.
- You will have most control when steering if you put the clutch in and steer without either accelerating or braking. Gentle movements of the steering wheel and low speeds will give you the most control under snowy and icy conditions. Better a foot on the clutch than a foot on the brake!
- Finally, use your judgement when assessing conditions. A white winter road with packed snow will often be less slippery than a wet road. Drive safely, but don’t be nervous!
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
Nature Travels offers a wide range of outdoor experiences in Sweden, all of which are accessible by public transport. Cars can be useful to access some of our experiences and to give you greater freedom during your stay – see for example our Summer Fun on a Forest Farm and Log Cabin Escape in Värmland experiences. If hiring a car in Sweden, you may wish to consider one of the flexifuel cars available from Hertz. There are currently over 70,000 flexifuel cars on the roads in Sweden and alternative fuels are widely available in many areas.
Terms such as “ecotourism”, “sustainable tourism” and “responsible travel” are commonly heard these days, leaving many consumers confused as to what these terms really mean and perhaps suspicious of their value. In this set of FAQs, we have tried to answer some of the questions our clients sometimes ask regarding Nature Travels’ commitment to ecotourism and the world of responsible travel in general.
What does Nature Travels do?
Nature Travels is the UK specialist for responsible travel to Sweden. We work together with small-scale, locally-owned partner companies in Sweden to offer a wide range of ecotourism experiences, from wilderness canoeing to dog sledding tours to log cabin holidays. All are active members of the Swedish Ecotourism Society, an organisation committed to minimising the impact of tourism on the natural environment, and 17 are independently certified by a body comprising the Swedish Ecotourism Society, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and Visit Sweden, with a quality mark for their high standards of environmental practice and customer service.
What does this certification involve?
Providers must meet and maintain adherence to a strict set of criteria covering all aspects of business operations. Every company is regularly assessed and certification can be removed if a company fails to meet the required criteria. The areas covered include:
- measures to conserve the local environment in which the activities take place
- animal welfare where animals are used during the experience (e.g. on our dog sledding tours)
- waste and resource management
- safety procedures
- use of local goods and services
- control of group sizes and visitor pressure on natural areas
- staff training and customer service
- use of fuel-efficient and sustainable transport alternatives
- ongoing commitment to improving environmental performance
If would like more information about these criteria, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why do you only sell experiences in Sweden?
Nature Travels specialises exclusively in Sweden because we know the country intimately, and can offer unrivalled advice and assistance for our clients. We are based in the UK, but all our staff are either from Sweden or have lived, worked and travelled extensively in Sweden. We have personally participated in most of the experiences we offer, and have been keen outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists all our lives. We have a very close relationship with our partners in Sweden and we aim to visit them and the areas in which the experiences run regularly.
We focus on Sweden because we know and love the country and believe that it offers a unique range of possibilities as a destination for outdoor experiences which is hard to beat, whether you choose to go hiking in the endless daylight of summer or dog sledding in the deep snows of winter. What’s more, Sweden is one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to the support and development of sustainable tourism. Sweden is showing admirable foresight in addressing the challenges of tourism, and its ecotourism quality label system has become an established standard on which other countries are now just beginning to base their own systems.
I’ve heard that Nature Travels offers carbon offsetting. What does that mean and why is it a good thing?
Nature Travels works in partnership with Climate Care to offer our clients the opportunity to offset the CO2 emissions produced by their journey to Sweden. An offset for a UK-Sweden return flight costs just £3.50, effectively making your trip “carbon neutral”.
Climate Care invests this money in global projects designed to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere equivalent to the amount generated by your flight. These projects also bring benefits both to wildlife and local communities, and include reforestation work, provision of fuel efficient technology, and investment in alternative energy. For more information see www.climatecare.org.
While by no means the only solution to the problems of global warming, Nature Travels sees offsetting as an important tool in the fight against climate change which, coupled with more responsible practices in energy use, can bring a significant benefit.
What does Nature Travels do to be eco-friendly in the UK?
Nature Travels makes every effort to conduct its business in an environmentally-responsible manner. We use low energy lighting and appliances throughout the office, leave nothing on standby, and recycle all paper and printer cartridges. Our old printer cartridges and used stamps go towards raising funds for environmental charities.
We aim to minimise paper usage in general by corresponding with our clients via email as much as possible. When you make a booking with us, you can complete your booking form online. If you prefer to send us a paper copy, we do also provide a version of the booking form that you can print off.
Why don’t you publish a brochure?
Every year, around 45 million holidays are taken in the UK. On average, four travel brochures are produced for each holiday sold, making a total of 180 million brochures distributed every year! If you placed these end to end, they would cover the distance from London to Sydney three times!
As an ecotourism company, we do not produce a printed brochure. Instead, we provide comprehensive information on all our tours in downloadable PDF format from our website www.naturetravels.co.uk. Simply click on the “Full Details” button on each experience page to open the full details file.
This not only reduces our paper consumption considerably, but also allows us to update our tour information whenever needed, providing the latest available information on the tours, dates and transport routes. However, if you prefer, we are happy to email details of any particular tours you may be interested in. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or would like to discuss anything about our experiences and we will be pleased to answer your questions.
Why don’t you sell flights?
We do not sell the flight component of your trip, though we are more than happy to advise you on suitable connections and assist you in finding the best transport alternatives to your destination.
If you are willing to take a little extra time and make the journey part of your holiday experience, you can choose to travel to Sweden without flying, either by ferry to Norway or Denmark then onward by public transport, or by train all the way from the UK. Within Sweden, there is an excellent and affordable network of train and bus connections to take you to even the most remote areas. Some of these services (e.g. mountain buses and airport transfers) can be booked directly through us.
If you do choose to fly, there are a number of low-cost options which would not be open to you if booking a flight-inclusive holiday. Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair operate regular services to major and regional airports within Sweden, and flying in this way can significantly reduce the overall cost of your holiday. For a full list of flight connections between the UK and Sweden, see our interactive map at www.naturetravels.co.uk/holidays-in-sweden.htm. If you do decide to fly, we hope that you will opt to add the small cost of a carbon offset.
Why should I choose an ecotourism holiday or a responsible tour operator?
For the customer, choosing an ecotourism holiday is not only a positive ethical choice, but is also a reassurance that you will be visiting an area where visitor numbers are strictly controlled and the local environment is cared for, enhancing your enjoyment of your visit. Nature Travels clients may choose us because of our environmental and ethical credentials, or they may simply be attracted by our range of exciting and unique outdoor experiences offered in Sweden. Whatever the initial reason for choosing an ecotourism holiday, there are significant benefits both in terms of the environmental impact of your holiday and in your enjoyment of the holiday experience.
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
Dog sledding in Sweden is a unique experience, and one of our most popular winter activities. We’ve collected the answers to questions our clients commonly ask about our range of dog sledding holidays in Sweden. Whether you are an experienced musher or a novice yet to discover the thrills and adventure of dog sledding, we hope that you will find the information helpful to give you an idea of what to expect from your dog sledding holiday.
(Please note that this information below applies only to dog sledding holidays offered by Nature Travels)
How many dogs are there in a dogsled team?
Each participant will get their own sled with 4-5 Alaskan Huskies.
Do novice mushers get to actually control the sled dogs?
Yes, they do. Participants drive their own sled on all our dog sledding experiences. Full instruction is given from an experienced and knowledgeable local guide and help and advice is always on hand. Usually people become quite confident at handling the sled and the dogs within a day.
How fast does a dogsled go?
This depends on snow consistency, weather conditions, the weight carried and of course whether the sled is travelling up or downhill, but generally around 10-15km/hour.
What happens on a “typical” day on a hut-to-hut dog sledding tour?
Again, this depends on snow conditions, weather and type of terrain. On a normal dog sledding day you get up around 7.30, make a fire, heat water for the dogs, go out and feed the dogs and clear the dog toilet waste. Then you have breakfast, pack everything together, clean out the cabin, load the sleds and start the journey for the day. The time is then around 10.30. Then you drive for a couple of hours and stop and have some lunch outdoors on the way. It is a good idea good to bring sleeping/sitting mats to use to sit on in the snow. You reach the cabin around 15.00. You put the dogs on a long wire and dig a wall of snow for the dogs to protect them from the wind. After that you bring your packing into the cabin, make a fire, and melt snow for water for the dogs – you will need around 80 litres of water 2 times a day. In the evening you cook and prepare dinner together and discuss the day’s adventures.
What kind of distance would you expect to cover in a day of dog sledding?
Distance covered varies considerably depending on a number of factors. For example, on our Go Camping by Dogsled tour, you will be transporting tent equipment on top of the normal load, and so the sleds are heavier. Available daylight hours also vary of course depending on the time you wish to go (in Sweden, darkest in December getting gradually lighter until the end of the dog sledding season in late April).
Typical distance covered around 25-40km per day.
What is the accommodation like on a dog sledding tour?
For Dogsled Adventure in Jämtland and Discover Dog Sledding, accommodation during the tours is in mountain cabins and mountain lodges along the route – the same cabins that hikers use during the summer and the cross-country skiers use during the winter. The cabins have bunk beds with duvets and facilities for cooking. Some are fairly basic and you heat with wood and melt ice to get water (an important part of the wilderness experience), others are more modern and have facilities such as electricity, shower and sauna. Even though some are fairly simple, all Swedish mountain cabins are generally very comfortable and pleasant places to stay.
For our other dog sledding tours, other accommodation options are camping in traditional teepees with wood burners or tents (Go Camping by Dogsled) or staffed mountain stations with restaurant facilities and other amenities (Premium Dog Sledding Expedition).
Do I need to be particularly fit or strong to go dog sledding?
You should be in generally good health and enjoy the outdoors. Some strength is required, particularly when braking the sled when travelling downhill. This is important, as a poorly-controlled sled can overtake and injure the dogs. We have a minimum age of 13 on all our dogsled tours. A number of clients in their 50s and 60s have participated very successfully in the tours, and the most important thing is a willingness to get involved and work with the sled and dogs.
How many people will be in the group during my dog sledding tour?
For our scheduled tours, there will usually be between 3 and 8 participants (max. 6 for the camping tours). Groups of minimum 5 are able to book any of our dogsled experiences on custom dates by arrangement, and groups of much larger sizes can be accommodated.
What clothing will I need to go dog sledding?
On Nature Travels dog sledding experiences you have the option to hire warm overalls and boots for a small additional charge as optional extras.
• Winter boots- it is important that you have a pair of proper boots on, which means longer legs and warm padding. Soles on boots should not be too rigid, as this will make it slippery when standing on the sled runners.
• Jacket/trousers – it is important that your clothes are warm, preferably windproof – winter clothing, thick jacket and thermal trousers. It is good to have a hood on the jacket.
• Hat and gloves – bring a hat and it is good to have a hood on your jacket. Mittens are warmer than gloves where the fingers are separated. Also bring a pair of gloves with fingers, as these are useful for such activities as harnessing the dogs.
• Protection against wind – bring ski glasses and preferably a scarf to tie in front of your face.
For your clothing, we recommend you use the layer principle:
• Closest to your body an inner layer that transports humidity away from the body.
• Then a second layer that keeps in the warmth your body generates and absorbs the humidity from the inner layer.
• The outer layer should protect you from weather and wind and be wind- and waterproof.
Do not use cotton on the inner layers closest to your body, as cotton collects the humidity your body generates. The clothing gets heavy and chills you. Better materials to use are synthetics, wool etc.
Where is the best place to go dog sledding?
Sweden, of course! All our dog sledding experiences take place in the mountains of Jämtland in western Sweden, near the Norwegian border. Many of our tours run in Vålådalen Nature Reserve, an area of 1,175 square kilometres and one of the southernmost alpine landscapes in the country with several peaks reaching 1500 to 1600 metres above numerous traces of the Ice Age. Between the mountains are native forests with ancient pines, and the reserve is very rich flora and fauna, with arctic fox, gyrfalcon, golden eagle and snowy owl among the species of particular interest. This area also has a snowmobile restriction, ensuring there is nothing to disturb your enjoyment of the wilderness.
Access to the area from the UK is straightforward. You can choose to travel either via Trondheim in Norway or alternatively, many of our clients travel to Stockholm, enjoy a few days in the city and then take a night train up into the mountains.
What is the best time of year to go dog sledding in Sweden?
This depends very much on personal taste and what you are looking for from your dog sledding holiday. Accommodation in tents or teepees is only possible when the days become warmer, around April. Generally snow conditions in the Jämtland region are suitable from mid-December onwards. We offer no scheduled tours in January, as the weather tends to be at its most challenging during this time, though we are happy to arrange custom tours at this time of year.
If you have any other questions about dog sledding that you would like us to see answered here in our FAQs, please email your suggestions to admin@naturetravels.co.uk.
Happy mushing!!
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
Read our “musher’s diary” from the February 2008 Dogsled Adventure in Jämtland here.
Browse our full range of dog sledding holidays in Sweden:
Dogsled Adventure in Jämtland
Lead your own dogsled team on a voyage of discovery into the white wilderness
Dates/Period: 15.12-21.12.07, 16.02–22.02.08, 15.03–21.03.08, 22.03–28.03.08, 29.03–04.04.08, 05.04–11.04.08
Groups of min.3 can book this experience on other dates by arrangement.
7 days from £878 per person.
Discover Dog Sledding
A weekend dog sledding experience in the heart of the Jämtland mountains
Dates/Period: Friday 22/02 – Monday 25/02/08, Friday 07/03 – Monday 11/03/08
Groups of min.3 can book this experience on other dates by arrangement.
4 days from £428 per person.
Go Camping by Dogsled
A unique camping experience in the deep snow of the Swedish mountains – in the company of your own dog team!
Dates/Period: 12.04-18.04.08
Groups of min.3 can book this experience on other dates by arrangement.
7 days from £840 per person.
Ice-fishing and Dog Sledding in Jämtland
Drive your own Alaskan Husky dogsled team and fish in the frozen lake waters of the Swedish mountains
Dates/Period: 26.04-02.05.08
Groups of min.3 can book this experience on other dates by arrangement.
7 days from £840/person
Premium Dog Sledding Expedition
Eat and sleep well on this premium dog sledding tour on both sides of the Swedish/Norwegian border
Dates/Period: 19.04- 25.04.08
Groups of min.3 can book this experience on other dates by arrangement.
7 days from £1145 per person.
Sweden has something of a reputation when it comes to mosquitoes – but which stories are really true? We have tried to answer some of the questions we are frequently asked below:
What is a Swedish mosquito?
Confusingly, the Swedish work for mosquito, “mygg”, sounds less like “mosquito” and more like the English word “midge”, those small, fast-flying clouds of biting insects which have been the bane of many a camping trip in Scotland. Swedish “mygg” are larger, slower, and much easier to catch, and what is more they do not share the tendency of their smaller cousins in Scotland to mount kamikaze attacks on your dinner cooking quietly over the campfire…
Some areas of Sweden, particularly the north, do also have midges, or “knott”, but mosquitoes are much more widespread, distributed in varying densities throughout the country.
Are there a lot of mosquitoes in Sweden?
Yes, and no. The density and number of mosquitoes varies greatly depending on the time of year, the part of the country you are in and the degree of rainfall during the breeding season in spring and early summer. They generally appear around mid-June and disappear again towards the end of September, with numbers lowest at the beginning and end of the season. Since mosquitoes like water and birch forest they are not often found on the high plains away from the mountain stations. Although mosquitoes are present throughout Sweden, numbers are highest in the north of the country.
Mosquitoes go through four stages in their lifecycle: from egg to larva to pupa before finally becoming an adult. Water is essential for mosquitoes to breed, as mosquitoes spend the larval and pupal stages of their lifecycle in water. Most mosquitoes will become food for a wide variety of animals, but those that are not may live for 2-3 months.
Do Swedish mosquitoes bite?
Yes, they do. Sweden has 47 species of mosquito, 45 of which are the biting kind, though not all of these will bite humans. Only female mosquitoes bite humans, as they require the protein to breed.
Some people are particularly sensitive to insect bites and develop itchy red spots, while others seem to be little affected. Mosquitoes in Sweden can be a nuisance, but with some simple precautions the problem can be managed.
How can I avoid being bitten?
Generally, mosquitoes in Sweden are only a particular problem during dusk hours, and more in the north of the country than elsewhere. Wear long-sleeved (bite-proof!) shirts and trousers, and use a repellent if you wish. Cover your head with a hat or scarf. If you are particularly bothered by mosquitoes, you may find a net for your face helpful.
What repellent should I use?
Everyone has their own individual preference regarding repellent. However, in general we recommend you buy your repellent in Sweden, as this may be more effective against Swedish biting insects than repellents purchased elsewhere.
Do Swedish mosquitoes carry malaria?
No. Malaria was present in Sweden until the 18th and 19th centuries, when people lived in much closer proximity to their cattle, but disappeared from the country in the early 20th century.
Are mosquitoes all bad?
While most humans consider them a curse, there are a number of positive sides to the presence of mosquitoes:
- Mosquitoes provide an important source of food for many animals, from the tadpoles and fish which eat their larvae to the birds and bats which hunt for adults on the wing.
- In some countries, mosquitoes assist in the pollination of certain plant species, including Cattleya orchids. These plants in turn have leaves which collect small pools of water and host mini ecosystems of their own containing frogs, newts and toads.
- Spreading disease may seem like a negative, but maintaining the flow of bacteria and viruses around an ecosystem builds immunity and helps to strengthen populations as a whole by culling weaker animals.
- Finally, it is sometimes said that without the deterrent that mosquitoes provide to human settlement, some of our wildest and most beautiful places would have been colonised and developed to a far greater degree. So mosquitoes are actually powerful conservationists!
Mosquitoes are present in Sweden, and in some cases they can be a nuisance. But with simple precautions there is no reason why they should be more than a minor annoyance or spoil your enjoyment of some of the world’s most spectacular wild places. The Nature Travels Team feels strongly from personal experience that if you can survive a camping trip on the west coast of Scotland and live to tell the tale, you will have little difficulty dealing with Swedish mosquitoes!
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
Nature Travels offers a wide range of outdoor holidays in Sweden, from canoeing to dog sledding to romantic log cabin breaks, for independents, families and groups of all ages and levels of experience.
Is it an elk? Is it a moose? If you’re in Sweden, the answer is “BOTH”! The iconic, majestic forest dweller Alces alces is known as a moose in North America (actually the sub-species Alces alces americana) and an elk in Europe. The word elk, like the Swedish word älg (pronounced /elj/), is taken from the Latin alces. To make matters even more confusing, elk in North America is used for an entirely different animal – a kind of deer, Cervus elaphus, otherwise known as a Wapiti, which looks like this:
The European elk (or moose), on the other hand, looks like this:
Elk are widely distributed throughout Sweden, from the giants inhabiting the wilderness of the mighty Sarek National Park in Lapland (hunting restrictions have meant that large bulls have been better able to survive and reproduce) down to the lower regions of this vast country, but the forests of Bergslagen are a particularly wonderful area to see elk in Sweden. As home to the traditional royal hunting grounds, hunting pressure on the elk in this area is lower than in some other parts of Sweden, and as a result the elk population far outnumbers the human population!
Elk may be fairly common and widespread in Sweden, but that doesn’t mean they are easy to see, especially at close range. Elk are shy creatures, and will retreat into the cover of the deep forest at the slightest disturbance, loping off with a slow-motion gait that uncannily resembles a giraffe running on the savannah. While it is not unusual for a commuter returning from a day’s work in Stockholm to see an elk standing motionless on the edge of a field in the setting sun, similarly a hunter may wait a week in a hide in the woods and not see a single elk!
During a recent visit to Sweden, the Nature Travels team had the opportunity to take part in an evening elk safari with local elk expert Marcus, who has been running elk safaris in the Bergslagen area for a number of years now and has never once returned home without a sighting. Hundreds of nights spent patrolling the forests, hills and dirt tracks of Bergslagen have given him an in-depth knowledge of the best places to find these beautiful animals, and all elk safaris now come with an “elk guarantee” – though Marcus says he still worries that one night they might all be hiding!
Due to time pressure we took the “express” version of the elk safari – a whistle-stop tour of some of the best local elk-watching spots – but nevertheless managed to see 9 elk in just over 30 minutes, including some wonderful close-up views of mother and calf and a large male with full antlers. The full safari takes a number of hours, and combines an exploration of the local forests on foot with observation from the minibus (as in Africa, vehicles can sometimes be less threatening to wild animals than a human presence on foot). Typically in recent tours it has been possible recently to see at least 30 animals in one evening, including some very close encounters indeed. The trick to getting close, says Marcus, is to crouch down in the grass until the elk bends its head to graze, then creep slowly forward. As the animal looks up, crouch down again and remain still, then creep forward again as it returns to graze. After a few minutes of patience and quiet, you can get closer than you would believe possible!
Elk safaris are available between May and September and include an atmospheric night in an authentic charcoaler hut! For further details see our Elk Safari Adventure.
As well as being home to thousands of elk, two of Sweden’s most exciting, most threatened, and most controversial predators roam the vast forests of Bergslagen – the wolf and the lynx. Reconciling the interests and opinions of conservationists, farmers, hunters, local people and politicians is never an easy task, and the presence of large predators in Sweden has always been a sensitive issue. But Sweden is tackling this question with typical foresight, compassion and practical skill. The research station at Grimsö, deep in the Bergslagen forests, works with radio tracking on local predator populations in an attempt to learn more about their movements and behaviour and develop management plans for their conservation and future survival, while at the same time working hard to maintain the trust and goodwill of those who may feel less than positive about the presence of wolves and lynx in the area. A recent initiative has been the introduction of special fencing, similar to an electric fence but with strands much closer to the ground, which has proved extremely effective in reducing livestock deaths due to lynx and wolves.
Photo: Andrea Barghi
Having grown from just two individuals, the Swedish wolf population is in something of a genetic crisis. It is estimated that to keep the population genetically viable, new blood needs to be introduced at least every 15 years or so. Recently, there was great excitement when a new wolf appeared in the Dalarna area. Analysis of dung has identified this wolf as being part of the Finnish-Russian population, and it represents the first new blood for the local wolf population since the 1980s. Worryingly, there has been some conflict between this animal and local livestock populations, and its future remains uncertain, but with luck the animal may be able to breed with local wolves and provide a much-needed boost to the gene pool of the Swedish wolf population.
Since 2006, Marcus has been working together with the researchers at Grimsö to offer evenings of wolf tracking and wolf howling. To find out more about this spine-tingling adventure, see our Howling with Wolves experience.
Bergslagen is a fascinating area for wildlife watching, and the images of elk frozen in the torchlight are still fresh in our memories – we’ll make sure we plan a little more time for elk watching on our next visit!
Best regards
The Nature Travels Team
The Rovdjursföreningen (The Predator Society) in Sweden works for the interests of all large predators in Sweden: the brown bear, the wolf, the lynx, the wolverine, and, of course, humans, with a very informative website that is unfortunately only currently available in Swedish. However, for non-Swedish speakers they also have a wonderful collection of images – see http://www.de5stora.se/galleri/galleriDe5/ and click on “Öppna galleriet”. In the UK, Tooth and Claw operate on similar principles – see http://www.toothandclaw.org.uk/.
