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We were amazed to see just over 100 species in 5 days with some firsts for us. Our guide was so knowledgeable about the area that he knew just where he'd find each one. The trip also included a late evening to see beavers at work, but another day we watched baby Ural owls being ringed. There was a good mixture of forest, lake and marsh dwellers without having to travel long distances. The spa accommodation was very comfortable with plentiful delicious food, and they also prepared our great picnics each day.
A.H. Surrey, May 19
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Go Slow in Sweden
Tour Code: SWE15A leisurely 6-day, single-centre break to central Sweden, in search of owls, woodpeckers and the beautiful breeding birds of this idyllic countryside.
6 days
from
£3,095
£3,095
Land only price
from
£2,845
£2,845
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Central Sweden boasts a peaceful patchwork of boreal forest, lakes, meadows and farmland, all of which are home to an exciting selection of northern birds. We will be based for the duration of this 6-day ‘Go Slow’ holiday at the comfortable Sätra Brunn Hotel, set in beautiful parkland, where guests can enjoy some gentle afternoon birding, or finish the day with a relaxing dip in the heated swimming pool and spa.
- Up to 7 species of owl including Great Grey Owl, Ural Owl & Pygmy Owl
- Search for Three-toed, Grey-headed & Black Woodpeckers in nearby forests
- Breeding Black-throated Divers on the forest lakes
- White-tailed Eagle, Osprey and migrating waders and terns in the nearby wetlands
- Single-centre holiday based in the heart of the ‘Black River Valley’
- Just a short direct flight and easy transfer to our comfortable base
- Led by expert local guide Daniel Green
Grading
Grade A. A 'Go Slow' tour with gentle day walks only.
Central Sweden boasts a peaceful patchwork of boreal forest, lakes, meadows and farmland, all of which are home to an exciting selection of northern birds. We will be based for the duration of this 6-day ‘Go Slow’ holiday at the comfortable Sätra Brunn hotel, set in beautiful parkland, where guests can enjoy some gentle afternoon birding, or finish the day with a relaxing dip in the heated swimming pool and spa. The quiet roads enable us to easily explore our beautiful surroundings, including the nearby wetlands where we will enjoy a good selection of ducks and waders, many of them resplendent in their breeding plumages, and a large area of forest which supports good numbers of breeding woodpeckers, including Black, Three-toed and Grey-headed. Each day we will return to our hotel with plenty of time to relax during the late afternoon, and then, on at least two evenings, those who wish may choose to accompany our tour leader on a post-dinner excursion to search for the diminutive Pygmy Owl and the mighty Great Grey Owl, which is known to breed nearby … surely a highlight of the holiday for many!
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Stockholm; transfer Svartadalen
Day 2/5
Excursions from Svartadalen
Day 6
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
A single-centre holiday based at the comfortable Satra Brunn spa hotel. All rooms have private facilities.
- Food:
All food is included in the price.
Reviews
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The holiday was billed as focusing on owls and woodpeckers and it certainly hit the mark. Daniel is an excellent leader, he made sure all members of the party saw the birds. The situation of the hotel was excellent and appeared to be at the centre of all the visited sites, also a short transfer from the airport. Loved the Swedish countryside. A great holiday.
Mr & Mrs C. Yorkshire
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Tue 13th May – Sun 18th May
1
£3,095
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,845
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Daniel Green
Tour Leader: Daniel Green
Daniel has been a keen birdwatcher since his early childhood. With the Svartadalen, or Black River Valley as it is known in English, as his local turf, Daniel is able to pursue his lifelong fascination with the cranes which gather there every Autumn in huge flocks before flying south for the winter. As well as birds, Daniel is also interested in butterflies, moths and dragonflies. He is driven by the joy of sharing experiences in nature with other people and he has been one of the pioneers of Swedish birding tourism since 2002; he's also been in charge of most British birding trips to central Sweden since then. Along with his interest in wildlife, Daniel also enjoys cooking and writing. His CV includes 12 years as a gourmet chef, a career as a newspaper journalist/photographer and, lately, serving as editor for the second biggest Bird Magazine in Sweden, Fagelvannen.
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Tue 12th May – Sun 17th May
SPACES
£3,095
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,845
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
