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I went on a week long Naturetrek tour to Oland Sweden designed to show us the best of the spring flowers and the massive variety of bird life. The tour leader was exceptional. His knowledge and contacts meant we saw lifetime list birds and some of the rarest plants. It was a small group and very well organized. The accommodation, full dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch was the best I have ever stayed at. I booked from New Zealand so was totally reliant one their organisation and they came through with flying colours.
S.H. New Zealand, May 23
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Sweden - Spring Birds & Flowers of Oland
Tour Code: SWE01A 7-day holiday to enjoy both the breeding birds and spring migrants, as well as the spectacular display of flowering orchids and other plants, to be found on the limestone island of Oland off the east coast of Sweden.
7 days
from
£3,095 (Inc flights)
£3,095 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£2,945
£2,945
Highlights
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Summary
Oland is a special place. A limestone island lying off Sweden’s east coast, Oland offers a unique blend of natural history and cultural attractions and we’ll go in search of its exceptional flora, special breeding and resident birdlife, and rich historical remains. By June, waders such as Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin are breeding in meadows and flat coastal pastures, rarities can be observed as they head north on migration, and spectacular orchid displays should be at their peak – and nowhere are they more splendid than on the Great Alvar Plain. After long leisurely days in search of wildlife, we’ll head back to our charming family-run guesthouse to discuss the day’s finds over a hearty home-cooked dinner!
- Ruff, Avocet & Redshank among breeding waders
- Collared Flycatcher, Montagu’s Harrier & Corncrake are summer visitors
- White-tailed Eagle seen regularly
- Late May/early June is best time for migrant rarities such as Red-footed Falcon
- Alpine, Siberian & southern European plants coexist on the Great Alvar Plain
- Spectacular & colourful orchid displays
- Oland Rockrose & Oland Wormwood among plant rarities
- Iron Age, Stone Age & medieval remains
- Led by an expert naturalist guide
Grading
Grade A. Easy day walks only.
The limestone island of Öland lies just off the coast of south-eastern Sweden. Although connected by a bridge since 1974, the island’s rugged, rural flavour is quite unique. Like the Orkneys in Britain, Öland has a rich blend of natural, cultural and historic attractions: its Great Alvar Plain, divided by immaculately fashioned dry stone walls; ancient coastal hay meadows and pasturelands; unusual linear villages fashioned in the Middle Ages; many Iron Age, Stone Age and medieval remains; and an exceptional flora and rich birdlife have all earned southern Öland World Heritage status.
The island is particularly well known for its birdlife. By early June a host of breeding waders will have arrived to establish their territories amongst the damp meadows and flat coastal pastures. This land has been cut or grazed over thousands of years, without the use of any fertilisers, and the flora is very rich; by late spring the ground is pink with Bird’s-eye Primroses (Primula farinosa) and a profusion of orchids. Dunlin, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank and Avocet breed in these meadows which, during the early summer, are full of colour and activity. The island’s meadows and woodlands are also the summer home of such localised breeding species as Montagu’s Harrier and Corncrake, as well as Thrush Nightingale, Barred and Icterine Warblers, Collared Flycatcher and Common Rosefinch.
At the southern tip of this long sinuous island lies the famous Ottenby Bird Observatory and Nature Reserve, the oldest bird observatory in Sweden (established in 1946) and a place of pilgrimage for Scandinavian birders. Here, tired spring migrants take a break in the bushy gardens around the old stone lighthouse, or the adjacent meadows, after their 300-kilometre northbound journey across the Baltic Sea. Late May and early June is the best time for rarities from south-east and eastern Europe, with such species as Red-footed Falcon, Marsh Sandpiper, Red-rumped Swallow, Greenish Warbler and Rose-coloured Starling being amongst the more regular of the unusual visitors at this time. The wet meadows to the north-east of the observatory have benefitted from centuries of hay-making and grazing. Filled with such typical plants of this habitat as Glossy Eyebright, Common Milkwort, a host of different grasses and sedges, and many orchids, the area is very colourful at this time of year, and also provides a wonderful environment for breeding waders. Inland, and to the west of these meadows, lies Ottenby Wood, the largest deciduous woodland in southern Öland. Here, birch and oak trees dominate and host such rare breeding species as Red-breasted Flycatcher and Golden Oriole, whose songs fill the wood at the time of our visit. To the west of the wood lie the ancient grazing pastures of the Västra Mark. Still grazed today by cattle and sheep, such plants as Burnt-tip Orchid, Yellow Milkvetch, Buckshorn Plantain and Glasswort are common, whilst breeding birds include Oystercatchers, Ringed Plovers, Lapwings, Turnstones, Redshanks, gulls, Little Terns and Northern Wheatears.
The lighthouse gardens and point at Segerstad offers an outstanding spot for incoming migrants and vagrants, as well as a chance for a little sea-watching; here too, delightful flower-filled pastures are filled with breeding waders and the dry stone walls that divide them make ideal resting spots for tired migrants. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded here by our resident guide, perhaps the highest number ever recorded from a private European garden! White-tailed Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, Caspian and Black Terns are amongst the breeding birds of the region, and such species as Black Stork, plus a host of rare passerine migrants, have been recorded in spring.
The most striking characteristic of Öland, though, is the Great Alvar Plain. An alvar occurs on hard limestone bedrock and is a flat area where bare rock breaks through thin soil. The Great Alvar Plain is the largest grazed alvar in the world, and is an extensive limestone plateau strewn with windswept junipers, and granite boulders deposited during the last Ice Age 11,000 years ago. The plateau has been grazed continuously from the Neolithic period until relatively recently, thus, in early summer, this wild area is carpeted by many species of colourful orchids. Further, the thin alvar soil is subject to both extreme drought and flooding, and the plants living here are particularly well adapted to this peculiar and harsh environment in which both alpine and Siberian species live side by side with sun-loving species from southern Europe and a number of endemics, including the Öland Rockrose (Helianthemum oelandicum) and Öland Wormwood (Artemisia oelandica).
During the week our superb resident guide, Christian Cederroth, will introduce us to this wealth of flora and birdlife on the peaceful island that he calls home, with the island’s ambience, manageable size and quiet roads ensuring a most leisurely and enjoyable break.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Kalmar (via Stockholm); transfer to Oland
Day 2/6
Daily birding and botanical excursions around Oland
Day 7
Transfer Kalmar; fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We stay in a charming, family-run guesthouse that was formerly a traditional Oland farmhouse. All rooms have private facilities.
- Food:
All food is included in the price.
Reviews
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I spent a week on Oland Island Sweden looking at botany and birds on ancient landscapes. Skies abundant with skylarks, always the sound of cuckoos calling, extraordinary fields of orchids. The limestone plateau is covered specialised plants clinging to the rocks, surprising lakes, so many swifts and swallows and martins. Cows and farmland, lighthouses, windmills, stunning skies and seas with seals close by. Great to visit the northernmost and southernmost points. Fantastic weather, lovely welcoming guesthouse, great leaders who generously shared both passion and knowledge. A joyful week. The locals show such respect for their environment no litter anywhere and clean air. A sense of freedom and peace all over the island. This trip was fantastic for me as it was looking at all habitats, bio diversity, birds, mammals, forests, flora, sea and sky. The group shared an all round interest and our enjoyment was not limited to one species or experience unlike some other wildlife holidays where the group is obsessed with ticking off lists or finding one species of bird. Oland delivered so much beauty and it was a privilege to visit.
C.S. Dorset, May 22 -
The birds, flowers and landscapes of Oland far exceeded my expectations as did the organisation of the visit. We spent seven days in Sweden on an island in the Baltic. We stayed in a wonderful guesthouse within an easy walk of the coast. The food, accommodation and hospitality were first class. Our guides took us to parts of the island where their inside knowledge allowed us to see things that would have been impossible to know about otherwise. Everything was organised to perfection and we were kept fully informed as plans progressed.
M.W. Cheshire, May 22 -
A week of enjoying spring birds and flowers on the beautiful island of Oland. This was very definitely a holiday aimed at birdwatchers but nevertheless we saw a wonderful variety of flowers. I look forward to returning to Oland, perhaps slightly later when the orchids and other flowers are at their peak. Our accommodation at Gammelsbygarden was first class, as were the meals.
M.E. Ross-shire, May 19 -
A week on the island of Oland, off the Swedish coast in the Baltic. Staying in a guesthouse. Small group. travelled about the island in a comfortable people carrier. Excellent guide, local knowledge outstanding. Focus was shared between birds and botany, many new personal discoveries in both fields. All was well planned and considerate of the ages and capabilities physically of the group members. Exciting to be in Sweden where there are enlightened attitudes towards nature, ecological considerations and the joys of rural life.
C.M.C. Oxfordshire -
This was our third Naturetrek holiday & the second with David Tattersfield as botanist. His knowledge of plants is outstanding. Christian Cedderoth amazed us with his imitation of bird calls.
P.P. Nottingham -
The hotel was very comfortable and of a high standard. The food was locally grown and produced and of a high quality. The group leader and local guide were very knowledgeable, efficient, good with organising the group and generally nice people.
S.P. Wiltshire -
The hotel was very welcoming and comfortable, the quality of the food - excellent and served very attractively. The group leader and the local guide are both very enthusiastic about their subject, helpful and pleasant companions. The trip comprehensively covered the subjects well.
J.P. Wiltshire -
Christian was the best tour leader I have experienced. His passion, preparation, commitment and knowledge couldn't have been better. Some of us could have quite happily spent four days with him in his incredible garden!
P.B. Surrey -
This was my first Naturetrek holiday but I cannot imagine a better leader. He was very well equipped which helped us to see more. He knew the island and its wildlife intimately and was able to go to places where we would see the most. Hence, we saw rare visitors, groups of migrants arriving and leaving, nesting birds and their young. He interpreted the bird behaviour so we understood what was going on rather than just spotting species. He also knew just where to go to see the best of the island’s flora. I was aware how hard he worked… We appreciated it.
J.H. Gwynedd
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 26th May – Sun 1st Jun
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.
£2,945
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
Christian Cederroth
Tour Leader: Christian Cederroth
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There are few more pleasing sights in the natural world than a meadow filled with wildflowers. Seeing plants in their native habitat is always exciting and our flower tours offer you an incredible choice, from dazzling tropical blooms and the thrill of finding elusive orchids or delicate alpines, to seeing island endemics or British flora. Our tours range from week-long holidays focusing on the ‘Alpine flowers of the Swiss Alps’, the ‘Italian Dolomites’ and the ‘Alpine Flowers of Slovenia’s Julian Alps’, to orchid-hunting on Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and searching for the Autumn Plants of Greece’s Peloponnese. We also visit more remote areas of the world in search of plant-life, from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan where we look for wild tulips, to the rainforests and spiny deserts of Madagascar where over 80% of the flora is endemic.
Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.
Why choose Naturetrek’s botanical holidays?
- All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
- All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
- We keep the overall focus on flora, though expert guidance is also given on other wildlife
What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?
- Travel with a group of like-minded people
- Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
- Enjoy a series of leisurely day excursions with ample time to appreciate the local flora
In addition to our dedicated flower tours, we also offer holidays with a wider theme to encompass birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history as well as the flora. Our spring tours to 'Crete' and ‘The Island of Cyprus’ are both timed to allow us to enjoy the botanical highlights as well as the spring bird migration, whilst ‘Croatia and Slovenia – Spring in Istria’ also allows time to enjoy a little of the local culture. ‘Romania – the Wildlife of Transylvania’ combines an appreciation of the flora of the Carpathian Mountains with birding, butterflying and a trip to look for Brown Bears from a purpose built hide, and our holidays in both the ‘French Pyrenees’ and the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ combine birds, butterflies and botany throughout the week.
Our specialist recommends...
"I'd recommend 'Wengen – Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps', 'Crete' and 'The French Pyrenees', which all offer some fascinating European botany, along with plenty of wider natural history and some stunning scenery. If you’re keen to travel a little further afield, I’d suggest joining us in South Africa for our 'Wild Flowers of the Cape & Namaqualand' tour”
David Tattersfield - Tour Leader
David Tattersfield - Tour Leader
Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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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!
