Central Sweden
Scandinavian Autumn

Thursday 15 - Monday 19 September 2011 (5 days)
Thursday 13 - Monday 17 September 2012 (5 days)

Spend a few autumn days amongst the wild forests and lakes of central Sweden with tens of thousands of migrating Cranes and geese, the chance of seeing Bluethroats and other migrants in the hand, a selection of northern moths and butterflies, and even rutting Elk. Add superb hotels and food, and you have the ingredients for a hugely enjoyable short autumn break!

As the summer draws to a close, the peaceful forests, lakes and water meadows of central Sweden act as a magnet for thousands of migrating birds as they head south through Scandinavia to warmer climes. Huge flocks of Bean Geese and Common Cranes gather in the farmland, while up to a dozen species of raptors hunt overhead, from the diminutive Merlin to the huge White-tailed Eagle. Bluethroat numbers also peak in early September; these attractive birds spend a couple of weeks in central Sweden fattening up before continuing east towards their Asian winter haunts.

In addition to an abundance of migrants, the many resident birds will be active and busily putting on weight to see them through the snowy months ahead. Pygmy Owls are at their most vocal in the autumn, and up to six species of woodpecker are possible in the forests, along with Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, Nutcracker and Crested Tit.

Mammals will also be on the cards, including the mighty Elk, the bulls of which will be in prime condition and ready for the autumn rut with a full rack of antlers!

At this time, the pine forests are quieter, but birds like Pygmy Owl, Nutcracker, Crested Tit and Three-toed Woodpecker can still be found - especially with the help of local expert Daniel Green, who has designed the following itinerary for us.

Accommodation
 On this trip we stay at a comfortable country guesthouse with all rooms en suite.

Leader: Daniel Green

Numbers: Max. 8 clients



Price: £ 1,195
Single supp.: £ 95
Deposit: £ 300 per person

The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of scheduled return economy-class flights London- Västerås, airport taxes, accommodation, all meals, minibus transport, incidental tips, and the services of the leaders.

The price excludes travel insurance, optional tip to the local guide, drinks and other personal expenses.

Central Sweden map

Outline Itinerary
Day 1Arrival at Västerås airport. In the evening we enjoy the sunset by Lake Fläcksjön where hundreds of Common Cranes gather to roost. It´s a spectacular and loud experience. For those interested we do a Moth-night during the trip. Overnight Salbohedgården
Day 2On the west edge of the Black River Valley, lies a vast pineforest - Hälleskogen. With plenty of bogs and mires it is an interesting area to explore on a longer walk. By the lakes White-tailed Eagles, Ospreys, Hobbies and Marsh Harriers are easy to see. In the evening we go searching for owls with our focus on Pygmy Owl. Overnight Salbohedgården
Day 3We rise early to seize the best morning activity in the forest, this time to search for Three-toed and Black Woodpeckers.

The Crane-evening in Svartådalen can be spectacular, but imagine seeing more than ten times as many! Up to 20,000 Common Cranes roost here in autumn, an overwhelming experience to witness. Overnight Sörby Säteri
Day 4We enjoy a tasty hotel breakfast and start to explore the Kvismare valley: a farmland region which was once a vast marshland, and nowadays, after being drained in the early 1900´s is being restored once again to a wetland area. A patchwork of lakes, marshes and productive farmland, this area attracts masses of birds - mainly geese and Cranes, but also raptors and passerines. Overnight Sörby Säteri
Day 5We go out early in the morning to watch Bluethroat ringing. We head down to the reedbed area by the lakes and will be guided by the Kvismare Bird Observatory staff. We then head back to Västerås airport for an afternoon flight back to London Stansted.

Click here for a full, printable itinerary