Norway and Sweden contain an exciting array of big beasts, with the brown bear the undisputed King of the Forest.
The brown bear once had a dozens of euphemistic names, such as “forest grandfather” and “honey-eater”, as it was taboo to speak the true name of such a fearsome creature. Orsa Bjornpark in Dalarne, central Sweden, is Europe’s biggest bear park; and wild bear-watching tours are available.
Lynx live in both Norway and Sweden, although their nocturnal habits mean that they are rarely seen by visitors.
The wolverine, actually part of the weasel family, is the most secretive of all Scandinavian predators – numbers are still unknown.
Wolves are fighting their way back from extinction across the region.
Knobbly-kneed elk can grow to 2 meters (6 1/2ft) tall, and have a dangerous habit of lolloping in front of moving cars.
Visitors to the far north will see reindeer, traditionally herded by the Sami.
The sharp-eyed might spot lemming and foxes.
Denmark has no big forest predators, but it is good for birdlife, particularly aquatic varieties.
Greenland’s shores contain (rare) polar bears, lemming, Arctic foxes and hares, reindeer and musk oxen. The Dovrefjell mountain area, the barrier between the southern and central regions in Norway. is also a home of the musk ox.
Anyone taking a boat trip will appreciate the abundant marine life, including millions of seals, 15 whale species, and walruses. The picture above is from Orsa Bearpark in Sweden.
Experience Scandinavian wildliufe.