SWEDEN

9 to 16 June 2026

Photographic expedition to the Swedish taiga

Owls, loons and wader leks

Summary

This photography tour takes in central and southern Sweden at the height of spring, making the most of the long hours of daylight around the summer solstice to capture the region’s most iconic wildlife. The expedition begins in the forests of Tiveden National Park, where the main focus is on spotting and photographing owls — such as the Great grey owl and the Hontz boreala— and waterbirds in secluded lagoons, notably the Black-throated Loon..

The route then moves on to the mountainous region of Funäsdalen to document the fascinating behaviour of ruffs at their leks. During this second stage, the surroundings offer the chance to photograph a wide variety of boreal species, ranging from waders such as the red-necked phalarope to forest birds such as the Siberian jay..

Itinerary

DAY 1 · 9 June

AIRPORT PICK-UP

Meet and greet at Arlanda Airport (Stockholm). Transfer by minibus to Tiveden National Park (2.5 hours). Accommodation at the Nature Resort Tiveden.

DAY 2 · 10 June

GREAT GREY OWL

Morning photography session focusing on the Great grey owl. We will concentrate on photographing the male hunting in clearings and woodland areas. In the afternoon, we will switch to other species, focusing on loons and grebes.

DAY 3 · 11 June

RED-THROATED LOON

We will spend the early hours of the third day focusing once again on loons, attempting to photograph the most elusive species, the Red-throated Loon, which we will find in remote ponds deep within the forest.

DAY 4 · 12 June

RUFF´S LEK

Early departure for Funäsdalen (7-hour journey). That afternoon, we’ll visit a ruff’s lek and a breeding ground for various wader species. We’ll also have the chance to photograph nocturnal species such as the Long-eared Owl.

DAY 5 · 13 June

SIBERIAN JAY AND EURASIAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER

Our first destination of the day will be a lek of ruffs at an altitude of 1,000 metres. We won’t just see waders; we’ll also get a chance to photograph the Eurasian jay and the three-toed woodpecker.

DAY 6 · 14 June

HAZEL GROUSE AND LITTLE GULL

This day will focus on other birds typical of northern Europe, such as the hazel grouse and the little gull. We will also look out for loons, grebes, little grebes, the three-toed woodpecker, the Eurasian jay and passerines such as the Grey-headed Chickadee.

DAY 7 · 15 June

DAY THREE IN FUNÄSDALEN

Our third day will be spent in Funäsdalen looking for northern bird species. We’ll be spending another day in this area because of its huge potential and its appeal to birdwatchers.

DAY 8 · 16 June

RETURN JOURNEY

Transfer to Arlanda Airport.

Included/Not included

Included

Not included

Recommendations

In June, in the areas we will be visiting in Sweden, we can expect mild temperatures during the middle of the day, but it will be cold in the early morning and late evening, when temperatures may even drop below 0°C. In the south, with its many lakes and milder temperatures, you will need to protect yourself against mosquito bites, as they are very common (you should wear long-sleeved clothing, gloves and hats with mosquito netting). In contrast, there will be no mosquitoes in the north, but temperatures will be lower, so it will be important to pack warm clothing.

It is recommended that you wear mid-calf rubber boots suitable for walking in wet and marshy areas. Your general clothing should also be waterproof to keep you dry even when you lie flat on the ground to photograph waders, loons and other land or water birds.

In the photography areas during the activity, we will communicate via WhatsApp to avoid speaking loudly and disturbing the birds. It is very important to follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

This programme does not include flights to and from Stockholm Airport. These flights will be booked individually depending on each participant’s point of departure; for the outbound flight, it is important that the arrival time is during the morning, and in any case before 2.00 pm. As for the return flight, the departure time should be after 5.00 pm.

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You need to know

Photography of most species is carried out by stalking, without a hide, requiring us to walk to reach the areas frequented by the target species. Throughout the trip, we will have numerous opportunities to photograph highly significant and attractive species at close range , with the potential for excellent results; however, it should be borne in mind that these results will depend largely on the photographer’s expertise and skill , as the photographic situations will be entirely natural and spontaneous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which parts of Sweden are we visiting?

We visited key regions of Sweden in the height of spring, chosen for their high concentration of wildlife and unspoilt landscapes. These areas offer the best conditions for observing and photographing Nordic species such as owls, loons and waders at their most active and in the most photogenic light.

How many people are in the group, and who is joining us?

We always work with small groups of no more than six people per trip, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere and a comfortable pace for everyone. You’ll be accompanied by a Spanish-speaking tour leader and an expert local guide, so you’ll receive personalised attention, photography support and plenty of opportunities to learn about the behaviour of the wildlife and the environment.

How do you plan your route to ensure you get good wildlife photos?

Before the trip, the team carries out extensive planning and scouting to identify key habitats, resting spots and areas where the target species are active. This enables them to design a flexible itinerary focused on maximising photographic opportunities in uncrowded natural settings with stunning backdrops.

What will the accommodation and travel arrangements be like?

We stay in hotels or lodges chosen for their proximity to wildlife-viewing areas, their friendly service and their natural surroundings. The trip includes full board and all ground transfers, so all you need to do is enjoy yourself, observe and take photographs, without having to worry about the day-to-day logistics.

How can we ensure an ethical experience with wildlife?

All activities are carried out in accordance with strict ethical standards in nature photography: we work with wildlife in the wild, without using artificial bait that might alter their behaviour, and always maintaining a safe distance. Our approach prioritises the welfare of the animals and respect for the ecosystem, in line with the ethical codes of nature photography and the values of Wild Spain Travel.