The best places for moose-spotting in Scandinavia

The winter months in Scandinavia are traditionally associated with skiing, boozy hot chocolate and resisting the temptation to steal the cute husky puppies. However, despite all these enticements, visitors to the region have a new obsession: moose-spotting. These not-so-gentle giants are surprisingly easy to spot in the wild, especially at these properties. *

Dalen Bed & Breakfast in Telemark, Norway

Oliver – the owner of the family-run Dalen B&B – is so committed to making sure that guests see one of the local moose that he has created an annotated map of the best places to spot them. And if you don’t have your own car, or just prefer to have an experienced guide with you, Oliver runs his own free moose safaris.

Hästveda Vandrarhem in Skåne, Sweden

The 18th-century cottages of Hästveda Vandrarhem have been completely refurbished and are just down the road from one of Skåne’s highest-rated moose safaris. For those interested in the history of the area, the cottages are next door to a large country house that has been turned into a museum featuring the region’s wildlife.

Kvaale Gard in Jotunheimen, Norway

The quintessential Norwegian town of Lom acts as a gateway to the Jotunheimen Mountains and National Park. With a relatively warm micro-climate for Norway, visitors to the region can expect to see moose throughout the year. And if you’re not lucky enough to see one roaming through the fields next to Kvaale Gard, there are plenty of organised moose safaris through the nearby forest.

Enoks i Láddjujávri in Riksgränsen Sweden

The struggle to pronounce its name isn’t the only intimidating thing about Enoks i Láddjujávri. Based on the Kungsleden trail, these wooden cottages are only accessible by hiking, skiing, or, presumably, moose-back (although that form of transport is strongly advised against by locals). And while some visitors satisfying themselves with a postcard or some mittens, more and more are taking home the area’s most popular souvenir: moose poo.

Lyngen Ski Apartment in Lyngen, Norway

The Lyngen Alps certainly get a lot of snow in the winter but the temperatures don’t actually dip dramatically so you can book a moose safari with confidence. Guests at the Lyngen Ski Apartment wax lyrical over the snowshoe safari, which combines moose spotting with a rather strenuous workout. And even if you don’t see a moose, the view of the Alps is still worth a trip of its own.

Viking Trails Outdoor & Accommodations in Dalarna, Sweden

The Viking Trails pastoral wooden houses offer every kind of outdoor activity. Including a hiking tours and survival course for the more adventurous, and regular barbecues for those travellers who prefer to appreciate the great outdoors with a burger in hand. Moose sausages are a local delicacy although hopefully that won’t be the only moose sighting you have.

** Please exercise caution, never directly approach a moose, and always seek guidance from the local authorities.