Vildmarksguiden experience Sweden’s wilderness

vildguide.com

Experience Värmlands wild nature together with a professional guide. Vildmarksguiden is a specialist in high quality activities for small groups and offers a range of close to wild experiences in eastern and northern Värmland. Värmland region is perhaps Sweden’s premier district for wildlife watching with the countries densest Elk (Moose) population as one of the highlights, who needs Moose parks! It should also be your number one choice for Wolf experiences with Sweden’s largest and densest population, no other area can compare! This is the area where Wolves made their return to Sweden in the 1970s. No mater what time of year nature always has some- thing to offer, and each distinct season has its own unique and wonderful experiences. Vildmarksguiden offers activities which reflect the four seasons taking advantage of their individual characteristics and planning activities around them. Vildmarksguiden believes in uncomplicated activities giving authentic and genuine experiences. See but don’t disturb, that’s Vildmarksguidens motto. With this respect for nature Vildmarksguiden offers a range of activities which get you closer to nature. Choose between one of the activities on offer or, if you have more specific goals book your own private guide and we will tailor make an experience for you. It’s not just nature and wildlife we see on our activi- ties, wherever we go there are always traces of human activity which help us understand the areas history, culture and traditions. It can be old iron foundries, mills, log-driving and forestry remnants, and ruins from small-holdings. This adds another dimension to Vildmarksguidens activities and gives you a unique insight into how things used to be in Värmland. You also get a real taste of Värmland. There are many small scale food producers in Värmland off- ering a wide range of locally produced delicacies. We have sourced some of the best products from this area and have included them into those activities where a light meal is included. Get away from the stresses of everyday life and book an activity with Vildmarksguiden!

Vildmarksuiden Värmland - Sweden

Moose & Wildlife Safari

The king of the forest! A safari together with Vildmarksguiden through beautiful forest landscapes in search of the animals that live there. The biggest attraction is of course the Moose, but we keep a lookout for other animals large or small. Some hot news before the start of the 2012 season is a significant increase in Wolf activity in the safari area where we now have two packs of Wolves, one of which is genetically important for the Swedish population. This adds another exciting dimension to the safari where we have chances of finding tracks made by the Wolves or even hear them howling. As with any of the large predators in Sweden Wolves are very shy and are rarely seen, but you can never rule out a chance encounter. Most of the safari is spent travelling on small forest roads, however in order to discover the forest up close we go for a guided walk where we look more closely at the tracks animals leave behind. Included is a light buffet made from exclusive locally produced foods offering a delicious taste of Värmland. Animals which we have a chance of seeing during the evening are amongst others: Elk, Fox, Roe Deer, Red Deer, Beaver, game birds and if we are very lucky we may even see tracks from Lynx, Brown Bear or Wolf. Type of activity: Evening activity Season: May to August Price: 750 SEK per person or family price 2100 SEK (2 adults + 1-2 children up to 16 years). Group price available. Group size: 2-4, group bookings available. Times: evening, 4-5hrs. Times vary under season from between 18:00 – 22:00 and 19:30 – 23:30 From: Kristinehamn & Storfors Clothing: outdoor clothes and walking boots are recommended. Info: good for individuals, couples, families and groups.

Beaver Safari

Discover the mystical world of the Beaver together with an experienced guide. The Beaver safari takes us along a peaceful stretch of river where there are excellent chances of seeing Beaver up close in their natural environment. The whole time we need to keep a lookout as the Beaver can appear at any moment. We stop at a spot with excellent views along the river. Here we sit and wait for the Beavers to swim by while we eat a light meal made from locally produced foods. If we are quiet and sit still then the Beavers can come very close and we can observe their search for food in the water and on land. A stimulating evening in this calm environment is good for both body and soul. Type of activity: Evening activity Season: May to September Price: 750 SEK per person or family price 2100 SEK (2 adults + 1-2 children from 8 to 16 years) Group size: 2-4 Times: 18:30 – 22:30 From: Kristinehamn Clothing: outdoor clothes and walking boots are recommended. Info: good for individuals, couples and families with children from 8 years. Minimum age 8 years.

Wildlife & Nature Photography

A range of products in Värmlands vast and varied nature. Aimed at photographers and wildlife watchers alike these products get you closer to a wide range of birds and animals. Depending on the season there are lots of different possibilities open to you. We adjust the activity according to what you wish to see. Värmland has a vast diversity of wildlife and landscapes. Environments range from Lake Vänerns archipelago and vast reed beds to northern Värmlands deep Taiga and the special Klarälven Valley. This means that there are many different bird and animal species to be seen many of which are rare in other parts of Europe. Southern Värmland is an area of mixed forests and Lake Vänern has many bird species such as: Osprey, White-tailed Eagle, Grebes, Bittern and many other types of wildfowl. In northern Värmland you find the vast Taiga with deep forests, hills, lakes and the special Klarälven Valley. Here you can find bird species such as: Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Cranes, Woodpeckers, Divers, and various birds of prey. Common throughout the region are mammals such as Beaver and Elk. Large predators such as Wolf and Lynx are much harder to find. On the next three pages is a description of what we offer. If you’re looking for something more specific or want more information on our products give us a call or send an e-mail. We can tailor-make an activity to suit your needs. You can also combine the below activities with accommodation at one of the hotels, B&Bs or guesthouses we cooperate with, we’ll help you with this. • Photo Hide Overnight • Landscape Photo Safari • Photography Walks

Photo Hide Overnight

We use small camouflaged tent hides with space for one person to spend the night or two people sitting. We place the hide at a spot that we think gives you the best chances of seeing the bird or animal you are looking for. A unique way of experiencing the regions wild places and wildlife up close. Photo targets: Beaver, Whooper Swans, Cranes, Divers, Capercaillie & Black Grouse. Season: April to October. Activities length: ca24hrs, late efternoon to mid morning. Start times can vary depending on what animals you want to see. Where: Eastern and northern Värmland. Option 1 includes: evening meal day 1, breakfast day 2, hide (Ameristep Doghouse), carry mat, sleeping bag, seat, transport during activity and introductory guiding. Price: 2450 SEK per hide based on one person. Extra person: 800 SEK. Option 2 includes: hide (Ameristep Doghouse), carry mat, sleeping bag, seat, transport during activity and introductory guiding. Price: 1750 SEK per hide based on one person. Extra Person: 800 SEK. Extra info: Outdoor clothing and walking boots required, see kit list on www.vildguide.com. More often that not these activities will involve walking over rougher terrain away from paths so a good general level of fitness is required. Minimum age 12 years. From 12-18 years in company of an adult (over 25 years). Meals (option 1): Evening meal is served at a local guesthouse or hotel, there is even the option of prepairing the evening meal out in the forest together with the guide (depends on location and photo target). Breakfast packages are given to guests the evening before. As far as possible we always make meals from delicious exclusive locally produced foods.

Landscape Photo Safari

Discover the landscapes and environments that make this area unique. It can be old growth forest, wetlands and geologically interesting sites. We travel round in search of beautiful views and subjects to photograph. Each season has its own high points, special light conditions and colours. From time to time we will venture from the car so outdoor clothing is recommended and on winter trips warm clothing is required. See our kit list. Photo targets: amongst others: boreal forest, wetlands, old growth forest, , lakes, cultural landscapes, and flora and fauna we might see along the way. Season: Year round. Group: 2-4. Includes: meal made from locally produced foods, transport during activity and friendly and experienced guide. Times: 10:00 – 16:00 Price: 1150 SEK per person, group price available. Info: suitable for individuals, couples, families and groups.

Photography Walks

We go for an easy going walk in some beautiful surroundings. Depending on where you’re staying or what you want to experience we can find somewhere that suits your wishes. We take it easy on our walk talking time to stop and photograph the subjects you find interesting. On our walks we discover the areas landscape, flora and fauna and since nature is so unpredictable we never quite know what opportunities might arise. Photo targets: landscapes, ecosystems and flora and fauna we might see along the way. Season: May to October. Group: 2-4. Available for groups. Times: ca 10:00 – 16:00 Includes: light meal made from locally produced foods, transport during activity and experienced and friendly guide. Price: 1050 SEK per person. Group price available. Info: suitable for individuals, couples, families and groups. Suitable clothing and footwear is a must, see www.vildguide.com for our kit list. Even if walks are easy going a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Snowshoe Safari Welcome to the total silence of winter in Sweden’s wild Taiga forest. Snowshoeing is an amazing way to discover this region and to get closer to nature. The winter landscape has an amazing calming effect and helps you forget the stress of everyday life. Together with an expert guide you experience the magic of winter in Värmlands vast forests while discovering more about the animals that live there. Your guide will help you understand which tracks belong to which animals, how they have been behaving and how they interact with each other. Animals whose tracks we have good chances of finding are: Wolf, Lynx, Fox, game birds, Elk, Pine Martin, Roe Deer and forest mice to name but a few. The nature of the activity means that it can sometimes be physically demanding depending on where the animal tracks lead us. See below for a kit list to make sure you have the correct clothing to get the most out of the activity.

Type of activity: Day activity Season: December to March, depending on snow conditions. Price: 1.050 SEK per person. Group price available. Group size: 2-4 Times: 10:00 – ca 15:00 From where: Eastern and northern Värmland. Included in price: Transport during activity, experienced guide, loan of snowshoes and ski poles, and light meal made from exclusive locally produced foods. Info: suitable for individuals, couples and small groups. Correct clothing and footwear is a must, see www.vildguide.com for kit list. A good level of fitness is required as snowshoeing is a strenuous activity. Ages from 16 years.

Snowshoe Wolf Tracking Safari Tracking Wolves in Värmlands beautiful winter landscape is an exotic experience beyond the ordinary. Värmland is where Wolves returned to Sweden in the 1970s and today there are ca150 Wolves in packs throughout the whole region, around half of Sweden’s Wolf population. Together with an expert guide you travel far into the forest on small roads in search tracks from Wolves from one of several packs in the area. Once we find some interesting tracks we strap on our snowshoes and follow them into the wild forest. Your guide will help you understand which tracks belong to which animals, how they have been behaving and how they interact with each other. Finding out more about the forest eco-system is just as amazing as experiencing the vast winter forest. Animals whose tracks we may see are: Wolf, Lynx, Fox, game birds, Elk, Pine Martin, Wolverine and Forest Mice to name but a few. Quality and safety are of the up most importance to Vildmarksguiden. Our guides are all very knowledgeable and have vast experience of guiding groups in Sweden’s wilds. The equipment we use is also of the highest quality to ensure your enjoyment of the activity. Available as a day activity or book 2 or more days for a more in depth tracking experience. Booking 2 or more days offers the possibility of experiencing the forest at night where we can howl with Wolves and listen for owls and the other sounds of the forest. We can help you find suitable accommodation for your stay. Because we are following wild animals we have no way of controlling where they go. This means that we may have to pass some rougher terrain whilst out in the forest. But since this isn’t a full blown Wolf tracking expedition we won’t make it too tough. Type of activity: Day activity or book two or more days tracking for a more in depth tracking experience, we can help you find suitable accommodation Season: December to March, depending on snow conditions. Price: 1.250 SEK per person. Group and muti-day prices available. Group size: 2-4 Times: 10:00 – ca 15:00 Where: Hagfors, Filipstad & Torsby districts. Included in price: Transport during activity, experienced guide, loan of snowshoes and ski poles, light meal and traditional Swedish coffee boiled over an open fire. Info: suitable for individuals, couples and groups. Ages from 16 years. Tracking Wolves is a strenuous activity and a high level of fitness is required since we never know where they will take us. Correct equipment is also a must, see www.vildguide.com for kit list.

Green Tourism

Vildmarksguiden strives towards sustainable and responsible tourism. That means that our activities, while keeping a high quality should also have a minimal impact on the environment in which we work. We think that its extremely important to respect nature and work towards sustainable tourism and we want to teach our customers to do the same. It doesn’t require much, its just a case of being sensible. Below is a list of what Vildmarksguiden does when planning and running activities: When researching new activities we follow six basic principles: 1. How will the activity support the local economy? 2. How do we minimise disturbance of the animals which we are there to see? 3. How do we minimise wear and tear on local ecosystems? 4. What environmental problems should we inform our customers about? 5. How can we take responsibility for environmental work? 6. How should we respect and protect local culture and traditions? When running activities it is important that: 1. Vildmarksguiden and its guides have excellent knowledge about nature, animal behaviour and the ecosystems we encounter on activities. 2. Activities should not disturb, threaten or alter animals natural behaviour. We do not follow animals which react shyly or seek cover. 3. Whenever possible activities and Vildmarksguiden should use local services. Where meals are included they should be based on locally produced foods.

Vildmarksguiden Dalgatan 14 681 32 Kristinehamn Sweden +46 (0)550 41 19 12 +46 (0)76 8000 202 info@vildguide.com www.vildguide.com