Moose are a curious, yet majestic species of deer, that can be found in the northern regions of America, Europe and Asia. Males are instantly recognisable by their huge antlers, which can spread nearly two metres from end to end. These are characterised by a leaf-like shape, rather than the twig-style antlers of other deer. The largest of the deer species, moose (known as elk in Europe) can stand at over two metres tall and males can weigh up to 700kg, meaning they need to consume a huge 9770 calories per day in order to maintain their body weight – about five times what a human will eat in a day. This nutrition is gained from many plants and fruits, including aquatic plants. Moose are solitary animals and do not gather in herds; the strongest bonds being those between mother and calf. However, during the autumn mating season, more of the animals may be seen in closer proximity than usual. Males often engage in impressive fights involving their antlers, in competition for the right to a certain female.

Crib notes:

• Calves grow quickly and can outrun a person at just five days old.
• Moose are so tall – and the males’ antlers so heavy – that they often prefer to eat higher grasses and shrubs, as lowering their heads to ground level can be difficult.
• Despite their huge bulk, moose are comfortable in water and have been seen paddling several miles at a time.
• Moose don’t have any upper front teeth, but their upper lip is very sensitive, which helps in distinguishing between fresh and harder vegetation.

Time of Year: In general, May to September is the best time to visit Sweden.

Destination: To embrace the true explorer’s spirit of outdoor adventure,where better to stay than Sweden’s Kolarbyn Eco-lodge, where guests sleep in rustic forest huts with no electricity and have to fetch water and cut wood (to fuel the fire to cook breakfast on!) themselves. An exciting adventure into the real wild, families have the opportunity to swim in the beautiful lake Skärsjön and relax in its floating sauna, hike in the surrounding forest and fish for pike and perch. An abundance of wild blueberries are free for the picking, and of course tours are provided that guarantee sightings of elk, beaver, great grey owl and all kinds of other wildlife. A place that’ll make you feel as at one with nature as is possible, this lodge is a must for a great family adventure.

Price Guide: An all-inclusive three-night package (Thursdays – Sundays and Friday – Monday, April – September), including two safaris, sauna and sleeping bag equipment from 3385 SEK for adults and 2200 SEK for children.