Page 26 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

24  INTRODUCING SWEDEN

Landscape and Wildlife

Sweden has a remarkably varied landscape. The flat arable
land of Skåne in the south gives way to lakes and forests,
rugged mountains, fast-flowing rivers and wild open
moorland further north, leading to the Arctic tundra.
Plant and animal species from both continental Europe and
the Arctic thrive. Large areas of wilderness have become
enclaves where endangered species such as bears and
wolves, snakes and owls have been able to survive the
increased pressure from civilization. The coastline, too, is
immensely varied. Marine life is unique, as North Sea fish Wolves are a threatened species
make their way into the brackish water of the Baltic and and, despite migration from
neighbouring countries, there
mix with species normally only found in fresh water. are only around 350 in Sweden.

Coasts and Islands The Arable South
Smooth rocks and sandy beaches dominate The flat lands of Skåne with their fields of
the west coast, where marine life includes crops, willow windbreaks and half-timbered
saltwater fish such as cod and haddock. houses topped by storks’ nests are a familiar
Freshwater pike and whitefish can be found image of Sweden. But just as typical are the
off the northerly stretches of the east coast. stony pastures and juniper slopes of Småland
On the limestone islands of Öland and Gotland surrounding red cottages, and the meadows
orchid meadows flourish. and pasture lands of Mälardalen.
Seals declined in Roe deer were almost
number as a result extinct in the early
of hunting, pollution 19th century. Now
and disease. But now they are so common
populations of grey in southern and
seals, ringed seals and central Sweden that
harbour seals (pictured) they are known to
are increasing, thanks raid local gardens in
to their protected status. search of food.

Sea eagles, with a Hedgehogs rely on
wing span of up to their 5,000 spines for
250 cm (8 ft), are protection and curl into
Sweden’s largest birds a ball at the approach of
of prey. They nest danger. But this is of little
along the east coast effect against cars, and
and also on lakes the popular doorstep
in Lappland. guest is in decline.

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