Central Sweden is home to a mixed forest of conifers and deciduous trees, including aspen, fir, larch, oak, pine, and spruce — a rich combination that provides a suitable habitat for diverse flora, fauna, and fungi.
Sweden’s right of public access, or “Allemansrätt” grants greater freedom to explore and enjoy nature than most places. Hiking, camping, foraging and forest bathing are basically allowed everywhere, as long as you respect nature and private property. In Central Sweden, not far from the bustling streets of Stockholm, an enchanted forest invites you on a scenic stroll.
Much of Central Sweden’s landscape is characterized by large boulders deposited during the last Ice Age, some 10,000 years ago. Often patched with lichens or mosses, these rocks render an irresistible charm for forested and coastal areas alike. They are also ideal for young people to climb on and older folks to sit on.
A less charming but equally notable feature of the forest is a shocking number of ant hills, which can grow to impressive heights. These substantial colonies gather solar warmth by making raised hills. A nine-foot ant hill, housing hundreds of thousands of ants, was discovered five years ago in Sweden — it is estimated to be about 300 years old!
Mammals
Hedgehogs inhabit most of Sweden, although they are now endangered due to loss of habitat, vehicular traffic, and other threats. This small, spiny mammal feeds mainly on the insects and invertebrates found in a mixed or deciduous forest. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and also timid — they curl up in a ball if they sense danger.
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Sweden’s native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) feeds on fruits, nuts and seeds from the forest. The invasive gray squirrel (introduced to Europe in 1948) is mainly found in Sweden’s urban areas, where it competes with the native species for food and habitat.
Sweden seems to be teeming with wild boars, or “vild svin,” with a growing population despite annual culling of over 100,000 animals per year. These omnivores find much of their food — such as acorns, fungi, roots and invertebrates — in the forest. They are typically not dangerous, although they can become aggressive when their young are threatened.
Wild boars are considered an agricultural pest because they are inclined to invade cultivated farmland — digging up potatoes or indulging in fruit and grain crops. They are also prolific reproducers.
Of the four species of deer in Sweden, the Eurasian elk (Alces alces), or moose, is the largest. Although this moose is closely related to the North American moose, they tend to be somewhat smaller than ours. Moose graze on vegetation and are not naturally aggressive. Vehicular collisions pose the greatest danger when encountering moose.
Flora and fungi
Lichen are a good indicator of air quality, and the Swedish forest supports dozens of different types.
Because it is especially sensitive to pollution, witch’s-hair lichen is used to monitor air quality. In good conditions, this grey-green lichen can live for over 100 years.
Sheet mosses belong to the genus Hypnum. They can cover large areas and some species are cultivated for decorative purposes.
Mosses are also beneficial to the environment. They improve air quality by absorbing airborne pollutants as well as carbon dioxide; provide microhabitats to support biodiversity; and help retain moisture in the soil — improving conditions for other plants.
Lingonberry, also known as partridgeberry, grows naturally in the forests of Sweden. It is even more commonly eaten there as cranberries are here, with lingonberry jam, or “lingon sylt,” being the quintessential Swedish condiment.
Chantarelle (Kantarell) is the most widely foraged mushroom in Sweden. These obligate mycorrhizal fungi have a symbiotic relationship with the roots of living trees — including spruce, pine, beech and oak. They are difficult to cultivate, but can be readily foraged from moist forests in early autumn.
Red reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is easy to spot with its glossy, red cap. This polypore grows naturally on decaying hardwood and is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties.
Fly agaric is a poisonous mushroom, historically used to kill flies. This widely distributed mushroom can have mixed psychedelic effects, but is considered more dangerous than psilocybin mushrooms.
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