1. Hjälstaviken Fågeltorn

Location: Near Hårby, 30 minutes southwest of Uppsala

How to Get There: Drive via road 55 toward Enköping and follow signs to Hårby. Parking available at Hårby parking lot.

Best Time to Visit: March–May (geese, ducks, cranes); August–October (raptors and late migrants)

Species to See: Cranes, geese, ducks, marsh harriers, bittern

Tower Orientation: Faces east—great for early sunrise light and morning mist photography.

Photography Tips: Use a long lens (400–600mm), visit during early morning for low light and misty scenes. Tower gives excellent overview of the reedbeds and open water.

1b. Hjälstaviken Bird Hide (Gömsle)

Location: South shore of Hjälstaviken

How to Get There: From Hårby parking lot, walk south on the boardwalk trail about 1.5 km. The hide is along the lakeshore.

Best Time to Visit: April–June for nesting waterbirds, and autumn migration

Species to See: Bittern, grebes, ducks, marsh harrier

Hide Orientation: Faces north toward the open water

Photography Tips: Great for close-up shots with low disturbance. Bring a tripod and camouflage clothing. Early morning or late evening offers dramatic light.

5. Övre Föret Fågeltorn

Location: West of the Fyris River, near Ulleråker

How to Get There: Walk or bike from central Uppsala along the river trail. No formal parking—bike recommended.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for migratory activity

Species to See: Ducks, herons, gulls, cormorants

Tower Orientation: Faces east toward the riverbend

Photography Tips: Morning light reflects beautifully on the water. Compact camera gear is useful for mobile shooting.

6. Gredelby Hagar Fågeltorn

Location: Gredelby Hagar Nature Area, south of Knivsta (25 km from Uppsala)

How to Get There: Drive to Knivsta, park at the Gredelby Hagar entrance. Follow marked trail to the bird tower.

Best Time to Visit: April–June and August–October

Species to See: Waders, geese, swans, lapwings, kestrels

Tower Orientation: Faces west—ideal for photographing birds in golden sunset light.

Photography Tips: Visit in late afternoon. Look for feeding waders in the wet meadows. Bring a spotting scope or super-telephoto lens.

7. Dalkarlskärret Bird Tower

Location: Dalkarlskärret wetland area, northwest of Uppsala

How to Get There: Drive toward Bälinge, turn west to Dalkarlskärret. Parking available at the trailhead.

Best Time to Visit: April–June for breeding season

Species to See: Ducks, waders, snipe, grebes, herons

Tower Orientation: Faces east—perfect for sunrise photography

Photography Tips: Morning mist creates beautiful silhouettes. Bring waterproof footwear. Ideal for early spring breeding shots.

8. Hammarskog Bird Tower

Location: Hammarskog Nature Reserve, southwest of Uppsala

How to Get There: Drive to Hammarskog Herrgård. Park at the main lot and walk the gravel trail to the lake.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round; best in spring and fall

Species to See: Geese, cranes, ducks, raptors

Tower Orientation: Faces north over Lake Ekoln

Photography Tips: Great place for wide-angle bird-in-habitat shots. Sunset gives warm backlight on birds in the water. Good wheelchair-accessible spot.

FAQ – Bird Towers and Hides Near Uppsala

Q: Are all the bird towers free to access?
A: Yes, all listed towers and hides are free and open to the public year-round.

Q: Can I park near each bird tower?
A: Most locations have nearby parking. Some like Övre Föret and Norra Lunsen may require walking or biking from the nearest point.

Q: Is wild camping allowed near the bird towers?
A: Sweden’s Right of Public Access allows overnight stays in nature, but not directly at towers or private land. Stay discreet, use leave-no-trace principles, and avoid sensitive bird areas.

Q: When is the best time of day for photography?
A: Sunrise and sunset offer golden light and better bird activity. Orientation info above will help you choose.

Q: Do I need a permit to photograph birds at these sites?
A: No permits are required for non-commercial use. For drone or commercial work, contact the county administrative board (Länsstyrelsen).

The post Bird Towers and Hides Near Uppsala – Complete list first appeared on Epic Travel Guides & Photography Inspiration.

1. Hjälstaviken Nature Reserve

Best Time to Visit: March to May for migrating geese, ducks, and waders. Autumn is excellent for cranes and raptors.

Where to Go: Start at the Hårby parking lot. From there, take the boardwalk trail through the reeds to the birdwatching tower for the best elevated views of the wetlands.

Photography Tips: Visit during early morning light. Capture flocks of feeding ducks and geese, as well as dramatic silhouettes of cranes at sunset. Bring a 300–600mm lens.

Best Parking Spot: Hårby parking lot

Wild Camping: Allowed under Allemansrätten in designated areas. Avoid camping in the parking lot.

2. Hornborgasjön

Best Time to Visit: Late March to mid-April when tens of thousands of cranes gather.

Where to Go: The best location is Trandansen, on the lake’s southwestern edge. Another great spot is Naturum Hornborgasjön for hides and interpretive trails.

Photography Tips: Use a tripod for distant cranes. Capture interaction, dance displays, and flight with a fast shutter speed.

Best Parking Spot: Trandansen and Naturum parking lots

Wild Camping: Not allowed. Use official campsites like Axevalla nearby.

3. Stora Karlsö

Best Time to Visit: May to July for puffins, razorbills, and guillemots.

Where to Go: The island cliffs and rock outcrops are best accessed via guided tours. The western cliffs offer close views of seabird colonies.

Photography Tips: Use low angles for cliff shots. Capture puffins with nesting material. A 70–200mm lens with teleconverter works well.

Best Parking Spot: Ferry terminal at Klintehamn

Wild Camping: Not permitted. Stay in guesthouses or cabins.

4. Getterön Nature Reserve

Best Time to Visit: Year-round. Spring and fall offer peak migration.

Where to Go: Begin at the Naturum Getterön visitor center. Several hides are placed along the walking trail that loops through the wetlands.

Photography Tips: Ideal for waders, ducks, and gulls. Use hide windows for low angles. Bring a beanbag or tripod for support.

Best Parking Spot: Large lot beside Naturum Getterön

Wild Camping: Not allowed in the reserve. Camp at Varberg Camping nearby.

5. Tärnasjön (Kungsleden Trail)

Best Time to Visit: June to August. Midnight sun allows extended shooting hours.

Where to Go: Access via Hemavan Fjällstation. Best spots are lakeside stretches and marshland plateaus along the trail.

Photography Tips: Capture waders, long-tailed jaegers, and willow ptarmigan. Golden hour lasts all night—use it!

Best Parking Spot: Hemavan Fjällstation trailhead

Wild Camping: Yes, allowed under Allemansrätten. Stay clear of nesting zones.

6. Lake Tåkern

Best Time to Visit: April to June for breeding marsh birds.

Where to Go: Naturum Tåkern has accessible paths, hides, and observation towers. The eastern shore is great for grebes and bitterns.

Photography Tips: Shoot early mornings from hides. Bring a long lens and record soundscapes of booming bitterns.

Best Parking Spot: Naturum Tåkern center

Wild Camping: Limited—ask landowners or stay nearby at Tåkern Vandrarhem.

7. Ottenby & Södra Udde (Öland)

Best Time to Visit: April–May and September–October

Where to Go: Begin at the lighthouse. Several hides and rocky coastlines offer ideal shooting conditions for seabirds and waders.

Photography Tips: Use dramatic lighting at sunrise or sunset for silhouettes. Focus on passerine migration and shorebird flocks.

Best Parking Spot: Lighthouse parking at Ottenby

Wild Camping: Permitted nearby but not at the lighthouse lot. Use marked zones.

8. Svartåmynningen

Best Time to Visit: April to June, and autumn for migrating waders.

Where to Go: Follow trails from the parking off Folkestaleden to small observation platforms and wet meadows.

Photography Tips: Shoot reflections in calm water. Backlight in the morning works beautifully with mist.

Best Parking Spot: Trailhead on Folkestaleden

Wild Camping: Not allowed in the reserve. Camp in nearby forest clearings or campgrounds.

9. Store Mosse National Park

Best Time to Visit: April–May and late summer

Where to Go: Svartgölsleden and Kävsjönleden trails offer birdwatching towers and swamp boardwalks.

Photography Tips: Best for cranes, owls, and woodpeckers. Bring waterproof footwear and protection for your gear.

Best Parking Spot: Naturum or Svartgölsleden trailhead

Wild Camping: Not allowed in the park. Use Kävsjö Camping nearby.

10. Fågelsundet Archipelago

Best Time to Visit: May to August for seabirds

Where to Go: Launch from Öregrund harbor. Kayak or boat to rocky islets around Fågelsundet.

Photography Tips: Stabilize from boat decks or bring a kayak mount. Capture dramatic low angles at sunrise.

Best Parking Spot: Öregrund harbor

Wild Camping: Allowed on outer islands under Allemansrätten. Avoid disturbing nesting colonies.

General FAQ

Can I wild camp anywhere in Sweden while birdwatching?
Sweden’s Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) allows wild camping for one night in most natural areas. Respect private land, avoid nesting zones, and leave no trace.

Do all bird sites in Sweden have bird hides or towers?
Most top sites do, especially nature reserves and wetlands. Hides are ideal for low disturbance and better angles.

What lens should I bring for bird photography in Sweden?
A 400–600mm lens is ideal. A fast zoom like 100–400mm is versatile for hides and trails. Bring a tripod or monopod. I have just bought a 400-800 and will enjoy the extra reach instead of the 300/2.8 I used earlier.

Is it safe to park overnight in remote birdwatching areas?
Generally yes, but always check local signage. Avoid blocking access roads or parking in wildlife-sensitive zones.

Can I visit these sites with a camper van?
Yes! Many locations offer parking for camper vans, but not all allow overnight stays. Use nearby campsites where wild camping isn’t permitted.

The post Ultimate Guide to Top 10 Bird Photography Spots in Sweden first appeared on Epic Travel Guides & Photography Inspiration.

Where is Övre Föret Naturreservat located?

Övre Föret is just west of Uppsala, Sweden, about 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bike from the city center. It’s easily accessible and well-signposted.

What makes Övre Föret special?

• Lush forest and wetland ecosystems
• Abundant birdlife, including rare species
• Accessible walking trails and viewpoints
• Peaceful escape from the city
• Open year-round, free entry

Is it good for photography?

Absolutely! As a travel photographer, I recommend:

• Golden hour in the wetlands for dreamy reflections
• Macro lens for wildflowers and insects
• Telephoto lens for bird photography from the towers
• Foggy mornings for dramatic forest shots

Trails and Difficulty

• Loop Trail (3.5 km) – Easy walk with forest and water views
• Wetland Boardwalk – Flat, accessible path ideal for wheelchairs and strollers
• Hilltop Lookout Path – Moderate incline but rewarding views

What to bring

• Water and snacks
• Good walking shoes (some areas can be muddy)
• Binoculars for birdwatching
• Insect repellent (especially in summer)
• Camera gear with rain protection

Facilities

• Small parking area at the main entrance
• Basic toilets (seasonal)
• Picnic tables in forest clearings
• Informational signs about wildlife and flora

Wildlife to Watch For

• Cranes and herons in spring
• Woodpeckers and owls year-round
• Beavers near the stream in early morning or evening

When’s the best time to visit?

• Spring (April–May): Migrating birds, flowers, and fewer bugs
• Summer (June–August): Full bloom and long daylight, but bring repellent
• Autumn (Sept–Oct): Stunning foliage and crisp air
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Peaceful snowscapes, birdwatching.

FAQs About Visiting Övre Föret Naturreservat

Is it free to enter?
Yes, entry is completely free.

Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but dogs must be on a leash to protect wildlife.

Is camping allowed?
No overnight stays or fires are permitted in the reserve.

Are there guided tours?
Occasionally offered through local nature organizations.

Is it suitable for kids?
Yes! The trails are flat and short, perfect for family outings.

Can I access it via public transport?
Yes, take bus #5 or #804 from Uppsala and walk 10–15 minutes from the nearest stop.

Are there maps available?
Maps are posted at the entrance; downloadable versions can be found on the Uppsala kommun website.

Useful Links for Planning Your Visit

• Uppsala Kommun Nature Reserves – Official info on Övre Föret and nearby reserves.
• SLU Artdatabanken – Learn more about rare species found in the area.
• BirdLife Sverige – Swedish birdwatching info and events.
• SMHI Weather Forecast – Plan your visit around the weather.
• Google Maps – Övre Föret Location – Navigate directly to the main entrance.

The post Visit Övre Föret Naturreservat: Your Complete Guide for 2025 first appeared on Epic Travel Guides & Photography Inspiration.