Short break wildlife holidays travel guide
2 MINUTE SUMMARY
Anyone who’s sat through an episode of Springwatch will have a feel for the wildlife that makes its home in the UK, but if you’ve had your fill of deer and hedgehogs and yearn for something a little ‘other’, the good news is, you don’t have to book a safari and fly to Africa. Europe is brimming with wildlife – exciting, exotic wildlife – and you can see it on a short break of four or five days. Board a plane to Stockholm, Budapest or Warsaw and you’re only a few hours’ drive from moose, wolves, beavers, birdlife and bison. Yes, bison! Short break wildlife holidays run all year round, too. Spot bears during the super-long days of summer in Eastern Finland or see orcas in December from a boat cruising the fjords of northern Norway. Europe’s wilder side is waiting to reveal itself – all you need is a long weekend.
Read more in our short break wildlife holidays travel guide.
Read more in our short break wildlife holidays travel guide.
Is a short break wildlife holiday for you?
Responsible Travel recommends
Go on a short break wildlife holiday if…
… you’re short of time. Four or five days are enough to see, admire and learn about Europe’s birds and beasties.
… you don’t do long haul. A quick flight to Europe will bring you to countries where a host of exciting wildlife lives. Often, it’s just a short drive from airport to wilderness, too.
… you want a winter break. Some animals are most active in the colder months – wolves, for example – making wildlife watching a great option for an alternative winter holiday.
… you love the great outdoors. Of course, short break wildlife holidays tend to involve being outside most of the time. Immersing yourself in the landscape is as much a part of the trip as spotting the critters.
… you don’t want to blow the budget. A short trip to see Europe’s wildlife tends to cost less than a long African safari, but doesn’t scrimp on exciting wildlife experiences.
… you don’t do long haul. A quick flight to Europe will bring you to countries where a host of exciting wildlife lives. Often, it’s just a short drive from airport to wilderness, too.
… you want a winter break. Some animals are most active in the colder months – wolves, for example – making wildlife watching a great option for an alternative winter holiday.
… you love the great outdoors. Of course, short break wildlife holidays tend to involve being outside most of the time. Immersing yourself in the landscape is as much a part of the trip as spotting the critters.
… you don’t want to blow the budget. A short trip to see Europe’s wildlife tends to cost less than a long African safari, but doesn’t scrimp on exciting wildlife experiences.
Don’t go on a short break wildlife holiday if…
… you like lots of down time. Itineraries tend to be pretty packed to make the most of a short break. Wildlife watching often starts early in the morning, too, or takes place through the night, if you’re seeking bears…
… you love luxury accommodation. The focus is on the wildlife, not the bath robes and room service. Some trips spend a night in a hide, others camp in the wilderness, howling for wolves, and many involve long hours walking through wild terrain.
… you want guaranteed sightings. Wildlife won’t emerge on cue, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t see a wolf or bear. Holiday companies are realistic about the odds of seeing each individual species. They’ll also emphasise tracking skills and enjoying being outdoors, not just ticking animals off a list.
… you like to travel alone. Most short break wildlife trips are in small groups, with fixed dates. A sociable personality, as well as a love of animals, is helpful.
… you love luxury accommodation. The focus is on the wildlife, not the bath robes and room service. Some trips spend a night in a hide, others camp in the wilderness, howling for wolves, and many involve long hours walking through wild terrain.
… you want guaranteed sightings. Wildlife won’t emerge on cue, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t see a wolf or bear. Holiday companies are realistic about the odds of seeing each individual species. They’ll also emphasise tracking skills and enjoying being outdoors, not just ticking animals off a list.
… you like to travel alone. Most short break wildlife trips are in small groups, with fixed dates. A sociable personality, as well as a love of animals, is helpful.

If you'd like to chat about Short break wildlife or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Rosy & team.
01273 823 700
Best time to go on a short break wildlife holiday
TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL
Sweden holidays, Wolves, Moose and Beavers
Wildlife holiday in Sweden with full focus on large mammals.
From
€1750
5 Days
ex flights
Poland bison safari in the Primeval Forest
Short break wildlife adventure in the Bialowieza Forest
From
PLZ3450
4 Days
ex flights
Finland wildlife short break
Bear, wolverine and elk widlife short break in Finland
From
€780
5 Days
ex flights
Sweden wildlife holiday, ecolodge short break
Wildlife break at Sweden's most primitive hotel
From
£630
4 Days
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Highlights of the Faroe Islands holiday
Stay in Tórshavn with day tours exploring the Faroe Islands
From
£1409
4 Days
ex flights
Wolverine photography in Finland, group tour
100% success rate in photographing wild wolverines
From
£1850
5 Days
ex flights