Idre by motorhome – horseback riding, beaver safari and reindeer

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: October 2026 | Idre with a camper was a stop with both horse riding, beaver safari and reindeer right next to the camper. During our trip to Sweden in the summer of 2010, we stayed a few days at the campsite at Idre Fjäll together with Peter's sons Billie and Pontus. It was colder than we had hoped, but the nature and the experiences made the stay memorable!

Camping at Idre Fjäll

We stayed at the campsite at Idre Fjäll, which at the time belonged to the Caravan Club. Here we were close to the lifts and the mountain nature, and the campsite became a good starting point for our excursions in the area.

It was summer, but up in the mountains it was really cold. We had to dress up and of course hoped for a little more warmth. At the same time, it was nice to be standing with the camper here, with the mountain landscape around us and several exciting activities within reach.

Today, Idre Fjäll offers campsites with electricity and service buildings with kitchens, toilets, showers and laundry facilities. The campsite is close to hiking trails and the resort's other facilities.

Horseback riding in Idre – through the forest and over the mountains

I, Helena, rode a lot when I was younger and still think that horseback riding is a fantastic way to experience nature. Peter and Billie had ridden a little before, while Pontus had only tried it once. Everyone was still positive about going on a horseback ride.

We got horses and set out with the guide Mia. The ride went through green forest and out into more open mountain landscapes, with wide views all around us. There is something special about experiencing nature from horseback: the movements of the horse, the sounds and the feeling of traveling through the landscape.

During our trip we also got to gallop several times. It was lovely, and despite our different experiences, the riding went well for the whole gang.

A horseback ride with a little drama

It wasn't completely undramatic, however. At one point, Billie's horse started to back up and continued until she ended up in a deep ditch. The horse fell backwards and Billie had to throw herself off to avoid being crushed under her.

It was a scary moment, of course, but luckily it went well. Billie was soon back on her feet and we were able to continue the trip. An event that we all remember!

Horseback riding is still offered at Idre Fjäll, with different arrangements depending on riding experience. There are both short try-out activities and longer trips through the forest and up the mountain. Choose a trip that suits your experience - for example, today's top ride requires intermediate riding experience.

READ MORE: Horse riding on the move - experiences around the world

Beaver safari by canoe at Lake Grövelsjön

Another evening we went on a beaver safari by canoe at Lake Grövelsjön. Together with a guide and a group of Dutch people, we set out on the water to look for beavers.

After the cold at the campsite, it felt a little warmer here. The water was calm and we had a beautiful evening canoe trip. It was also an activity where we could do something together, while everyone kept an eye out for movement in the water.

During the tour we stopped at a small camp for coffee. The guide told us about the life and habits of the beavers, and then the scouting continued.

Did we see any beavers?

No, unfortunately not a single beaver showed up. We watched and waited, but this evening we had to settle for nature and the paddling itself.

It was a bit of an anticlimax, of course, but we still had a really nice trip. For the kids, the anticipation and anticipation were a big part of the experience. Could that moving thing be a beaver? Would someone appear around the next bend?

Beaver safaris by canoe are still offered in the Idre area. However, today's tours do not have to go to the same place or have the same structure as the one we went with in 2010. Therefore, check where the tour starts and what is included when you book.

What is beaver bark?

One thing the guide told me about was beaver bile. It is a scent that beavers use to mark their territory and that people have historically used in folk medicine, among other things.

The beaver is also a skilled swimmer and can stay underwater for up to around 15 minutes, which may explain why it is not always easy to spot!

READ MORE: Beaver safari in Stockholm - on your own beaver tracking tour

Reindeer right next to the camper

The beavers stayed away, but we saw plenty of reindeer. Around Idre we encountered them along the roads, and at the campsite they walked carefree between caravans and cabins.

For us Stockholmers, it felt quite special to look out of the camper and see a reindeer strolling past. It became one of those little travel memories that stay with us, even though we hadn't booked any activities or even left the campsite.

READ MORE: 25 facts about reindeer - beautiful animals in the mountains

Our days in Idre with a campervan

For us, Idre was a stop where we could combine camping life with excursions in nature. The horseback riding gave us both beautiful views and a little more drama than we had wished for. The beaver safari did not yield any beavers, but a beautiful canoe trip and an evening of tense anticipation. And the reindeer came almost right up to the camper door.

We would have liked it to be a few degrees warmer, but when we rolled further north after a few days, we still had several nice experiences with us.

READ MORE: Holidays in Sweden - your guide to Sweden's best destinations