Nordens Ark
A breeding centre for endangered species on a Bohuslan hillside, working on snow leopards, wolverines and Gotland ponies.
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Nordens Ark opened in 1989 on an old farm by Aby fjord as a foundation rather than a zoo, with breeding and reintroduction as the purpose: it works on Nordic species that have fallen to very low numbers - wolverine, arctic fox, white-backed woodpecker, lesser white-fronted goose, the Gotland russ pony - and on some from further afield, including Amur tigers and snow leopards. Enclosures are large and set into hillside and forest, which means animals are often not visible, and that is deliberate. The walk round covers a couple of kilometres with steep sections. Breeding animals bred for release are kept out of public view entirely.
What you actually see
- Large hillside enclosures - animals often out of sight by design.
- Nordic species at low numbers - wolverine, arctic fox, russ pony.
- Amur tigers and snow leopards - the non-Nordic programmes.
- A working breeding foundation - release animals kept unseen.
When to go
May to September for full opening. Three to four hours.
Honest expectations
Animals are frequently not visible, which frustrates people expecting a zoo. The circuit is long and steep. Winter opening is reduced. Getting there means a long drive with no alternative.
Nearby
Hunnebostrand and Smogen are north; Lysekil is south.
What to pack for Nordens Ark
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
