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Sweden’s Moose Migration Livestream Captivates the Nation
What started as a quiet livestream of moose walking through the forests of northern Sweden has become a beloved national event. “The Great Moose Migration”, a 24/7 broadcast of moose making their way across rivers and terrain, is winning hearts across the country with its peaceful pace and natural beauty.
The slow TV show, called “Den stora älgvandringen” in Swedish, has drawn millions of viewers since its debut in 2019. Now in its sixth season, the program streams on SVT Play, the national broadcaster's platform, and has gained a loyal following that plans their days around it.
A Calm but Captivating Journey
The magic of the show lies in its simplicity. Remote cameras quietly capture scenes of the Swedish wilderness as moose — also known as elk — migrate to their summer feeding grounds. Sometimes hours pass without a single animal on screen, but fans say that’s exactly what makes it special.
“Nothing dramatic happens, but something very beautiful unfolds,” said a long-time viewer.
One such fan, Ulla Malmgren, even preps meals and skips sleep to avoid missing a moment of the action. She’s part of a massive online community of superfans who chat live, post screenshots, and cheer the animals on as they cross the Ångerman River, about 300 km northwest of Stockholm.
Slow TV and Its Soothing Effect
The moose migration is part of a broader trend known as “slow TV,” which started in Norway in 2009 with a live train ride. These shows are the opposite of fast-paced entertainment — they help viewers relax, focus, and enjoy the present moment.
Annette Hill, a media expert and fan of the show, says it’s the authenticity and unfiltered nature of the content that makes it meaningful.
“It feels real. There’s no rush, no script. Just nature doing its thing.”
For many, the show is more than entertainment — it’s a ritual, a reminder to slow down and enjoy life’s quieter moments.
Behind the Scenes of the Broadcast
SVT, Sweden’s public broadcaster, has put together an impressive setup for the show. Over 26 remote cameras, seven night-vision cams, and a drone capture the migration across the 20-day event. The production team, based in Umeå, works behind the scenes to make sure the animals remain undisturbed.
Though SVT hasn’t revealed exact costs, the program is considered low-budget for the over 500 hours of footage it airs each year.
Sweden’s Love for the “King of the Forest”
Moose have always fascinated Swedes. With an estimated 300,000 moose roaming the country, they are a cultural icon — often called “King of the Forest.” Despite their size (up to 450 kg and nearly 7 feet tall at the shoulder), they’re usually shy and hard to spot.
That rarity adds to the excitement when one finally appears on screen. SVT even sends alerts to fans when a moose is spotted:
“Första älgarna i bild!” — First moose on camera!
For fans like Hanna Sandberg, who has followed the show since 2019, it offers a window into a world few get to see up close.
“You feel like you’re part of their natural life — it’s peaceful and real.”
Moose Watch: A National Obsession
Viewers of all ages, from kids to retirees, share their moose-watching moments online. Some even post photos of their pets watching the show, captivated by the slow movements of the massive animals on screen.
“I was late for school because I saw a moose,” joked a fan, explaining that his teacher was surprised — until he clarified it was on TV.
The livestream runs until May 4, and for many Swedes, the moose migration has become as much a spring tradition as the changing of the seasons.
