Avesta Bison Park has long been one of Europe’s most important breeding centres for the preservation of European bison, and is involved in international conservation work.
The European bison, Bison bonasus, was once widespread across the European continent as far north as Tiveden and Kolmården in Sweden. After the European bison had come very close to extinction, an inventory carried out in 1923 showed that there were only 54 living specimens remaining.
Today, there are around 25 European bison at Avesta Bison Park. They are divided into two flocks, each in their own enclosure. There are also a few more in smaller enclosures slightly further away. Strolling around the area gives you a good chance to get right up close to the animals, and the information boards and virtual technology provide information about the bison, the park and the history of the area.
The park also has plenty to keep children entertained and a lovely little barn café serving home-baked pastries and light meals, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Don’t forget to visit our historic house that shows how people lived in the 1930s. It’s like going back in time!
During the summer months, there are guided tours of Avesta Bison Park on Saturdays and Sundays at 13:15.
If you would like to take a guided tour at other times, please call Avesta Tourist Centre on +46 771 62 62 62. We also offer group tours!
At the Avesta Bison Reserve you’ll find a cozy barn cafe. They offer homemade swedish fika and lunch dishes to enjoy inside the homely barn cafe or outside in the lush garden.
Please feel free to talk to the staff if you have any food allergies. We have options!
The Avesta Bison Reserve is an attraction for the entire family! It features large green areas to play around in, a cozy playhouse, climbing pole, swings, hopscotch and stilts.
In the play stable there’s boxes and hobbyhorses for the children. Perfect for rainy days. In the small playhouse kids can color their own bison or perhaps make dinner and play bison restaurant?
Dear guest,
To ensure that your visit to Avesta Bison Park is both safe and enjoyable, we would like tell you about our safety rules.
Both domesticated and wild animals should always be respected. European bison are no exception, and the fence is there for your protection. You must not climb the fence, and should always remain calm and quiet when near the fence. This will increase the chances of the bison coming up close.
Do not reach out to the animals. They are not interested in being stroked. Their horns are extremely hard, and they sometimes throw their heads back and forth.
There are a few things that the bison may see as a threat. One example is umbrellas, so avoid using these. They may also see dogs as a threat. For this reason, pets are not allowed to enter the area.
In addition to grass and brushwood, the bison also eat concentrated feed which is given to them twice a day. This is why it is forbidden to feed the bison.
Alcohol must not be brought into the area or consumed here. In view of the risk of fire, please do not smoke after entering the park.
Avesta Bison Park and the European bison welcome you!
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