Matilda, the apple sommelier

Anyone who knows the apple tree in Ullevi's garden knows Matilda too. The old, very tame cow from next door has become something of a regular over the years — though not for the view, but for the harvest. And honestly, "pinching" doesn't really do her justice. Watch Matilda for a while and you'll quickly see she doesn't grab at random — she calmly checks branch after branch before settling on the ripest, sweetest fruit. Tasting rather than stealing, you might say — and ever since, Ullevi's apples have officially passed a quality test.

For guests, her visits are often the secret highlight of a quiet afternoon: a large, good-natured animal ambling through the garden, thoroughly unimpressed by camera or audience. There's no schedule for her tastings, of course — Matilda comes when the apple tree calls, not when the guests' calendar says so. Meeting her is simply a matter of luck.

Elchpark Virum: a very different encounter

Anyone after real, wild moose won't find them with Matilda — but they will at Elchpark Virum (Virum Tuna 520, Vimmerby), just a short drive from Ullevi. Guided safari tours in open vehicles take you right through the enclosures where moose and fallow deer live in a natural setting — often close enough to feed or pet them, and with a bit of luck you might even get a classic "moose kiss". After the tour, the rustic Älglogen lodge invites you in for coffee and small moose-themed souvenirs.

Safaris run at different times depending on the season: Tuesdays at 12:15 pm from February to May, daily at 11:00 am, 12:15 pm and 1:30 pm from June, with additional tours at 2:45 pm and 4:00 pm from mid-July into autumn. Since times shift slightly from season to season, it's worth checking the current schedule shortly before your visit.

  • Matilda: tame cow from next door, occasionally samples the apples in the garden — no schedule, pure luck
  • Elchpark Virum: Virum Tuna 520, Vimmerby, just a short drive from Ullevi
  • Safaris: several times daily in season, times vary by month
  • On site: Älglogen lodge with coffee and moose souvenirs