The Great Moose Migration” Livestream Draws Millions, Becoming a Soothing Tradition for Viewers

Every spring, millions of people tune into a live broadcast of elk migrating across northern Sweden in what has become a national phenomenon.

“The Great Moose Migration,” a 24-hour livestream on SVT Play, captures the annual journey of the elk as they swim across the Angerman River and make their way toward greener summer pastures.

The programme, which began in 2019, has grown in popularity, with an audience reaching 9 million in 2024. Originally scheduled to air later in April, the 2025 livestream kicked off a week earlier than planned due to warmer-than-usual weather in Sweden.

The programme, described as a form of “slow TV,” has captivated viewers with its unhurried pace and serene portrayal of nature.

Cait Borjesson, 60, discovered the livestream during the Covid-19 pandemic and has been an avid viewer ever since. “It’s unbelievably relaxing,” Borjesson shared.

“The natural sounds of birds, the wind, and the trees help you feel connected to nature, even if you’re sitting in your living room.”

For Borjesson, the migration has become a yearly ritual. She takes time off from work to watch the three-week broadcast uninterrupted, describing it as “like therapy” for her anxiety and panic attacks.

The phenomenon has not gone unnoticed, with a devoted following gathering on social media. A Facebook group dedicated to the livestream boasts more than 77,000 members who exchange memorable moments and emotional reactions to the broadcast.

The shared fascination of the migration and the calming nature of the footage have turned this annual event into a community experience.

The elk’s migration is not a new occurrence. According to Goran Ericsson, a dean at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the elk have been migrating since the ice age, seeking warmer temperatures and better conditions.

“Around 95% of the elk in northern Sweden migrate annually,” Ericsson explained. He noted that early migrations, such as this year’s, are not unusual but are driven by milder winters and less snow on the ground.

Throughout the programme, viewers can witness the animals’ journey through the village of Kullberg, situated next to the Angerman River.

The show uses more than 30 cameras strategically placed across the vast landscape to provide a comprehensive view of the elk’s progress, from their early river crossings to their eventual arrival at their summer grazing areas.

The livestream is an example of “slow TV,” a genre that has been gaining traction in Sweden and beyond. Minh-Xuan Truong, a researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, noted that in today’s fast-paced media landscape, the calm and unedited nature of the broadcast is a refreshing change.

“Many viewers say it’s like an open window to the forest,” Truong said. “They prefer hearing the sounds of nature—wind, birds, and trees—over music or commentary.”

Sweden’s woodlands are home to approximately 300,000 elk, known locally as the “King of the Forest.” The elk’s majestic presence and their annual migration have become a symbol of Sweden’s deep connection to nature.

The livestream, with its simple yet captivating presentation, allows viewers worldwide to witness this spectacular natural event, creating a shared experience that transcends borders and brings the wild beauty of Sweden into homes around the globe.