Are you a nature enthusiast? Then Sweden is the perfect destination for you! Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys the peace and beauty of nature, Sweden’s national parks have something to offer everyone.
A Pioneer in Conservation:
Did you know that Sweden was the first country in Europe to establish national parks? In 1909, Sweden created its first nine national parks, setting a prenational parkscedent for conservation across the continent. Today, Sweden boasts 30 national parks, each offering unique and breathtaking experiences for visitors.
Must-Visit National Parks:
Abisko National Park: The park is a hotspot for outdoor activities all year round, and is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the Aurora Sky Station, where you can witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
Sarek National Park: Almost 100 glaciers make Sarek National Park one of the most remote wilderness areas in Europe. It is located in the Laponia area of northern Sweden and offers pristine landscapes with no road access, making it accessible only by foot or helicopter. Visitors can drink from the pure streams along the trails, adding to the park’s untouched charm.
Tyresta National Park: This national park offers an experience of an ancient forest with serene lakes, dense spruce forests, and centuries-old pine trees. Easily accessible from Stockholm by bus or commuter train, visitors can explore from the park’s main entrance at Tyresta village.
Stenshuvud National Park: This park is known for its diverse flora, including rare species like barren strawberry, black spleenwort, pink sand, pasqueflower, and immortelle. Stenshuvud Beach, often called Skåne’s most exotic beach, is a summer magnet with its fine sand and shallow waters, making it a family favorite.
Fulufjället National Park: Fulufjället features several old roads that historically connected Norway and Sweden, now serving as hiking trails. These trails were once trade routes and are believed to have been used for pilgrimages.
Photo Credits:
Abisko National Park/Dylan Shaw/www.travelnoire.com
Stenshuvud National Park/Northlander-Photos/DeviantArt
Sarek National Park/www.national-parks.org
Tyresta National Park/www.studyinsweden.se