Exploring Sweden’s 31 National Parks: A Guide to the Wild Heart of Scandinavia

Sweden is a country where nature is a way of life. From the lush, deciduous forests of the South to the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Arctic North, Sweden’s 31 national parks offer a pristine sanctuary for anyone looking to escape the noise of modern life. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a family looking for a weekend stroll, these protected areas represent the very best of the Swedish wilderness.

Did you know that Sweden was the first country in Europe to establish national parks? Inspired by the American model (think Yellowstone), the Swedish Parliament founded nine parks in one swoop back in 1909. Since then, the network has grown to 31 distinct areas, covering about 1.5 percent of the country’s surface.

Why national parks?

Store Mosse National Park

The goal has always been clear: to preserve large areas of the landscape in their natural state. Over the years, I’ve found that these parks aren’t just for looking at – they are for experiencing. The state owns this land, ensuring that it remains “essentially unchanged” for generations to come.

One of the things I love most about the Swedish national park system is its incredible diversity. You aren’t just getting “forest and more forest.” Instead, you get a curated collection of Sweden’s most iconic ecosystems:

• Mountains
• Wetlands
• Coast and Sea
• Coniferous forests
• Deciduous forests
• Lakes and rivers

When I first visited Sarek National Park back in the 90s, I was struck by the sheer scale of the wilderness. It’s often called “Europe’s last true wilderness,” and with no marked trails or cabins, it remains a challenge even for experts. But don’t let that intimidate you! Most parks are incredibly accessible.

2.4 million visitors

With over 2.4 million visitors annually, some parks have become true bucket-list destinations. If you’re wondering where to start, here are my personal highlights:

1. Stenshuvud (Skåne): Located in the South, this park offers a surprisingly exotic feel with its sandy beaches and hornbeam forests. The view from the top of the hill over the Baltic Sea is simply unbeatable.

Stenshuvud National Park with the Stenshuvud hill to the right

2. Lake Åsnen (Småland): Our “newest” addition (founded in 2018). It’s a sprawling lake archipelago that is perfect for canoeing and bird watching. It’s been a massive success since it opened, and I highly recommend visiting the “Sunnabrunn” entrance.

3. Kosterhavet (Västergötland): This is a sea lover’s dream. Imagine kayaking through crystal clear water among thousands of islands. It’s a paradise for snorkeling and spotting seals.

4. Abisko (Norrbotten): Famous for the Northern Lights and the starting point of the Kungsleden (King’s Trail). The “blue hole” over Abisko provides some of the clearest skies in the world.

Most parks feature well-marked trails, ranging from easy boardwalks to demanding treks. The “heart” of many parks is the Naturum – a visitor center where you can learn about the local flora, fauna, and geology.

And the best part? These visitor centers are usually architecturally stunning and very family-friendly. I’ve spent many rainy afternoons inside a Naturum, and they never fail to inspire. Some parks even offer basic overnight accommodation, though the Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) is more restricted inside national parks – always check the specific local rules (the “föreskrifter”) before pitching a tent!

Candidates: New national parks

The Swedish wilderness is still expanding. The Environmental Protection Agency has several candidates for new national parks, including the limestone landscapes of Bästeträsk on Gotland.

See you out on the trails!

Whether you want to witness the dramatic “High Coast” at Skuleskogen or walk through the ancient beech forests of Söderåsen, these 31 parks are waiting for you. My advice? Start small, pick one region, and let the Swedish nature work its magic on you. You won’t regret it.

More info

• www.nationalparksofsweden.se
• www.naturvardsverket.se/en/…/national-parks-in-sweden

Söderåsen National Park

Tiveden National Park

In the Lake Åsnen National Park

Source for list of parks: Naturvårdsverket (the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency). Photo on the top of this page: Lars-Ove Loo, Kosterhavets Nationalpark.