National parks in Sweden – where myths and legends come to life

Åsnen National Park, with its unspoiled nature and forests, lakes and wetlands, is steeped in mythological tales. Enter via the park’s ‘Trollberget’ (Troll Mountain) entrance and explore the rocks and boulders where trolls are said to celebrate Christmas. Legend has it that there’s a hidden chamber full of gold and silver – though it’s yet to be found.

While you are here…

• Explore the region’s myths at the museum in Sagobygden (Land of Legends Sweden) – on UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Fall asleep under the stars, in one of the ‘floating rooms’ at Trakt Forest Hotel.
• Take a Trolska Boat tour through the waterlily-filled waterways that inspired John Bauer’s iconic paintings of mythological creatures.
• Stay at back-to-nature Hätteboda Wilderness camping.

Östergötland county is full of mythological creatures. The stone troll has found his home in the jungle-like Getåravinen Nature Reserve in the Kolmården forests, where he sleeps on a bed of pine needles. Follow the winding stream to the bottom of the ravine, surrounded by old spruce and pine forests. Don’t be surprised if you get a feeling of being watched – the stone troll loves to spy on the visitors to his properties.

While you’re here…

• Take a hike in Marmorbruket, a popular nature area with deep marble quarries and a museum.
• Sleep like a king at Villa Fridhem, a former royal summer residence with bold interiors.
• Go ziplining or bike between the treetops at Sörsjön’s Adventure Park.
• Admire the architectural gems of Norrköping’s industrial landscape.

Vast, dramatic and enchanting, Tiveden National Park is situated between Sweden’s two greatest lakes, Vänern and Vättern. Tiveden boasts enough rock crevices – as well as smaller lakes and numerous hiking trails – to delight mythological creatures and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Hike to the vantage point of ‘Trollkyrka’ (‘the trolls’ church’) for a stunning view of the park.

While you are here…

• Enjoy a glamping experience with Tiveden Adventure at Ösjönäs.
• Explore Tiveden – hiking, fishing, biking, paddling and horseback riding tips and packages.
• Rent a bungalow at Hamgården Nature Resort Tiveden on Lake Unden.
• Stay next to Sweden’s famous Göta Canal at Norrqvarn Hotell & Konferens and enjoy an outdoor nature and dining experience.

Stretching between the lake of Stora Le and the Norwegian border, Tresticklan in Dalsland is steeped in Viking mythology and boasts the largest roadless, uninhabited pine forest region in southern Sweden. You can walk for days through uninterrupted wilderness, passing crystal-clear lakes and epic scenery. And with its dramatically high mountain ridges, it’s no surprise that a giant named Bore is said to have lived in the caves at ‘Bore Kulle’ (Bore’s hill).

While you are here…

• Get back to nature in Swedish Country Living’s sustainable cottages.
• Stay at Kroppefjäll B&B – near Bore Kulle – and explore the hiking and cycling trails.
• Book an accommodation and hiking package at Vita Huset hotel on Stora Le Lake.
• Explore the Vikings’ legendary Halleberg table mountain – one of 15 mountains included in Sweden’s first UNESCO Global Geopark.

Even though it’s only 45 minutes by bus from central Stockholm, Tyresta National Park is a world away. Southern Sweden’s largest old-growth forest, Tyresta is fit for a fairytale, complete with thick, knotty pines, moss-covered landscapes, and Stockholm’s scenic archipelago. Legend has it that a flame-bearing character called ‘Lyktgubben’ haunts Tyresta’s darkest enclaves, attempting to lead visitors astray.

While you are here…

• Rent a cabin at Stenhotellet on Utö island, a former Viking stronghold.
• Explore Viking history and mythology at the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm.
• Rent a kayak and explore Stockholm’s accessible nature.

Kittelfältet’s unique topography goes back to the Ice Age, with water-filled potholes left by receding glaciers. Walk the one-kilometre-long ‘Dödisgropar’ loop that passes Sundstjärn, the largest of these glacial relics. Surrounded by old-growth pine trees, Sundstjärn’s turquoise waters cast a magical sheen on the whole landscape. Part of the EU’s Natura 2000 protected areas, Kittelfältet boasts several hiking trails for all experience levels.

While you are here…

• Treat yourself to a country house weekend at Hennickehammars Manor House Hotel.
• Enjoy magnificent views and traditional Swedish fare at Big Hill Lodge.
• Explore Tilas Stoll – a unique horizontal passage leading into the historic mining reserve at Högbergsfältet.
• Stroll around Långbans Gruvby, a well-preserved 19th century mining village.

At 385 km2, Fulufjället is one of Sweden’s largest national parks. You’ll find virtually untouched nature, complete with a magical waterfall, one of Sweden’s highest, Njupeskär. Home to the world’s oldest tree, Old Tjikko, Fulufjället is situated in Älvdalen, the site for the Älvdalen witch trials of 1668. This is where the first women accused of being “witches” were executed in 1669, unleashing a vicious witch hunt all over Sweden.

While you are here…

• Meet real-life mythical characters at Tomteland park (Fairytale Land).
• Glamp eco-adventure style by the romantic Njupeskär waterfall.
• Join a guided ‘witch trials’ hike to Älvdalen.
• Join a guided excursion on the mythical creatures said to inhabit nature reserve Styggforsen.

Vålådalen Nature Reserve boasts magical scenery and a varied climate. Set in the southern mountains of Åre, Vålådalen’s landscape ranges from mountainous old-growth forest and pristine waters to Jämtland’s fantasy-worthy ‘pyramid hills’, a remnant from the last Ice Age. Wildlife and humans have inhabited the region ever since and there are two Sámi villages, so you may come across the Sámi people’s reindeer herds. If you do, be sure to watch them from a distance.

While you are here…

• Explore numerous outdoor activities when you stay at Vålådalen Mountain Lodge.
• Relax in exclusive manor house accommodation at Hotel Åregården, Åre’s oldest hotel.
• Stay at Copperhill Mountain Lodge on top of Föreberget mountain – a perfect vantage point for the Northern Lights.
• Discover the region’s heritage at Jamtli Museum in Östersund.

Part of Laponia, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Muddus National Park ('Muttos' in Sámi) is the largest of Sweden’s forest national parks, covering some 500 km2. With its deep ravines, boggy marshlands, primeval forests and an all-encompassing silence, Muddus evokes a fairytale world. Little wonder that the region’s nature has inspired the local Sámi people’s rich storytelling tradition.

While you are here…

• Experience Sámi culture and off-grid luxury at the Peace and Quiet Hotel.
• Tour Laponia (with or without a guide) with Laponia Adventures.
• Visit Jokkmokk Market, with a history dating back to the 1600s.
• Explore the history of Sápmi and the Sámi people at Ájtte (Swedish Mountain and Sámi Museum).