Discover the wild beauty of Swedish national parks

Sandy beaches and paradise islands in the southern parts of Sweden

In stark contrast to the northern national parks, further south you’ll find parks featuring white sand beaches and islands brimming with unique flora and fauna. Stenshuvud National Park on the south eastern tip of Sweden allows for both picturesque woodland hikes and relaxing days on the beach. Hills covered in dense forest roll gently towards the sea, met by a golden sand beach that is overlooked by several viewpoints along the trails.

Beach lovers won’t want to miss a trip to Gotska Sandön National Park, a small island located north of Gotland, Sweden’s largest island east of the Swedish mainland. It’s uninhabited, except for the colony of grey seals that you’ll find basking on one of the many sandy beaches. Between the end of May and beginning of September, you can reach Gotska Sandön by ferry from Nynäshamn just south of the capital of Stockholm or from Fårösund on Gotland.

Sweden’s first marine national park, Kosterhavet, provides an idyllic setting for divers and snorkelers alike, with coral reefs and marine life that can’t be found elsewhere in Sweden. Biking and hiking are also popular activities. This small cluster of islands can be reached by ferry from the town of Strömstad, north of Gothenburg. There are plenty of restaurants on the islands, where you can sample the fresh prawns and lobsters the region is renowned for.

Untouched wilderness a stone’s throw from Stockholm

If you want to mix a little time outdoors with a trip to Stockholm, Tyresta National Park is a mere 20 km south of the city centre, just an hour away by public transport. The park spreads over almost 20 km², and has a 30-kilometre perimeter of surrounding nature reserve, with pristine primaeval forests and coniferous woodland housing up to 8,000 animal species. Stockholm’s archipelago also boasts a national park, Ängsö. Ängsö is a treat in spring and early summer when vibrant wildflowers dot the bright green meadows. There are ferries from Stockholm to Ängsö.

Four seasons of splendour in Sweden’s deciduous forests

Refreshing summer dips in the lake, autumn strolls in the forest, cross-country skiing during winter and wildflower meadows welcoming the arrival of spring, a visit to Sweden’s coniferous natural parks is beyond worth your while any time of the year. Tiveden National Park, halfway between Stockholm and Gothenburg, consists of pristine virgin forests, with giant boulders from the ice age, jutting up to 10 metres into the sky. Also breaking up the terrain are dozens of lakes and rivers perfect for fishing and canoeing, and even some exciting caves to explore.

Thirty kilometres northeast of Malmö lies Dalby Söderskog, the smallest of the Swedish national parks. It’s a perfect green oasis all year round and a prime example of the beautiful old-growth forests in Sweden.

Unique landscapes you won’t want to miss

• Garphyttan National Park and its wildflower meadows.
• Fulufjället National Park has Sweden’s highest waterfall.
• Skuleskogen National Park with its unique hiking trail, the narrow 200-metre-long crevice Slåttdalsskrevan with granite walls extending 30 metres high.

While Sweden’s national parks are open to everyone, it is important to follow the park rules in order to protect the biodiversity in these fragile natural environments.