The 14 Best Sweden National Parks You NEED to Visit

Sweden is known for its beautiful outdoors and that’s why we at Outdoor Sweden ended up creating this website where you can get to explore the nature in Sweden more deeply.

One of the best places to experience Sweden’s nature is in its 30 National Parks!

Did you know that Sweden was the first country in Europe to establish a national park system? Today, there are 30 national parks, each offering a unique view of the nature that Sweden is so famous for.

The National Parks of Sweden cover 7,000 square kilometres and range from vast, remote wilderness areas to more accessible forests and greenspaces that are ideal for those living in the bigger cities to escape into nature.

Whether you’re a fan of kayaking, looking to go hiking in Sweden, or just a leisurely walk with scenic views, there’s a Swedish national park just waiting for you.

While each of the 30 parks is special, we know that visiting all 30 is quite the undertaking so we’ve picked out our favourite national parks. We’ve focused on those closer to the cities of Gothenburg and Stockholm since that’s where a vast majority of the population live, but we’ve also included some of the best parks in the north of Sweden since they a beautiful places to visit and home to Sweden’s most visited park: Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland.

So, get ready to embark on an adventure through Sweden’s best national parks with our top tips on what to see and do in each one.

Sweden National Parks Map

Our Favourite National Parks in Sweden

As keen a hiker who loves the tranquillity of mountain trails yet appreciates the convenience of city life, I have found my perfect escapes in Sweden’s national parks.

One of my favourites (and many other people’s favourites) is Abisko National Park in the northern part of the country. Its rugged, wild landscape offers challenging hikes that lead you through some of Sweden’s most spectacular mountains.

Another great Swedish National Park that visitors to the country don’t often visit is Fulufjället National Park. I love the huge forests and the impressive Njupeskär waterfall which is also Sweden’s highest. The well-marked trails here are perfect for a peaceful day hike, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the beauty of ancient landscapes.

For day-to-day escapes, or when I don’t feel like travelling far, Tyresta National Park, near Stockholm, offers a quick nature fix and endless trails for running and hiking. The contrast between the forested trails and the nearby urban landscape is super impressive and one of the reasons I love Sweden.

What to know before visiting National Parks in Sweden

In Sweden’s national parks, you must follow specific rules for each park. This helps protect these beautiful natural areas for future use and keeps other visitors safe.

Information boards in the parks provide these details and more information is available on the National Parks of Sweden’s website.

• The general Right of Public Access does not fully apply in national parks. This means unlike in most of Sweden, you cannot walk and camp everywhere, the Right to Roam is limited as is the right to camp.
• Similarly, always check the regulations about Swedish National Parks camping as they vary from park to park.
• Dogs may not be allowed in some national parks to avoid disturbing wildlife. In parks where dogs are permitted, they must be kept on a leash.
• Activities such as horseback riding, cycling, and snowmobile driving are often restricted in national parks.
• For planning activities and hiking routes within the Sweden national parks, use the NaturKartan website.

Tyresta National Park

Tyresta National Park is a great place for a quick escape into nature just 10 km from Stockholm. It’s one of the best areas for Stockholm hiking and a favourite among those looking to escape the city.

With beautiful forested areas, lakes, fire pits and wind shelters for picnicking in, this is easily one of the best Sweden national parks near Stockholm.

You can get to Tyresta on public transport and within the hour you’ll find yourself surrounded by ancient coniferous forests and pine trees where some are around 400 years old!

Here’s a quick overview of the best things to do in Tyresta National Park Stockholm

• Go Hiking in Tyresta National Park: Explore the park’s 55 km of hiking trails, wander through ancient pine and spruce forests, and enjoy the eight beautiful lakes. The trails are well-equipped with wind shelters and fire pits, perfect for a full day’s adventure.
• Nature and Wildlife Watching: Tyresta is great if you enjoy bird watching which is something I’ve gotten more into in recent years. Aside from birds, you can sometimes see wild boars, beavers, and roe deer. Don’t miss the lush variety of over 800 types of moss and lichen! More interesting than you’d first think!
• Guided Tours and Picnics: From June to August, join the daily 45-minute guided hikes starting at 10 am from the visitor centre. The park is also ideal for peaceful picnics by the lakes, where you can immerse yourself in nature.

How to get there: Tyresta National Park is just a short trip from Stockholm, reachable by public transportation. Take the pendeltåg (commuter train) to Haninge centrum on the Nynäshamn line, then change to bus 834. You can also take bus 807 or 809 from Gullmarsplan tunnelbana station. Some buses run all the way to the park, while others stop at Svartbäcken (2km west of Tyresta village).

Ängsö National Park

Ängsö National Park in the northern part of the Stockholm archipelago and the coastal region of Roslagen is a great example of a well-preserved 19th-century cultural landscape. Here you won’t find huge forests or mountains like in other Swedish National Parks, but you will get to see and learn more about traditional Swedish farming.

This unique national park is loved for its natural beauty including its spring/summer wildflower meadows.

It’s one of Sweden’s first National Parks and was established in 1909. It also features. Though the forests aren’t huge, there is still woodland where you’ll hear and maybe see lots of species of birds including sea eagles.

There are also lots of walking paths and facilities such as grilling areas, rest shelters and toilets so it’s a great place to explore for a day.

Top Activities in Ängsö National Park

• See the flowers: Witness the island’s transformation in late spring and summer when it becomes a canvas of blooming wildflowers, including elder-flowered orchids in May.
• Bird Watching: The park is great for birdwatchers. You can spot ravens, ospreys, flycatchers, and even sea and white-tailed eagles.
• History: Explore the remnants of crofter life, such as the forest glade by Svartviken, which dates back to the mid-19th century.

How to Get There: To visit Ängsö National Park, take a boat from Strömkajen in Stockholm. You have the option to travel with your own boat, or a water taxi, or catch the regular boat services, particularly frequent in spring and summer.

Skuleskogen National Park

Skuleskogen National Park is an impressive national park in Sweden on the country’s High Coast area. This area is so beautiful and unique that it’s actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Formed nearly 10,000 years ago by retreating glaciers, the park showcases a dramatic landscape where towering red granite cliffs meet the sea, all blanketed by a lush, old-growth forest. Within this Swedish national park, you’ll find lakes and interesting geological formations, which makes it a favourite destination for nature lovers; especially those interested in geology.

What to do in Skuleskogen National Park

• Go Hiking: The park has loads of kilometres of trails that take you through deep pine forests and lead to some spectacular coastal viewpoints. You can also hike parts of the High Coast Trail; an epic multi-day backpacking route.
• Exploring Slåttdalsskrevan: This is a 200-meter-long, narrow crevice with 30-meter-high granite walls, covered in bright green moss and ferns.
• Camping and Grilling: You can camp and grill in designated areas, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park.

How to Get There: This park is about 500 kilometres north of Stockholm, near the town of Örnsköldsvik. You can travel by train from major cities like Stockholm, Sundsvall, or Umeå to Örnsköldsvik, and then catch a bus to the park.

Tresticklan National Park

Tresticklan National Park in north-western Dalsland near the Norwegian border and in Central Sweden is a beautiful area of natural wilderness.

This park is one of the best national parks in Sweden due to its vast forested region, something which isn’t super common in this part of Sweden. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking uninterrupted wilderness and hiking adventures along the Sweden-Norway border.

The park features pine forests interspersed with flat rocks covered in lichen and moss and dotted with numerous lakes. It’s a lovely place to explore and ideal for a weekend of hiking.

Things to do in Tresticklan National Park

• Hike the Tresticklaleden Trail: Starting from the east entrance at Råbocken, the Halleleden marked trail leads you to a tourist cabin. The tourist office in Dals-Ed can provide a key to this cabin where you can take a break.
• Orshöjdsleden Trail: From the Orshöjden triangle point, 276 meters above sea level, the trail heads south. It mainly follows old paths and routes through the countryside, passing by a croft and several lakes. This trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and history.

Getting to Tresticklan National Park: Tresticklan is most easily reached from the eastern entrance signposted along the road between Ed and Nössemark, about 2.5 hours by car from Gothenburg.

Kosterhavet National Park

Kosterhavet lies on the western coast of Sweden along the northern Bohuslän coast. It’s Sweden’s only marine national park which means it’s pretty unique and well worth visiting.

Bordering Norway, Kosterhavent National Park is in the Koster archipelago. You’ll find woody areas, rocky outcrops with some seaside views and sandy beaches.

The water here is home to over 6,000 species of marine life, including 200 species unique to the area and the largest seal colony in Sweden! I love watching the seals lounging on the rocks when the tide is out.

The best way to explore this park is definitely by kayak or sailing so look into trips involving those.

Best things to do in Kosterhavet National Park

• Snorkelling and Diving: Discover the underwater world with guided trails where you can watch crabs, lobsters, sea kelp, sea sponges, and coral.
• Kayaking: Experience the park’s beauty from above water, especially in autumn, to see seals on remote islands.
• Hiking: Although predominantly a marine park, its 2% landmass offers fantastic hiking too.

Getting There: The park is accessible by train along the Bohusbanan line or by driving along E6 north towards Strömstad.

Tiveden National Park

Tiveden National Park lies between the Lakes Vänern and Vättern in Sweden’s lake district and is a hilly area covered in forest. Designated as a national park in 1983, Tiveden offers a remote and untouched feel, akin to stepping back in time. Plus, its name sounds like something from the Lord of the Rings.

Tiveden is a smaller national park and is packed with beautiful scenery, including moss-covered boulders, clear lakes, sandy beaches, rocky viewpoints, and mysterious caves and grottoes.

It’s an interesting park to explore in many ways. The park has been subject to forest fires, both natural and human-induced, and seeing how the forest and ecosystem have recovered is interesting.

What to do in Tiveden National Park

• Hiking: There are loads of hiking trails to explore, including the scenic Trehörningsrundan loop.
• Biking or Horseback Riding: Explore the park on a bike or horseback.
• Treetop Walkways: Get breathtaking views over the forest canopy from wooden walkways.

Getting There: About 3 hours from Stockholm, drive on Highway 49 northwards. You can also take a train from Gothenburg, Stockholm, Hallsberg or Örebro to Laxå and hike or cycle from there.

Padjelanta National Park

Padjelanta (Badjelánnda in Sami) National Park, was established in 1963 and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Laponia since 1996. This is the largest national park in Sweden and it’s got a rich history.

Padjelanta National Park is closely linked with the Sami people, who have used the mountain highlands as grazing lands for their reindeer for generations. Today, the park remains a vital area for Sami herders, especially in the summer, due to the access to fish and the grazing for reindeer.

Padjelanta is next to the border with Norway and there are some beautiful lakes here such as Sáluhávrre, Vastenjávrre, and Virihávrre.

Though this isn’t a super mountainous area, the park also has a few glaciers, some of the higher Sweden mountains, and there are deep valleys so the landscape is varied and interesting.

Best things to do in Padjelanta National Park

• Hiking: The 86-mile Padjelanta Trail is the park’s highlight. Starting from Kvikkjokk in the south and ending in Änonjalmme in the north, it offers scenic views including the forested Tarra Valley.
• Exploring Historical Sites: Visit Gisuris to witness remnants of ice age deltas, enjoy panoramic views at Njierek, and explore the Stáloluokta mountains.
• Camping and Mountain Huts: Ideal for beginners wanting a long-distance trail experience, with options for camping or staying in mountain huts along the route.

Getting There: Access the park from the north via train from Gällivare railway station or bus from Jokkmokk. From Rijtjem, take a tourist boat across Lake Áhkkájávrre and hike for a day.

Abisko National Park

High up in the Arctic Circle and close to the Norwegian border, Abisko National Park is Sweden’s most visited national park.

This stunning park is home to high mountains, roaring river rapids, and Scandinavia’s largest alpine lake.

There are some super cool Sweden national park animals to be found in Abisko. This includes bears, lynx, wolverines, moose, mountain hares, foxes, and reindeer, making it ideal for nature and wildlife lovers looking to get out into the wilderness.

Abisko is a great place to visit year-round. You’ve got the chance to see the Northern Lights in winter and to hike under the Midnight Sun in summer.

You’ll be able to enjoy some beautiful and varied scenery including snow-capped mountains and forests to waterfalls and fjords.

Besides the scenery, there’s the Abisko Sky Station, only 10 minutes away by train, which offers a great viewing area for the Northern Lights. If you want to learn more about the area, be sure to head into Abisko Naturum (open 9 months a year) where you can learn about the park’s climate, fauna, flora, geology, and cultural history.

For somewhere to stay to extend your trip, there’s a tourist station near the park’s entrance includes a restaurant, cabins, and a hostel. Plus, there are designated campsites or tent pitching, and gathering edible mushrooms and berries is permitted.

Best things to do in Abisko Sweden

• Viewing the Northern Lights: Abisko is one of the best places in Sweden to see the Northern Lights thanks to its clear skies and minimal light pollution.
• Hiking and Camping Trips: The park is perfect for both short and long hiking trails, taking advantage of the midnight sun in summer and the vibrant autumn colours. For an epic trail check out the Kungsleden trail.
• Winter Sports: Engage in a variety of winter activities such as dog sledging, ice skating, and cross-country skiing, making the most of the snowy landscape. You’ll find some of the best skiing in Sweden near here.

Getting There: Abisko is a 2-hour train journey from Kiruna Central Station which itself is accessible by train from Stockholm.

Sonfjället National Park

Sonfjället National Park became a national park in 1909 and expanded in 1989, making it one of the oldest national parks in Sweden and Europe!

This park gets its name from the round-shaped mountain within the park’s boundary. It’s a pretty easy mountain hike and well worth doing if you’re visiting this park. In the summer, the base of the mountain transforms into a picturesque grazing land for mountain cows and goats.

Other wildlife you might see in this park include bears! Yes, Sweden has bears! This park is home to the densest population of bears as well as quite high numbers of elk and lynx, but they’re usually hard to spot.

What to do in Sonfjället National Park

• Hiking: Trails vary from beginner to advanced hikes and the loop trail around Sonfjället is one of the best.
• Wildlife Watching: Take a guided tour to increase the chance of spotting brown bears, elks, and lynx.
• Skiing: The park transforms into a snowy landscape perfect for skiing, offering a chance to spot unique wolverine tracks.

Getting There: Most trails start at Nyvallen, easily accessible for visitors.

Sarek National Park

Sarek National Park is another of Sweden’s National Parks that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

It’s one of the wildest national parks in Sweden and you’ll find some of the country’s highest mountain peaks, turbulent rivers, glaciers, and valleys.

Sarek has over a dozen summits, and almost 100 glaciers, and is home to the indigenous Sami people who have grazed reindeer in these lands for generations.

Though this park’s remote location and untouched nature are some of our favourite things about this park, it does make it one of the least accessible parks in Sweden. There’s no road access, so you’ll have to hike or ski in depending on the season.

Things to do in Sarek National Park

• Backpacking and hiking: Experience the alpine landscape on unmarked trails for an authentic wilderness adventure.
• Nature and Cultural Interaction: Explore the Arctic flora and learn about Sami culture.
• Northern Lights Viewing: The park’s remote location provides stunning views of the Northern Lights, especially during clear nights.

Getting There: The park is accessible only by hiking or skiing. Popular access points are Ritsem, Saltoluokta and Kvikkjokk to where you can travel by car or bus

Muddus/Muttos National Park

Muddus/Muttos National Park is another park that’s part of the Laponia UNESCO Heritage site, it’s an amazing place to go for exploring the remote nature of Sweden.

This national park holds the title of Sweden’s largest forest national park and is celebrated for its wild, untouched forests, marshlands, and breathtaking waterfalls. The park is also known for its deep gorges, lakes, and peace and quiet.

Muddus/Muttos is also home to the Sami people who herd their reindeer here throughout the year.

Bird lovers will find the park particularly appealing, especially during the summer months when the marshlands come alive with various bird species like Siberian jays, cranes, and snipes.

What to do in Muddus/Muttos National Park

• Hiking: Hiking here is a must-do. A popular trail leads to the stunning Muttosgahtjaldak waterfall.
• Bird Watching: The park’s marshlands attract lots of bird species, making it ideal for bird watching, especially from the Muttosluoppal bird-watching tower.
• Exploring Waterfalls and Ravines: Visit the Muddusagahtjaldak waterfall and the easily accessible Måskosgårsså ravine, perfect for a day hike with picturesque picnic spots.

Getting There: The park has three entrances, with the easiest access from the south via road E45 by car. There is no public transport directly to the park entrances, so a car is necessary.

Färnebofjärden National Park

Farnebofjarden National Park was established in 1998 and is especially loved by birdwatchers.

Located along the Dalälven River, Sweden’s second-longest river, this park has a fascinating blend of wetlands, islands, and forests.

The unique environment of Färnebofjärden National Park makes it ideal for spotting wildlife as there’s so much of it. There are over 205 bird species, of which over 100 species breed here regularly. You can also see moose, roe deer, and otters here too.

Heading up the observation tower at Skekarsbo will give you panoramic views of this beautiful landscape.

Best things to do in Färnebofjärden National Park

• Birdwatching: With over 200 bird species, including ospreys and white-tailed eagles, it’s a dream destination for birdwatchers.
• Hiking: Explore the park’s marked trails and listen out for birds.
• Kayaking and Fishing: Navigate the park by kayak, or try your hand at fishing in the Gysinge rapids (license required).

Getting There: Farnebofjarden National Park has two main entrances, Gysinge and Sevedskvarn, near route 56. You can reach the park by bus or car too.

Haparanda Skärgård National Park

Part of the Norrbotten archipelago, Sweden’s northernmost archipelago, the Haparanda Skärgård National Park consists of two large and two small islands in the north of the Gulf of Bothnia, up near the Finnish border. 

This park was established in 1995 and its archipelago landscape makes it unique. The largest island in the park, Sandskär, is known for its beautiful nature and history, which includes tales of seal hunters and shipwrecked sailors.

Perhaps unsurprisingly the park is popular with sailors and yacht charters, and in summer ferries run out to the islands daily. Since the park is part of the archipelago, exploring by boat is definitely one of the best ways to enjoy it. The main island in the park is Sandskär, where there are a few cottages, a small chapel, some lovely long sandy beaches, a nature trail and a bird hide.

What to do in Haparanda Skärgård National Park

• Sailing and Yacht Charters: The park is popular with sailors and those interested in yacht charters and it’s a great way to explore.
• Beaches and Hiking: Sandskär offers lovely sandy beaches and a nature trail for scenic walks.
• Birdwatching: The park’s diverse bird life makes it an ideal spot for birdwatchers.

How to get there: During the summer months there are daily ferries running to the islands. In winter, adventurous visitors can reach the islands by skiing or snowmobiling across the frozen sea.

Gotska Sandön National Park

Gotska Sandön National Park is a unique place to explore in Sweden where you can almost feel like you’re exploring a tropical island.

Occupying an area of 4,500 hectares, with 3,638 of these being land, the park is full of spots to explore. It’s most well known for its sand dunes, some of which are quite hilly, with the tallest, Höga Åsen, rising 42 meters above sea level.

The mix of sandy beaches, pine forests, and dunes makes this a super interesting park to explore, and also makes it quite different to the other Swedish National Parks. Some of the trees in the forest are almost 500 years old and the sandy beaches have such clear water that you’ll think you’re on a tropical island (apart from the temperatures!).

What to do in Gotska Sandön

• Wildlife Watching and Seal Safari: The island is loved by grey seals, especially at Säludden.
• Hiking and Exploring Dunes: The park is perfect for hiking, especially the climb up Höga Åsen.
• Cultural Exploration: Visit Fyrbyn to explore the Naturum visitors’ centre, museum, and historical sites including an 18th-century homestead and lighthouses.

Getting There: Despite its remote location, Gotska Sandön is accessible by ferry from Fårösund in Gotland or Nynäshamn in Stockholm, running regularly between late May and early September.

Complete list of Sweden’s 30 National Parks