Nature is Sweden's major attraction, a land of unspoilt, colourful natural landscapes.  From the immaculate white of the winter snow and ice to the earthy greens in spring, to the deep blue waters of the coastlines and lakes. With 29 national parks, covering over 7,000 square kilometres, Sweden is a massive expanse of natural beauty and biodiversity. Not surprisingly, the first national park in Europe was established here in 1909.

In the north, the vegetation is limited to conifers due to the arctic temperatures, while in the south visitors will be able to admire impressive, majestic oaks and endless beech forests. The coastline is the longest in Europe, stretching for over 7000 km. There are also over 100,000 lakes adding even more beauty to this unique landscape. 

As keepers of these impressive natural treasures, it is not surprising that the Swedish are probably the most environmentally-aware population in the world. To appreciate how deep-rooted concern for the environment is here, you should know that even the King of Sweden heats his castle with eco-pellets!

The Sarek National Park

Sarek National Park features wild nature for more experienced explorers. The Sarek National Park extends to the most remote areas of the country and is part of the Lapp region, also a UNESCO heritage site. The park contains over 100 glaciers, along with mountains that reach over 2,000 meters of altitude. It is not for beginners, but, if you are trained, do not miss the Rapadalen valley where you could bump into the odd lynx, moose, golden eagle, vulture or even a brown bear! A guided group excursion is best if there is room in your budget, or if this trek is too challenging, then helicopter excursions are also available.

The park has no accommodation facilities or huts, so you will need to bring a tent. Before starting the excursion, you should register your presence with the Swedish tourist association or the national park staff. The best time of year to go to Sarek is in spring or summer to avoid the cold temperatures and benefit from the abundant daylight. Among the many things to see in this park, make sure you don't miss the views from the peak of Mount Skierfe, one of the most stunning in Sweden.

Southern Sweden: more straightforward routes, more amazing landscapes

While the hiking routes in the north are quite challenging, the southern part of the country offers equally stunning sights but with more accessible, less challenging routes. The three main national parks in the south are Söderåsen, Dalby Söderskog and Stenshuvud and feature large areas of beautiful beech, maple and oak trees that can be visited in all seasons. In the Stenshuvud National Park, you will find numerous species of wild orchids along with other rare flora and fauna.

Another way to experience the Swedish landscapes is to take one of the flat trails that start from the bigger cities in the south. The Roslagsleden trail, for example, begins from Danderyd, to the north of Stockholm, and extends for almost 190 kilometres. Along the route, you'll pass ancient settlements, pristine forests, crystal clear lakes and historical sites including churches and castles. The trail is divided into 11 sections, with each section ranging from 9 to 22 kilometres. There are also many overnight options in shelters, campsites, B&Bs and hotels all along the way.

Glasriket's Moose Park: get up close and personal with a moose!

There are many options to discover moose in the south of Sweden. One example is the Glasriket's Moose Park, located in Nybro, to the south-east of Gothenburg, it is an unmissable experience! On the guided tours, you will have the opportunity to feed moose; children will be fascinated by these playful, gentle giants!

Allemansrätt: nature for everyone!

If you are planning a trip to Sweden, it is useful to know about the 'right of public access to nature' law which permits outdoor activities such as trekking, canoeing, skiing and free camping, on the sole condition that you will respect and preserve the environment. It is called Allemansrätt and is one of the oldest democratic principles of Scandinavian law. This law is applied also in Finland and Norway.

Ferries to Sweden

Visit NetFerry and discover the ferry routes that serve Stockholm in Sweden. The Netferry booking site allows you to save your quote and confirm the ticket a few days later. Netferry always helps you find the boat or ferry to best suit your needs. Find information on prices, times and ports of departure and arrival are just a few clicks away with Netferry.

Netferry: a sea of ferries