The Scandinavian region has many national parks, each with its own claim to unique native flora and fauna.
Denmark’s parks are very new – the first opened in 2008 – and contain small but unique environments such as the tidal flats of the Wadden Sea.
Parks in the other Scandinavian countries tend to be much bigger, with marked trails. In the more remote parks, you’ll often find a chain of mountain stations set a day’s walk from one another along waymarked footpaths, providing shelter for walkers. Most are equipped with cooking facilities, a shop and comfortable beds. Some have a self-service restaurant and a sauna.
They are not hotels, but simple accommodation designed to provide a haven at the end of the day for tired walkers.
Large areas of Norway have been designated as national parks to protect special habitats and support biodiversity.
Sweden’s 28 national parks cover everything from low-lying marshland to Sarek’s trackless mountains and glaciers.
For spring flowers and birdsong, head to Dalby Söderskog in Skåne.
Store Mosse in Småland is worth a detour for birdwatchers interested in whooper swans, marsh harriers and cranes.
In Sweden and Norway, the extensive networks of walking and hiking trails are marked by a red “T”.
National Parks in Scandinavia, written by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top) Huldrefossen (Wood Nymph Waterfall)