Explore the national parks of Scandinavia

By Signe Hansen

Indigenous culture, UNESCO-listed sites, and magnificent landscapes – the national parks of Scandinavia offer world-class outdoor adventures for everyone. From the Arctic wilderness of Finland to the idyllic greenery of Denmark, we explore six highly different national parks, representing the natural diversity and beauty of the region.

When you think about magnificent landscapes, beautiful wildlife, and nature’s serenity in context with Scandinavia, you might automatically picture the famous fjords of Norway. But Finland, Sweden and Denmark also have all of the above, and with a growing number of national parks, the conditions for exploring have never been better. We take a look at some of the spectacular parks offering the most elusive kind of luxuries – those of nature, from the purest air in the world to remnants of the ice age and awe-inspiring peaks.

Explore the national parks of Scandinavia

Photo: Kristoffer Møllevik – Visit Helgeland

FINLAND

Though Finland comprises a surprisingly diverse landscape of vast forests, great lakes and arctic flora, it is often overlooked by travellers looking to visit the Scandinavian region. Perhaps because it is the most distant destination for most travellers. However, when it comes to its 41 national parks, the country’s remoteness is its strength, providing complete seclusion and peace for those who wish to truly retreat from the crowds.

In Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, hikers can breathe some of the purest air in the world. Photo: Julia Kivela and Visit Finland

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park – the purest air in the world

Ever wondered how air pollution affects your well-being? Maybe spending a day or a week in the purest air in the world could be the way to find out. According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, that is exactly what you can do at Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

Located in the northern part of Finland close to the Swedish border, the park offers a chance to explore the wonders of the boreal forest zone (also known as taiga). In the EU, taiga only grows in Finland and Sweden, and, with its old-growth forest, fells, and apa mires, the national park provides a chance to explore the eco-systems created under the constraints of severe winters and a short growing season.

Among the park’s many inhabitants are the brown bear, lynx, and reindeer. With 500 kilometres of marked summer trails (as well as 500 kilometres of maintained ski tracks), stunning views and numerous lakes to plunge into, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is indeed worth the trip.

Photo: Julia Kivela and Visit Finland

SWEDEN

Just like Norway, Sweden is rich in nature, fells, and stunning waterbodies and with no less than 30 national parks, the country offers ample opportunity to get up and close to nature. Many of the parks are equipped with facilities and services to make them highly accessible, even for visitors who are less able to walk or when bringing little ones. Combined with its northern wilderness this means the country has something for everyone.

Sarek National Park – for the true adventurer

Located in Laponia, in the Lapland province of Northern Sweden, Sarek National Park is one of Sweden’s most inaccessible national parks. Still, its striking beauty is absolutely worth the effort for those able to hike or ski to access it. Home to six of Sweden’s thirteen highest mountains and nearly 100 glaciers, the park offers an unparalleled adventure. Hiking through Sarek is not only a journey through breathtaking scenery but also an opportunity to witness its awe-inspiring wildlife such as bears, wolverines, lynx, and some of Sweden’s largest elk.

As there are no marked trails or cabins in the park, visitors must carry camping equipment and be able to navigate on their own, but for those seeking an authentic and rugged natural experience, Sarek National Park is a must-visit destination in Scandinavia.

Skuleskogen National Park is located in the High Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique and highly scenic land and seascape. Photo: Yirui Aries/imagebank.sweden.se

Skuleskogen National Park – UNESCO-listed sights for the whole family

Located in Sweden’s High Coast in northeastern Sweden, Skuleskogen National Park is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique geological formations shaped by post-glacial rebound. Moreover, the park is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and the impressive crevice Slåttdalsskrevan.

Fortunately, the park’s beauty can be enjoyed by everyone. For visitors less able to walk or those bringing children, Skuleskogen offers several accessible facilities including well-maintained trails suitable for strollers. Information boards and rest and picnic areas along these paths allow for easy navigation and comfortable breaks.

Finally, the Naturum visitor centre offers interactive exhibits and educational displays about the park’s natural and cultural history. In other words, Skuleskogen’s commitment to accessibility, combined with its UNESCO status, makes it a remarkable destination for visitors, regardless of physical ability or age.

The Scandinavian brown bear is a peaceful omnivore that mainly feeds on berries, ants, grass and herbs. It can be encountered in the national parks of northern Norway, Sweden and Finland. Photo: Håkan Vargas S/imagebank.sweden.se

NORWAY

While the other Scandinavian countries also have much to offer in terms of natural beauty, Norway is with its fjords, snow-covered peaks and vast forests a true haven for nature lovers. In fact, 60 per cent of the country is covered by forests and fells, much of which has been transformed into 47 national parks. The parks range from remote wildernesses with little in terms of established infrastructure and facilities to highly curated and much-visited destinations. Our two selections represent one in each category.

Børgefjell/Byrkije National Park – away from the crowds

For travellers who crave true wilderness experiences with a dash of adrenaline, Børgefjell National Park is the ultimate destination. Established in 1963, the park remains one of Norway’s best-kept secrets, free from tourist trails and bustling cabins.

Spanning from Trøndelag to Nordland, this park is a haven for experienced hikers seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. Here, untouched fells, serene valleys, rugged plateaus, and pristine lakes provide the settings for experiences that will stay with you forever. Moreover, as the Sami have practised reindeer husbandry, hunting, and fishing in the area for centuries, visitors may see ancient monuments, such as burial and dwelling sites, as well as active Sami reindeer husbandry.

As there are no marked trails or built shelters, hikers must be prepared, both physically and mentally, for the adventure that lies ahead.

Spanning from Trøndelag to Nordland, Børgefjell National Park comprises a stunning landscape of untouched fells, serene valleys, rugged plateaus, and pristine lakes. Photo: Kristoffer Møllevik – Visit Helgeland

Rondane National Park – adventure for all ages

Branded as a fell adventure for all ages and ambitions, Rondane National Park provides a safe and well-curated experience for less experienced or just less ambitious hikers. Established in 1962, it is Norway’s first national park, renowned for its rugged mountain terrain, open plateaus, and unique flora and fauna.

Along with Lofotodden, known for its stunning and dramatic coastal landscape, and Jotunheimen, renowned as the home of Norway’s highest peaks, Rondane National Park is among Norway’s best-known and most popular national parks. With easy access from Oslo Airport (270km away) and a serene landscape and accessible peaks, it is a good choice for first-time hikers.

Moreover, the park’s website offers plenty of suggestions for well-marked trails taking you around the park from lodge to lodge in friendly terrain. During the hikes, you are very likely to run into some of the park’s many wild reindeer, which have roamed the landscape for thousands of years. In other words, you are in for a blissful experience sure to lift your spirits.

Rondane National Park comprises a well established network of marked trails, cabins and lodges. Photo: Torild Moland – TravelStock

DENMARK

Granted, the nature of mainland Denmark is not as immediately awe-inspiring as that of its neighbouring countries. However, in recent years, a dedicated effort to expand and preserve the country’s natural landscapes has resulted in the creation of five national parks with each a distinct landscape. And while the parks may not provide the vast wildernesses of Norway, Finland and Sweden, they have their own charm, from old castle ruins to the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea and Ice Age landscapes.

Photo: National Park Kongernes Nordsjælland

National Park Kongernes Nordsjælland – charming greenery and royal history
Located north of the Danish capital, National Park Kongernes Nordsjælland not only offers visitors a charming display of lush forests, beavers, and eagles but also a string of ruins documenting the royal history of the nation. From heavy stone fortresses to copper-plated castles, the many sights have inspired the park’s name, which means the North Zealand of the Kings.

Photo: National Park Kongernes Nordsjælland

Another of the park’s attractions is Lake Esrum, Denmark’s second-largest lake in terms of water volume. Measuring up to 22 meters at its deepest point, the lake is also one of the cleanest in the country providing the perfect conditions for a cooling splash on a warm summer day. Another option is Lake Arresøm, the largest lake in Denmark and a favourite with bird watchers.