Swedish national parks

Sweden's national parks protect some of the country's most valuable natural landscapes. In addition to national parks, some other protected areas, including nature reserves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are presented below.

Sweden has 31 national parks (as of 2026), covering a wide variety of landscapes, from the alpine mountains and Arctic wilderness of Lapland to ancient forests, lakes, wetlands, islands and coastal archipelagos in the south. The parks include remote wilderness areas such as Sarek National Park and Padjelanta National Park, as well as more accessible destinations such as Tyresta National Park near Stockholm and Söderåsen National Park in southern Sweden. As Sweden is sparsely populated, one can often be alone with nature in the less known parks and in remote areas even of popular parks.

Sweden established its first national parks in 1909, becoming the first country in Europe to do so. All national parks are open to visitors throughout the year, and admission is free. However, access to some remote parks can be difficult, particularly during winter, and facilities and services vary considerably between parks.

Sweden has 31 national parks, protecting some of the country's finest natural landscapes. They range from the alpine mountains and extensive wilderness of Swedish Lapland to ancient forests, wetlands, lakes, coastal landscapes and archipelagos in the south. Sweden established its first nine national parks in 1909, becoming the first European country to establish a national park system.

National parks are established to preserve valuable natural environments for future generations while allowing people to experience nature. They are managed under the responsibility of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket), with the county administrative boards (Länsstyrelsen) responsible for much of the practical management.

Unlike ordinary countryside, national parks have specific regulations that may restrict the right to roam (allemansrätten). The rules differ between parks and may concern camping, fishing, picking berries, lighting fires, cycling, boating and bringing dogs. Always check the regulations for the individual park before visiting.

Most national parks are open to visitors free of charge. Many have marked hiking trails, information boards, picnic areas and designated campfire sites. Larger and more popular parks may also have overnight accommodation, such as mountain huts, shelters and cabins. Facilities vary considerably, and remote mountain parks may have very limited infrastructure.

Berry and mushroom picking may be restricted or prohibited in national parks. Dogs must generally be kept on a leash, and some parks do not allow dogs at all. Fires are permitted only where the park regulations allow them and when no fire ban is in force. Camping is often restricted to designated sites or areas.

Information about the parks is available through the official Sweden's national parks website and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Many parks also have a naturum, a visitor centre with exhibitions and information about local nature, wildlife and hiking opportunities.

A large proportion of Sweden's largest national parks are in Norrbotten County and the mountain region of Swedish Lapland. Several of them form part of Laponia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also an important cultural landscape for the Indigenous Sámi people.

The mountain parks offer extensive hiking opportunities, spectacular scenery and relatively untouched wilderness. Some areas have marked trails and mountain huts, while others, particularly Sarek National Park, require considerable experience in wilderness hiking. Weather can change rapidly, and visitors should be properly equipped.

Reindeer husbandry is an important traditional livelihood in the region. Visitors should respect reindeer and avoid disturbing herds, particularly during the calving season. The regulations of individual parks also take traditional Sámi activities into account.

Southern and central Sweden have a more varied landscape of deciduous and coniferous forests, lakes, wetlands, agricultural landscapes and coastal areas. Many parks are relatively small and accessible for day trips.

Some examples include Söderåsen National Park, known for its forested valleys, Tyresta National Park, close to Stockholm, and Tiveden National Park, with its rocky forests and lakes. Several parks have short nature trails, visitor facilities and marked hiking routes.

Sweden also has several national parks consisting of islands, coastal landscapes and marine environments. These include Kosterhavet National Park, Gotska Sandön National Park, Haparanda Skärgård National Park and Nämdöskärgården National Park.

Some of these parks can only be reached by boat. Ferry services, excursion boats and private boat taxis provide access to certain destinations, while others require visitors to arrange their own transport. Always check seasonal boat services before travelling.

Most national parks have at least some marked hiking trails, ranging from short nature walks to demanding multi-day treks. The larger mountain parks offer opportunities for independent wilderness hiking, while parks in southern Sweden often have shorter trails suitable for day visitors.

Some of Sweden's best-known long-distance hiking trails pass through or near national parks. These include:

• Kungsleden – a famous long-distance trail through Swedish Lapland, passing through several national parks and mountain areas.
• Padjelantaleden – a long-distance trail through Padjelanta National Park.
• Höga Kustenleden – a hiking trail in the High Coast region, passing near Skuleskogen National Park.
• Skåneleden – an extensive network of hiking trails in southern Sweden, including routes near Söderåsen National Park.

For mountain hiking, check the latest weather forecasts and mountain safety information before departure. Some trails and facilities are seasonal, and bridges or mountain huts may be unavailable during certain periods.

• Abisko National Park [1]: high northern mountain landscape with birch forests, alpine meadows, the Abisko canyon and the famous Kungsleden hiking trail. Kiruna.
• Björnlandet National Park [2]: old-growth pine forests, boulder fields, steep slopes and wetlands, with traces of historic forest fires. Åsele.
• Haparanda Skärgård National Park [3]: northernmost archipelago in the Baltic Sea, with sandy islands, open heathlands and quiet coniferous forests. Haparanda.
• Muddus National Park [4]: vast forests, mires, waterfalls and deep ravines in the forested part of Laponia. Gällivare and Jokkmokk.
• Padjelanta National Park [5]: wide open mountain landscapes, lakes, wetlands and alpine tundra; a popular destination for multi-day trekking. Jokkmokk.
• Pieljekaise National Park [6]: low mountains, mountain birch forests, small lakes and open heaths. Arjeplog.
• Sarek National Park [7]: dramatic high mountains, glaciers, deep valleys and wild rivers; a remote wilderness for experienced hikers. Jokkmokk.
• Stora Sjöfallet National Park [8]: dramatic mountain scenery, peaks, forests, wetlands and alpine tundra in Laponia. Gällivare and Jokkmokk.
• Vadvetjåkka National Park [9]: remote northern mountain landscape with treeless heaths, wetlands and rocky terrain. Kiruna.

• Djurö National Park [10]: remote archipelago of around thirty islands and skerries in Lake Vänern, with smooth rocks, shingle beaches and rich birdlife. Mariestad.
• Fulufjället National Park [11]: broad mountain plateau, open heaths, forests and wetlands. The park contains Njupeskär, one of Sweden's highest waterfalls. Älvdalen.
• Färnebofjärden National Park [12]: a distinctive river landscape with islands, wetlands, floodplain forests and rich birdlife along the lower Dalälven. Avesta, Heby, Sala and Sandviken.
• Garphyttan National Park [13]: traditional agricultural landscape with flower-rich meadows, old trees and surrounding mixed forests. Örebro.
• Hamra National Park [14]: old-growth forest, quiet swamp forests, open mires and naturally flowing streams. Ljusdal.
• Skuleskogen National Park [15]: rugged coastal landscape with forests, bare rock and deep ravines, including the famous Slåttdalsskrevan gorge. Örnsköldsvik and Kramfors.
• Sonfjället National Park [16]: mountain and forest landscape with open heaths, wetlands and rich wildlife, including brown bears. Härjedalen.
• Tiveden National Park [17]: rugged forest wilderness with lakes, boulders and narrow rift valleys, suitable for hiking. Karlsborg and Laxå.
• Tresticklan National Park [18]: remote forest wilderness with deep cleft valleys, lakes and extensive natural forests and mires. Dals-Ed.
• Töfsingdalen National Park [19]: boulder fields and old coniferous forests in a remote southern mountain landscape. Älvdalen.

• Blå Jungfrun National Park [20]: isolated island in the Kalmar Strait, with granite cliffs, boulder forests, deciduous woodland and unusual geological formations. Oskarshamn.
• Gotska Sandön National Park [21]: remote Baltic island with extensive sandy beaches, dunes and pine forests. Accessible by boat from Gotland or the mainland.
• Nämdöskärgården National Park [22]: marine national park in the Baltic Sea, protecting a varied archipelago landscape and underwater environments. Värmdö.
• Norra Kvill National Park [23]: small area of old-growth-like coniferous forest with ancient pines, moss-covered boulders and forest lakes. Vimmerby.
• Tyresta National Park [24]: extensive old-growth forest with rocky ridges, lakes and deep valleys, close to the Stockholm metropolitan area. Haninge and Tyresö.
• Ängsö National Park [25]: traditional island farming landscape with wooded pastures, meadows and spring flowers. Norrtälje.

• Dalby Söderskog National Park [26]: lush deciduous woodland with impressive beech forests and abundant spring flowers. Lund.
• Kosterhavet National Park [27]: Sweden's first marine national park, with rich underwater wildlife, reefs, shallow bays and a scenic outer archipelago. Strömstad and Tanum.
• Stenshuvud National Park [28]: coastal landscape with wooded hills, meadows, sandy heathland and broadleaf forests, with views over the Baltic Sea. Simrishamn.
• Store Mosse National Park [29]: southern Sweden's largest mire landscape, with wetlands, lakes, pine forests and birdwatching opportunities. Gnosjö, Vaggeryd and Värnamo.
• Söderåsen National Park [30]: dramatic ravines and forested ridges with beech, oak and other broadleaf trees. Klippan and Svalöv.
• Åsnen National Park [31]: varied forest and lake landscape with islands, wetlands, old-growth forests and rich birdlife. Alvesta and Tingsryd.

Most of Sweden's national parks are accessible by car, and many can also be reached by public transportation. However, some parks, particularly those in remote mountain areas, require considerable planning to reach. A taxi may be useful for reaching trailheads or choosing different starting and ending points for a hike. There are often no roads into the parks themselves.

Some national parks consist of islands or archipelago areas, either in lakes or along the coast. These are best explored by kayak or boat, although some can be reached by ferry or other scheduled boat services. Kayaks, canoes and boats can be rented in some destinations. Boat taxis and guided excursions are also available in certain areas.

There are visitor centres, information points and nature centres called naturum in many parts of Sweden. They provide information about nearby national parks and nature reserves, often including maps, exhibitions, brochures, guided activities and advice on hiking trails. Some are located within or close to national parks, while others serve a wider region.

The national parks are managed by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) and the county administrative boards (Länsstyrelsen). The latter are responsible for the practical management of most national parks. Local tourist information offices can also provide useful information about transportation, accommodation and activities.

Accessibility varies considerably between parks. Some visitor centres and nature trails are adapted for wheelchair users, while many remote parks have rough terrain and limited facilities. Check the accessibility information for each park before travelling.

Visiting Swedish national parks and hiking on their trails is generally free of charge. There are no general entrance tickets or admission fees. However, some services and facilities may involve charges.

You may have to pay for:

• Transport to and within the park, including ferries, passenger boats and boat taxis.
• Parking at some entrances and visitor facilities. Many car parks are free, but some charge a fee. Check the information for the individual park.
• Accommodation in rental cabins, huts, hostels and campsites.
• Guided tours, equipment rental and other organised activities.
• Fishing permits (fiskekort), where fishing is permitted.

The parks are generally open throughout the year, but access to particular areas may be restricted seasonally, for example to protect nesting birds or other sensitive wildlife. Some facilities, visitor centres and boat services operate only during the summer season.

The right of public access (allemansrätten) also applies in national parks, but is restricted by the regulations of each park. Camping is permitted in some parks, sometimes only at designated sites, while it is prohibited in others. Similar restrictions may apply to lighting fires, picking berries and mushrooms, fishing, cycling and bringing dogs.

Always check the regulations and practical visitor information for the individual national park before your visit. Information is available on the Sweden's national parks website and from the relevant county administrative board (Länsstyrelsen).

Few parks have roads that a visitor could use for getting around. You get around on foot or by ski, sometimes optionally by bike or canoe. Some parks are accessible by boat, and some of these have tour boats and a possibility to use your own, perhaps with boats available for hiring. Where there are roads, they are usually for people just driving through, or for maintenance purposes.

There are usually nature trails and hiking trails in the areas, especially near the visitor centres, as well as maintained skiing tracks (and short snowshoeing routes) in the winter. Except in nature reserves you are usually allowed to find your own paths. although keeping to trails where possible is recommended, to minimise impact. In the archipelagos and by some rivers you might want to use a boat or kayak.

At most parks it is possible to get a guide through the businesses the park is cooperating with. This is especially useful if you are uncertain about your skills, but the guide can be useful also by knowing the nature, culture and sights and by being able to arrange meals, boat tours and similar.

The nature trails and other shorter (day trip) trails are usually well maintained, have duckboards at wet terrain and bridges at waterways, so that no special equipment is needed in the normal season (but don't bring high heels). In spring (when the snow is melting), in rainy summers and in the usually wet autumns, rubber boots or similar may be needed. On longer (overnight) trails you are more likely to meet some rough or wet terrain and are supposed to have proper equipment and some hiking skills.

A project in the early 2020s classified trails: "easy" trails are usually suitable also for families with small children without much preparation (but leave the pram, except on the routes for wheelchairs), "intermediate" trails can have some rough terrain, and on "demanding" trails there may be fords and missing signs and hiking skills and proper equipment are expected. Trails for several days' hiking are usually demanding in this sense. In wilderness areas and in the backcountry of larger national parks you are expected to know what you are doing; there may be shelters and bridges where most needed, but not necessarily where you need them.

In winter – in Lapland most of the year – one should be prepared for snow and cold temperatures. Getting disabled or getting lost without proper skills and equipment can easily be fatal, so be serious about safety, although accidents are rare.

The best way to get around in winter is by ski. There are well maintained skiing tracks in many national parks and around ski resorts (which may be situated by a national park). Some of the routes are wide enough for both traditional track skiing and freestyle "skate skiing". For longer journeys, on which you cannot depend on weather forecasts, or any journeys in wilderness areas or backcountry, you should have skis suitable also for trackless terrain, and enough experience to cope with bad weather, broken equipment and the like.

In national parks and hiking areas there are often shorter snowshoe trails (and snowshoes for rent). Snowshoes are less efficient than skis, but one does not need any training to use them.

In the northern parts of the country there is a network of snowmobile routes and tracks. The "routes" are regarded part of the road network and therefore free to use, while to use the "tracks" you must pay a fee. Check regulations and safety advice if renting a snowmobile. The routes usually avoid sensitive areas, so a snowmobile is seldom the way to get around in a national park, but the route may lead to a hut by the border of the park, from where you can make an expedition by ski. There are also tracks through some wilderness areas. The open wilderness huts may not be used for overnight stay by those coming by motor vehicle, but you can use them as day huts and sleep in reservation huts or rental cabins.

In the archipelagos and on bigger lakes, yachts, boats and kayaks are often the best means to get around. The areas are also accessible by ferries, tour boats or taxi boats. In many other areas there are some watercourses suitable for canoes, kayaks and possibly riverboats, providing a different and often quite handy way to see part of the area. Rowing boats are available at many cottages, freely available for patrons or for rent. Renting a vessel is seldom a problem, but you might want to check in advance, to have transport arranged.

Hiking in the Nordic countries has advice on many topics relevant for visiting national parks or otherwise spending time in the Swedish nature, including the right of public access (allemansrätten).

There are many businesses that arrange tours in national parks or at other destinations, usually trying to pack many different experiences into a day or a few days. This may involve hiking to a mountain hut or lodge where dinner is served, sitting down to enjoy the silence at a lake shore, hearing local stories, and finishing the day with a sauna and a dip in a lake or river. The programme differs between locations and depending on the tour organiser and your choices. Usually you could do most of it by yourself, but fitting it all into a tight schedule without knowing the area is difficult.

With more time at hand or going independently you will probably come closer to the experiences many Swedes seek in the forest and mountains. Slow down, immerse yourself in the landscape and enjoy the silence. To have a good dinner you should pack what you need to make hiking food something special, and a sauna, where available, is doubly refreshing after a few days of trekking.

Tours can be tailored to your wishes, but then it helps to be a large enough group to afford paying a guide – or to be able to do some of it by yourselves. You could, for example, take a boat tour with a guide, continue the trek by the route recommended, and return to the lodge for dinner and sauna.

• Hiking. In the small national parks of southern Sweden the hiking trails are usually suitable for day trips or a weekend. In the larger mountain parks and wilderness areas many go hiking for a week or more. There are also long trails extending outside the protected areas, such as the Kungsleden in the north.
• Skiing. In winter there are skiing tracks in many national parks and hiking areas, especially in the mountains. Plenty of backcountry remains for wilderness backpackers making their own tracks. See Cross-country skiing.
• Canoeing. At parks with a suitable waterway there are usually small businesses that can rent a canoe, give advice and take care of any arrangements. Depending on destination, options can include whitewater sports, more quiet canoeing and sea kayaking.
• Boating. Several parks have parts best accessed by boat.
  • There are tour boats in some parks, including marine parks along the coast.
  • Cruising with a yacht. On the coast and the bigger lakes chartering a yacht or getting a guided tour with a taxi boat should be easy. See also Boating in Sweden.
  • Rowing boats are included in the rent of some cottages and can be rented at some other places.
• Fishing. Fishing is not covered by the right of public access, and rules vary by area. Along the coast and in the five great lakes (Vänern, Vättern, Mälaren, Hjälmaren and Storsjön), hand-tool fishing with a rod and hook is free. Elsewhere you generally need a local fishing permit (fiskekort), which is often sold at tourist information centres, local shops or online. Some parks have their own rules and restricted areas. Check minimum sizes, closed seasons and local restrictions. Note the crayfish plague, which means you need to disinfect your equipment (including boots and canoes) when moving between waters.
• Mushroom gathering and berry picking for food are included in the right of public access, though some parks restrict picking certain species and protected plants may not be picked. This allows varying your menus on longer hikes and is a nice pastime regardless. Be sure to know the species you intend to eat and beware of poisonous mushrooms unknown where you come from. This is less of a problem with berries, but there are still some poisonous ones.
• Sauna bathing. There are saunas at some mountain lodges and cottages, and at some commercial lodging facilities. In the wilderness you may be expected to heat the sauna yourself, at commercial facilities probably not – or at least you get help if needed.

Local businesses near national parks often offer meals, accommodation, guided tours, equipment rental and other services. Some popular destinations have restaurants or cafés, but inside most national parks there are few or no places to buy food or drinks. Bring your own supplies, especially when going on longer hikes. Some local businesses may also arrange packed lunches or meals for hikers.

Picking wild berries and mushrooms is generally permitted under the right to access, but national parks have their own regulations which may restrict or prohibit collecting them. Some plants are protected by law and must not be picked. Make sure you can identify edible mushrooms and berries correctly, as poisonous species also occur in Sweden.

Fishing is possible in some national parks, but may be restricted to certain areas or prohibited altogether. Where permitted, a local fishing permit (fiskekort) may be required. Fishing in the five largest lakes and along much of the coastline is generally permitted without a fishing licence, but local conservation regulations may still apply.

Hunting is generally not permitted for ordinary visitors in national parks. Special provisions may apply to wildlife management and traditional Sámi reindeer husbandry in northern Sweden.

Natural water from springs, streams and lakes is not necessarily safe to drink untreated. Water quality varies, and contamination by microorganisms may occur even when the water looks clean. Boiling water is an effective way to kill most disease-causing microorganisms, but does not remove chemical contamination. Bring sufficient drinking water or use designated drinking water facilities where available. Some parks have wells or other water sources, but their quality is not always tested.

There are designated fireplaces and barbecue sites in many national parks. Fires are generally permitted at these sites when no fire ban is in force and the park regulations allow them. Making fires elsewhere may be prohibited. During dry weather, local authorities may impose fire bans, which can also prohibit the use of designated fireplaces. Always check the current restrictions before lighting a fire.

The permission to use a designated fireplace does not necessarily include a right to collect firewood. Some sites provide firewood free of charge, while at others you must bring your own. Collecting branches from living trees is prohibited. In some parks, even collecting fallen branches and dead wood from the ground is forbidden. Use provided firewood sparingly and follow local instructions. A camping stove is recommended for longer hikes.

Dry toilets (outhouses) are available at many shelters, camping areas and popular trailheads. Toilet paper and handwashing facilities may not be provided, so bring your own supplies. Where no toilet facilities are available, follow the principles of responsible outdoor sanitation: keep well away from water sources, bury human waste where permitted and take all rubbish with you.

There are lots of commercial lodging facilities near at least some popular parks – but if you are going to spend more than a day in the park, you should look also at other options.

The options provided in or near the parks are:

• Own tent or under the stars. Mostly free, no reservation required. Under the right of public access (allemansrätten) you may camp for a night or two away from houses, but take care not to disturb the landowner or other visitors. Rules inside national parks vary: in the large mountain parks you can generally camp freely outside restricted areas, while some smaller parks only allow camping at designated sites or not at all. Check the rules of the park beforehand.
• Wind shelters (vindskydd). Open lean-to shelters, usually free and without reservation. Use your own mattress. Available in many parks.
• Mountain huts and mountain stations (fjällstugor, fjällstationer). Run mainly by the Swedish Tourist Association (STF) and others along popular trails such as the Kungsleden. You pay for a bed per night, usually with a lower price for members, and bring your own sleeping bag. Many huts are staffed in the main season and have a kitchen and sometimes a sauna or a small shop; outside the staffed season facilities are more limited. Check current prices, opening periods and booking requirements.
• Cabins and rooms that you rent for your party. Available at some park gateways, in nearby villages and at some mountain stations.

In the protected areas, at the facilities, or camping wild, remember that you are a guest, as are your fellow hikers. Be respectful to them and the surrounding nature, and always make others feel welcome to share the facilities. If camping with a tent near a hut or shelter, put up your camp a stone's throw or two away. Avoid loud voices and other noise. Leave no trace and pack out your rubbish even when there are bins: emptying them away from proper roads is costly and means unnecessary traffic.

Mountain huts provide accommodation for the night along many trails in the northern mountains, often a day's hike or more from the nearest road. In a hut you can get warm and dry, and in staffed huts there are usually a kitchen with cooking equipment and a warden who can answer questions. Do not expect electricity or running water everywhere, and bring a headlamp. Bring your own food, and in the huts without a shop plan for the whole trip.

If you are used to a warm climate, remember that nights in the mountains can be cold even in summer, so a sleeping bag suited for near-freezing temperatures is advisable. In some huts you must heat the hut yourself with a wood stove; read the instructions beforehand and learn how to use the stove and damper safely. Lighting a fire without filling the room with smoke can be difficult in certain conditions.

The common etiquette is that latecomers have a right to find shelter, especially in bad weather. Arrange room for possible other guests before they show up, and if the hut is crowded, consider putting up your tent instead. Huts are meant for staying a night or two, not longer. Typically one stays a second night only for a rest day, drying equipment or waiting out bad weather. Make sure those arriving later feel welcome; don't monopolise the space.

All huts work to some extent by self service. Read the instructions and leave the hut as you would like to find it. You may be expected to chop and carry firewood to replace what you used. Note your visit in the guest book, including where you came from and where you are going.

Beside normal huts there are, in some areas, more primitive shelters and traditional Sami turf huts (kåtor), often with an open fireplace and no mattresses. In the south, huts are fewer, as winters are milder. Instead there are wind shelters where you can spend the evening by a campfire and get shelter from rain in the night. Fire rules vary: always use designated fireplaces where required, and note that open fires are banned in many areas during dry periods. Check current fire restrictions before you set out.

The main option is of course a tent. You might want to carry one even if you plan to use huts, especially in peak season or when hiking in severe conditions where you might not reach the hut before dark. In spring and autumn, when conditions are mild and there are few mosquitoes, a tarp or similar shelter can be used instead of a tent.

There are seldom proper camping areas in the parks. Instead you can usually put your tent near the provided infrastructure, such as huts and shelters. In some busy parks only designated areas are to be used, but the facilities are similar. In the backcountry of larger parks you can usually put your tent anywhere but in a few restricted areas.

When visiting smaller areas without facilities, you can often still camp outside the area under the right of public access, but check the local rules.

For toilets, see Eat and drink above.

Dry toilets (utedass) are available near many campfire sites, shelters, huts and other visitor facilities, but not necessarily along all trails. Toilet paper and handwashing facilities may not be provided. Avoid washing yourself or your equipment directly in streams and lakes, as other visitors may use the same water downstream. Use biodegradable soap well away from natural water sources, where permitted.

Bring your own fire-starters if you plan to make a fire. Firewood is provided at some designated campfire sites, but availability varies. Use it sparingly and follow any instructions for chopping and storing firewood. Never take wood from living trees, and do not assume that collecting fallen branches is permitted.

Boardwalks, bridges and other trail infrastructure are maintained by the authorities responsible for each park, but repairs may take time. Check the latest trail information with the park administration or local visitor centre before setting out, particularly if you plan to use remote or less frequently visited trails.

Prepare carefully for outdoor activities, especially in remote areas and the mountains. Keep warm, carry suitable clothing, food, water and a first aid kit. Weather can change rapidly, particularly in the mountains, and help may take a long time to arrive. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable in some remote areas.

Before setting out on a longer hike, tell someone your planned route and expected return time. In the mountains, you can also leave a travel notification (färdmeddelande) with someone who can raise the alarm if you do not return as planned. In some mountain huts there are guest books where hikers can record their journeys. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them, as GPS devices and mobile phones may run out of battery or lose reception.

In an emergency, call ☏ 112. This is the Swedish emergency number for ambulance, police, fire and mountain rescue services. The police coordinate mountain rescue operations, which are carried out with the assistance of trained volunteers. Rescue helicopters may be used in remote or difficult terrain. Give the emergency operator your location as accurately as possible, preferably using GPS coordinates, and describe nearby landmarks. If you cannot make a phone call because there is no mobile coverage, try moving to higher ground or another location with reception. Satellite communication devices can be useful in particularly remote areas.

In the mountains, follow marked trails where possible and check weather forecasts and avalanche warnings before setting out. The Swedish Mountain Safety Council provides advice on equipment, preparation and mountain safety. Do not underestimate cold, wind, snow or rapidly rising water levels in streams.

Encounters with large wild animals are generally uncommon. Sweden has brown bears, wolves, wolverines, lynx and moose. These animals normally avoid people, but keep your distance and never approach or feed them. Be particularly careful around moose with calves. In northern Sweden, avoid disturbing reindeer herds and follow local advice concerning reindeer husbandry.

The European adder (Vipera berus) is Sweden's only venomous native snake. Bites are uncommon but can be serious, especially for children and people with health problems. Seek medical advice immediately after a bite.

Ticks are found in many parts of Sweden and can transmit Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Wear suitable clothing, use insect repellent and check your body after spending time outdoors. Vaccination against TBE may be worth considering when visiting areas where the disease occurs.

Mosquitoes can be a considerable nuisance in summer, particularly in northern Sweden, wetlands and forested areas. Black flies (knott) can also be troublesome, especially near flowing water. Bring sufficient insect repellent and consider using a mosquito net, particularly when camping.

Deer keds (älgflugor) are common in some forested areas during autumn. They are attracted to people and can become trapped in hair and clothing. They are generally harmless, although their bites may cause irritation.

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• National parks