Sweden's national parks

Hundred‑year‑old pines and shimmering forest lakes

This national park protects a landscape of rift valleys with old‑growth forest, pine and spruce woodlands, burned forest areas and open rocky outcrops, together with lakes and other freshwater environments.

Established

1993

County

Stockholm

About Tyresta National Park

Sturdy, gnarled pines that are several centuries old bear witness to the passage of time. The barren, polished bedrock has been shaped smooth by the inland ice and by waves long ago, when the nearby archipelago still reached this far inland. All of this is beautifully framed by tall spruce trees standing watch over mosses and lichens. The forest opens up to shimmering lakes, and in the air you catch the faint scent of wild rosemary and bog myrtle.

Just twenty kilometres from Stockholm city centre, you can experience a truly ancient forest. With hundred‑year‑old pines, silence and glittering forest tarns. Although Tyresta is close to the city and a popular nature area, the forests still offer a sense of wilderness. At lakes and viewpoints, you can see how the forest stretches out around you.

By following one of the trails from, for example, Tyresta by or Stensjödal, you quickly reach the primeval forest. These ancient forests are becoming increasingly rare, and Tyresta is the largest area of old‑growth forest south of the Dalälven River. Here you encounter old, gnarled pines and tall spruces. Dead hollow trees, growing young trees and sturdy giants provide living space for a wide variety of species.

Tyresta National Park is the largest remaining area of old‑growth forest south of the Dalälven River.