Why you should visit the Åsnen National Park in Sweden

04 Feb Why you should visit the Åsnen National Park in Sweden

Posted at 12:00h in Europe, Scandinavia by Wander-lust 2 Comments

Last spring I was so lucky to enjoy the first KLM flight to Växjo, Sweden. One of the highlights that I visited, was the new national park of the Småland region, called Åsnen National Park.

Sweden now has 30 official National Parks and Åsnen National Park is the newest kid on the block. When I had the change to visit the park back in May, I was thrilled to be able to see the finishing touches before it officially openend on the 25th of May 2019. It was opened during a special inauguration that included an orchestra, performances, exhibitions and tours.

Åsnen National Park

What makes Åsnen National Park unique and why should YOU go there? Let me explain.. The park is surrounded by water (Lake Åsnen), many small islands, and it’s home to some of Sweden’s most incredible birds. It’s perfect for nature lovers that want to relax and enjoy the sounds of the forest. There are a few entrances, with Sunnabron as the main one, which is located along Sirkön, Åsnen’s largest island. Here you will find many birds, stunning views over the water and rare insects. The Westside of the park entrance is called Trollberget, offers a forest filled with pine trees and walking area’s by the lake.

Relaxing at Lake Åsnen

Nature lovers are going to love this park

Where to stay around Åsnen National Park

Families, young or old, can enjoy this National Park, because besides relaxing, you can also join many activities in and around Åsnen. I was invited by Ingrid from the Getnö Lake Åsnen Resort to enjoy a boatride over the lake. Stop along some of the many islands and enjoy a picknick or if you are visiting the area with your kids, you can book Viking adventures and games (only during high season). Other activities include fishing, canoe safari’s and angling. At Getnö Lake Asnen Resort, they have different cottages available but you can also camp. Each plot has its own campfire/barbecue area. There is a farm shop, country café, pub and a summer bistro. Tip: You can also order fresh baked bread for breakfast.

Relaxing at the Getnö Lake Åsnen Resort

Activities
As soon as you arrive at the Åsnen National Park, you have different walking routes to choose from. I walked through the pretty forest for about one hour. TIP: Bring some mosquito repellent! From horse riding, boatrides, walking or cycling, there are many options. I rented my bicycle at Åshults Handelsbod, a café owned by a Dutch lady named Quinta. From there you have several cycling routes with plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the view.

Enjoy a Fika, which is a coffee break, that goes hand in hand with a tasty (and sweet) pastry.

Some islands are home to lodges that you can rent, others are private or not allowed to enter. Make sure you are well prepared when you decide to camp on one of the islands, because not all islands have facilities and the wilderness can be quite adventurous. For all accommodations around Åsnen National Park check www.visitasnen.se/en/accomodation.

Bird Spotting in Åsnen