The Future of Sweden’s National Parks
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has developed a long-term plan outlining which areas could become national parks in Sweden in the future. This plan forms the basis for the work of establishing new parks.
The Future of Sweden’s National Parks
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has developed a long-term plan outlining which areas could become national parks in Sweden in the future. This plan forms the basis for the work of establishing new parks.
The national park plan was published in 2008 and includes proposals for new national parks as well as suggestions to expand some of the existing ones. In total, the plan proposes ten new national parks:
- The Arctic tundra in Tavvavuoma, Norrbotten County
- Bästeträsk, Gotland
- Kebnekaise, Norrbotten County
- Koppången, Dalarna County
- The mire-covered Blaikfjället, Västerbotten County
- Reivo, Norrbotten County
- Rogen–Juttulslätten, Dalarna and Jämtland Counties
- Sankt Anna, Östergötland County
- Vindelfjällen, Västerbotten County
- Vålådalen–Sylarna, Jämtland County
Expansion of Existing National Parks
Björnlandet and Tiveden are the most recent national parks to be expanded in Sweden. These parks also received new entrances, trails and visitor facilities as part of the development.
The national park plan includes proposals to expand the marine areas around Gotska Sandön National Park. It also suggests extending Sarek and Padjelanta/Badjelánnda to include parts already designated as part of the Laponia World Heritage Site.
How a National Park Is Created
Establishing a national park is a multi-year process involving many participants. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency works together with county administrative boards and local stakeholders to prepare the necessary documentation and plan for new or expanded parks. The final decision is made by the Government and Parliament.
The land in a national park is owned by the state. Creating a new park involves acquiring land and making the area accessible to visitors – for example, by developing hiking trails, entrances and other visitor services.
Sweden’s Next National Park
On northern Gotland, work is underway to establish a new national park around Lake Bästeträsk.
In August 2025, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency submitted a proposal to the Government to designate the area around Gotland’s largest lake as a national park. The area is a large, undisturbed landscape made up of rocky terrain, wetlands, forests, lakes and coastal environments with rich biodiversity. It has been shaped over a long period by the island’s limestone bedrock and human presence.