The purpose of a naturum is to inspire interest in nature and nature studies. A naturum helps visitors understand why we need to protect and care for nature by sharing knowledge about nearby national parks, nature reserves and other protected areas.

A naturum also aims to increase people’s desire to spend time outdoors by providing information about outdoor areas, facilities for outdoor recreation and places to visit in the surrounding landscape.

When you visit a naturum, you can explore exhibitions and take part in activities. Many naturum also offer guided nature interpretation on a variety of topics.

In addition, the work of the naturum visitor centres aims to:

• serve as a resource for different educational needs
• increase understanding of ecological systems and how human activity affects the environment
• provide information about local geology, flora and fauna
• offer knowledge about the historical development of the landscape
  share insights into the area’s cultural history

The history of naturum

In the early 1970s, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) launched an information concept called naturum. The first naturum centres opened in 1973 in Visby, in Stocklycke on Omberg, and on the island of Öland.

The naturum brand is owned by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Most naturum visitor centres are run by county administrative boards, municipalities or foundations, while a few are operated directly by the Agency.

Visit a naturum

Several of Sweden’s naturum visitor centres are located in, or close to, a national park. Many of them offer exhibitions and staff who can guide you and help you learn more about the park’s nature and wildlife. In addition to the centres found in national parks, there are also naturum visitor centres in other areas of valuable Swedish nature.

You can read more about naturum on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's website.

Naturum (naturvardsverket.se)