Sweden's national parks
According to Swedish law, the national parks shall consist of representative landscape types to be preserved in their natural states, and of scenically beautiful natural settings that can provide powerful experiences of nature. Another purpose is to offer people the opportunity to get out into the forest and open countryside. Most national parks include hiking trails, and some have nature centres. A few also have overnighting facilities. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has decision-making authority with regard to the management of the national parks, and also suggests new areas to become national parks. Decisions on the establishment of new parks are made by the Swedish parliament ("Riksdag").

Park regulations vary, but it is generally forbidden to destroy or disturb- which applies to all of Swedish nature, in accordance with the right of public access. In several parks it is forbidden to light fires, set up tents or take unleashed dogs. Rocks and plants may not be collected, but it is permitted to pick berries and mushrooms, as it is everywhere in Sweden. To see the regulations for Färnebofjärden National Park, click here.

In addition to the national parks, there are numerous nature reserves and nature conservation areas in Sweden. Altogether, lands protected for purposes of nature conservation comprise over eight percent of Sweden's surface area.

Read more about this subject on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's web site.

If you are considering a visit to Färnebofjärden National Park and would like to know more about the surrounding area, see the following web sites:

Lower Dalälven River
Sandviken Tourist Bureau