The finest thing that can happen to a natural area is to become a national park, and Färnebofjärden is now one of the 28 national parks in Sweden. This is one of the places where Sweden's beautiful natural heritage is preserved for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The region of the Lower Dalälven River is one of the country's most extraordinary and valuable from the standpoint of nature conservation. Färnebofjärden, where the river spreads out over a broad expanse, is the part of that region which is least affected by water regulation, forestry and construction. Its natural character, in combination with its great biological and aesthetic values, has made this stretch of the Lower Dalälven River well worth protecting as a national park. Färnebofjärden is also included in the European Union's Natura 2000 project and the Ramsar Convention on valuable wetlands.

Färnebofjärden National Park is a unique natural complex that teems with life in a mosaic of special habitats. Riverside fens and meadows, floodplains and ancient forest provide the visitor with powerful experiences of nature. The periodic flooding has left its traces on the landscape of the national park, whose uneven contours enclose more than 200 islands and islets. Here, the characteristic wetlands and evergreen forest of northern Scandinavia converge with more southerly natural features such as broad-leaved forest with elements of oak and linden, all of which combine to form many beautiful views.

The diverse plant and animal life provides opportunities for many interesting encounters. There are 270 different species of vascular plant and 205 bird species, of which 107 commonly nest here. Färnebofjärden is known for its rich birdlife, and has been frequented by ornithologists since the 1970s. Some twenty species of fish and about seventy red-listed insect species inhabit the park, together with elks (moose), roe deer, mountain hares, red foxes, pine martens, beavers, wood lemmings and lynxes.

Additional information:
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
County Administrative Board in Västmanland, Gävleborg, Dalarna
Nedre Dalälvens Intresseförening (NeDa) www.nedredalalven.com