Tyresta National Park
Swedish national park with old-growth forest and rift valley landscape.
Tyresta National Park, along with its surrounding nature reserve, is located in Haninge and Tyresö municipalities within Stockholm County, Sweden. The landscape is defined by a rift valley formation—a feature typical of central Sweden but rare on a global scale. The park itself covers 19.7 square kilometers, while the adjacent nature reserve adds another 27 square kilometers, bringing the total protected area to roughly 47 square kilometers. This land was set aside to safeguard its exceptional natural features, including one of the largest remaining tracts of untouched forest in southern Sweden, and to ensure its continued use for recreation.
Within the park, several lakes and dams can be found: Bylsjön, Lanan, Långsjön, Mörtsjön, Nedre dammen, Stensjön, Trehörningen, and Årsjön.
The park and reserve are home to one of southern Sweden’s largest old-growth coniferous forests. Some of the pine trees here are up to 400 years old. On ridge tops, scotch pine dominates, while Norwegian spruce thrives in the lowlands. Common broadleaf trees include aspen, birch, and alder. Much of the area has a low site index, which results in very old trees that grow slowly and have relatively small diameters at breast height. Blueberries are a widespread understory plant and are easy to find. The park also contains deciduous broadleaf forests, open farmland, and historic buildings of cultural interest. A hallmark of this primeval forest is its high biodiversity: up to 8,000 animal species live here—four times as many as in managed forests. Many of these species rely entirely on old-growth conditions and cannot survive elsewhere.
In August 1999, a fire burned roughly 10 percent of the national park. Hot, dry weather at the time created ideal conditions for the blaze. Although the fire caused high tree mortality in the burned area, many tree species have since recovered, and saplings are common. Because of the low site index, however, it will take decades before these young trees grow tall enough to form a canopy.
- location
- Haninge and Tyresö municipalities, Stockholm County, Sweden
- total protected area
- about 47 km² (18 mi²)
- national park area
- 19.7 km² (7.6 mi²)
- nature reserve area
- 27 km² (10 mi²)
- distance from central Stockholm
- about 20 km (12 mi)
- notable feature
- one of the largest sections of untouched forest in southern Sweden
Lore & Background
Tyresta National Park and Nature Reserve lie about 20 km from central Stockholm. The landscape is a rift valley, typical for central Sweden but unique internationally. The national park covers 19.7 km², and the surrounding nature reserve adds 27 km², for a total protected area of about 47 km². The area was protected to preserve its natural values, including one of the largest sections of untouched forest in southern Sweden, and to safeguard its importance for recreation.
The park contains several lakes and dams, including Bylsjön, Lanan, Långsjön, Mörtsjön, Nedre dammen, Stensjön, Trehörningen, and Årsjön. Its forests are notable for containing one of the largest coniferous old-growth forests in southern Sweden, with some pine trees up to 400 years old. Ridge tops are dominated by scotch pine, lowlands by Norwegian spruce, and common broadleaf species include aspen, birch, and alder. Much of the park has a low site index, leading to very old trees with slow growth rates and comparatively low DBH. Blueberries are a common understory species.
In August 1999, about 10% of the national park area was consumed in a fire, started under hot and dry conditions. While the fire caused high tree mortality, many tree species have recovered and saplings are common. However, due to the low site index, it will take decades before the trees become canopy species.
Reader's Guide
Tyresta National Park is significant as a protected area preserving one of the largest sections of untouched forest in southern Sweden, including old-growth coniferous forest with trees up to 400 years old. Its rift valley landscape is typical for central Sweden but unique internationally, making it a valuable reference for natural history and ecology. The park supports up to 8,000 species of animals—four times as many as in managed forests—many of which depend entirely on primeval forest habitats. The 1999 fire, which consumed about 10% of the park, demonstrates both the vulnerability and resilience of such ecosystems, as saplings have recovered but canopy regrowth will take decades. The park also contains deciduous broadleaf forests, open arable land, and historical buildings of cultural interest. Its proximity to Stockholm (about 20 km) underscores its role in recreation and conservation, balancing human access with the protection of unique natural values.
Did You Know?
- The park contains one of the largest sections of untouched forest in southern Sweden.
- Some pine trees in the park are up to 400 years old.
- In August 1999, about 10% of the national park area was consumed in a fire.
- Up to 8,000 species of animals can be found in the park, four times as many as in managed forests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tyresta National Park located?
It sits in the Haninge and Tyresö municipalities of Stockholm County, just roughly 20 km (about 12 miles) south of central Stockholm. This makes it one of the most accessible national parks in the greater Stockholm region.
How large is Tyresta National Park?
The park proper spans 19.7 square kilometers, and when you add the adjoining nature reserve of 27 square kilometers, the combined protected area reaches about 47 square kilometers (roughly 18 square miles).
What is Tyresta National Park known for?
It protects one of the last major stretches of untouched, old-growth forest in southern Sweden. The terrain is shaped by a rift valley formation—a geological structure common in central Sweden but unusual on a worldwide scale.
Why was Tyresta National Park set aside as protected land?
The area was designated to preserve its outstanding natural character, particularly the extensive primeval woodland and the distinctive rift valley topography. Without that protection, decades of logging and development would likely have erased what remains of the original forest.
How far is Tyresta National Park from Stockholm?
The park lies approximately 20 km (12 miles) from the city center, which is close enough for a day trip yet far enough that the landscape still feels like a genuine wilderness rather than a suburban park.
More in National parks of Sweden 1-24
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