Åsnen

Åsnen National Park offers a remarkable untouched forest and lake landscape. When you gaze out over the lake, you get a true feeling of wilderness. Here, you can still experience complete silence and a night sky undisturbed by artificial light.
In the national park, many of the special environments are accessible, providing endless opportunities for nature experiences! Paddle through Åsnen’s waters, hike through lush deciduous forests, and enjoy wonderful bird concerts. Perhaps you can spot the lake’s fishing expert, the osprey, or hear the iconic call of the great northern diver echoing between the islands.
The northern entrance to the national park is Sunnabron, along the strait to Åsnen’s largest island, Sirkön. Walking trails lead to the nearby area of Bjurkärr, which is home to some of Europe’s most valuable deciduous forests. Here, you’ll find a rich bird life as well as rare insects, mosses, and lichens.
In the western part of the national park, you’ll find the second entrance, Trollberget. This part is often referred to as “Åsnen in miniature version” because it encompasses everything from deciduous forests to pines, spruces, lake shores, and marshland on a small area. Trollberget’s gorge, where the legend says that trolls celebrated Christmas, is appreciated by families visiting Åsnen.
A bit further south is Toftåsa marsh, where beautiful hiking trails take you through pine forests and scent-filled marshlands, like a miniature piece of Norrland!
At all entrances to the national park, you’ll find rest areas, toilets, and fireplaces. There are also marked hiking trails throughout the national park. At the entrances, there are generous docks perfect for enjoying a picnic.
In addition to the national park, the Åsnen area has 19 nature reserves, guaranteeing wonderful nature experiences and great hikes suitable for even the inexperienced. To reach the islands, a boat, canoe, or kayak is required. The bird life in the lake is valuable and also sensitive during certain times. From April 1st to July 31st, nesting birds are protected, and it is not allowed to visit all parts of the lake during this period. But don’t worry, the lake has over a thousand islands, so there is plenty of room to explore nature!

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An excellent way to experience Åsnen is to glide between the islands in a kayak. Look out for ospreys or listen for the haunting call of the great northern diver at dusk. It’s hard to get closer to nature than this. Kayaks can be rented, for example, at Getnö Lake Åsnen Resort where they also offer fishing school for children. Getnö offers a wide range of nature experiences. Here, you’ll find nature camping, cabins, fishing, canoes, kayaks, and guided tours. If you’re a beginner, you can take a course at Norraryds camping, where you can also book guided kayak tours.

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• The view of the island world from Lunnabacken.
• Bjurkärr with its unique deciduous forests and wide trails.
• The legendary location of Trollberget with its exciting cliffs.
• A scenic waterfront hike from Ulvö around Toftåsa marsh.
• Huseby Bruk, a living industrial heritage site with a castle, garden, park, restaurant, and events.

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