Norra Kvill National Park
Norra Kvill, one of four national parks in Småland, consists of genuine Småland virgin forest. It has not been logged for 150 years, and some of the pine trees are 350 years old. What you get to see here are fallen trees, huge moss-covered boulders and bewitching forest ponds. A hike up to the highest mountain in the national park affords a dazzling view.
Pristine forest
Pristine forests are a rare sight in southern Sweden, but in Norra Kvill National Park you can experience one of the few remaining. Back in 1927, the first part of the area was protected by forming a national park, and later it was expanded to cover 114 hectares. Here, nature is allowed to develop freely, and the forest is slowly moving towards becoming a true primeval forest. The area is dominated by pine, which makes up about 80 percent of the vegetation. Some of the impressive trees have grown for over 350 years and have reached a circumference of 2.5 meters and heights of up to 35 meters. The hike through the old forest offers a unique experience where moss-covered boulders, deep forest glades and rare species create a magical and almost fairy-tale atmosphere.
Easy to find Norra Kvill
Norra Kvill National Park is easy to reach and well signposted from major entrances. From the road between Vimmerby and Norra Vi, you turn off about seven kilometres south of Ydrefors, and after two kilometres on a smaller road you reach the car park. Here there are information boards, toilets and tables and benches for a break before the hike. A beautiful trail winds through the national park and passes two lakes. The larger of them, Stora Idgölen – also called Trollsjön – is surrounded by water lilies and water clover and creates an enchanting atmosphere. For those who want to enjoy a wide view of the landscape, Idhöjden, the highest point in the area, is a perfect destination. From here, 45 metres above the surface of the lake, the wild forest spreads out in all directions.
The nature of the Småland highlands
The Småland Highlands are characterised by a gently rolling landscape, which is particularly evident in the Norra Kvill National Park. Here the terrain rises to 230 metres above sea level, and the mighty, moss-covered boulders create impressive boulder fields in some places, enhancing the magical atmosphere.
Rest area Näckön
The Näckönn rest area is located adjacent to the parking lot and is reached via a bridge. There are a number of rest tables and a barbecue area. An accessible toilet and garbage can are located directly adjacent to the parking lot and Näckönn.
The Näckönn rest area is located adjacent to the parking lot and is reached via a bridge. There are a number of rest tables and a barbecue area. An accessible toilet and garbage can are located directly adjacent to the parking lot and Näckönn.
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Kvilleken
The giant oak is considered to be Sweden’s oldest and largest tree, if not the largest oak in Europe by girth. It measures 14 meters in circumference and is at least a thousand years old. It is dif…
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The giant oak is considered to be Sweden’s oldest and largest tree, if not the largest oak in Europe by girth. It measures 14 meters in circumference and is at least a thousand years old. It is difficult to imagine everything that this oak has seen. Its roots date back to the Viking Age, it sprouted in the time of Saint Birgitta and was a shady tree before Gustav Vasa came to power. It has witnessed the Black Death and it is said that Nils Dacke had twelve prisoners of war hanged here in the 16th century. Visiting the country’s oldest living organism is something of a spiritual experience. We have always worshipped large trees and you can feel the magic here.
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Read more about the national park Norra Kvill
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