Exploring the Wilderness of Sarek National Park with Family

A Day Among the Blooms

Today marked the seventh day of our family adventure in Sweden, and I must say, it was nothing short of enchanting. After the rugged beauty of Sarek, a change of scenery was in order, and Garphyttans Nationalpark delivered a serene and picturesque experience. It felt like stepping into a painting, where every corner revealed a new floral display.


Explore the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of Garphyttans Nationalpark, Sweden's hidden gem for hiking and nature lovers.

The journey to Garphyttan was straightforward. Leaving our campsite near Sarek, we took a train, which offered scenic views of the Swedish countryside. Aisha was particularly excited, pressing her nose against the window, pointing out every cow and red-roofed house we passed. It reminded me of our drives back home in Al Ain, though the landscapes are vastly different, the sense of wonder is universal in a child’s eyes. Hans, ever the planner, had arranged for a rental car to be picked up near the train station, making the final leg of our trip to the park seamless.

We arrived at Garphyttan National Park around mid-morning. The park is located a short distance from the village of Garphyttan, and the drive itself was lovely, with glimpses of traditional Swedish homes and verdant fields. As we stepped out of the car, the air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers, a welcome change from the crisp, clean air of the mountains. The sun was shining, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees, creating a symphony of nature's sounds.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the simplest of settings.

Our first stop was the visitor center. It was small but informative, providing us with maps of the hiking trails and insights into the park's history and ecology. I learned that Garphyttan is one of Sweden's oldest national parks, established in 1909 to preserve the traditional agricultural landscape. The park is known for its floral displays, particularly in spring and early summer, when the meadows and forests burst into color. It was interesting to discover that the area was once owned by mine owners, and the park now serves as a testament to preserving cultural history alongside natural beauty.

We decided to start with the Ängsstigen trail, a short, accessible path that meandered through the park's meadows. It was perfect for Aisha, who was eager to run and explore. As we walked, we were surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors. Hepaticas, wood anemones, cowslips, and lilies of the valley carpeted the ground, creating a breathtaking scene. The air was filled with the buzzing of bees and the songs of birds, adding to the idyllic atmosphere. I made a mental note to try and identify some of the flowers later, perhaps incorporating them into a blog post about the flora of Sweden.

Aisha was in her element, chasing butterflies and collecting colorful petals. She even tried to catch a bumblebee, much to Hans's amusement and my slight concern. We stopped to admire a particularly vibrant patch of lilies of the valley, their delicate white bells emitting a sweet fragrance. It reminded me of the small garden my grandmother kept in Al Ain, filled with jasmine and roses. Though the flowers were different, the sense of peace and tranquility was the same.

Next, we ventured onto the Bergstigen trail, a slightly longer and more challenging hike that led us through the park's forests. The landscape shifted from open meadows to dense woodlands, providing a refreshing change of scenery. The trail wound its way up a gentle slope, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature – the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the occasional scurrying of small animals. I tried to capture the beauty with my camera, but no photograph could truly convey the feeling of being immersed in this natural wonderland.

Hans, with his German practicality, pointed out various species of trees and explained their ecological importance. He even identified a few edible plants, though we refrained from sampling them without expert guidance. Aisha, meanwhile, was fascinated by the moss-covered rocks and the gnarled roots of the ancient trees. She pretended to be a forest fairy, flitting among the trees and whispering secrets to the wind. It was heartwarming to see her connect with nature in such a profound way.

As lunchtime approached, we made our way to Restaurant Krogen Stora Gungan, located near Garphyttan National Park. The restaurant promised traditional Swedish cuisine in a rustic setting, and it did not disappoint. The building exuded an old-world charm. We settled into a cozy corner and perused the menu. I decided to try the kroppkakor, traditional Swedish potato dumplings filled with pork and onions, while Hans opted for the classic Swedish meatballs. Aisha, predictably, chose the plättar, small pancakes served with jam and cream.


Experience authentic Swedish cuisine amidst the scenic beauty of Djurgården at Restaurant Krogen Stora Gungan.

The food was delicious, hearty, and comforting. The kroppkakor were perfectly seasoned and had a satisfyingly dense texture. Hans raved about his meatballs, declaring them the best he had ever tasted. Aisha devoured her pancakes with gusto, smearing jam all over her face. It was a quintessential Swedish meal, and we savored every bite. I couldn't help but think about how food connects us to culture and tradition. Sharing this meal with my family in this beautiful setting made me feel deeply connected to Sweden.

The restaurant itself had a fascinating history, with the building dating back to the 1880s. It was filled with antique furniture and vintage photographs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff were friendly and attentive, adding to the overall experience. I made a mental note to recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Garphyttan.

After lunch, we explored the small shop near Garphyttan National Park, where I picked up a few souvenirs – a handcrafted wooden toy for Aisha and a book on Swedish folklore for myself. Aisha immediately started playing with her toy, a small wooden horse, and Hans told her about the significance of Dala horses in Swedish culture, their bright colors and intricate designs. I love how every trip is an opportunity for learning, not just for Aisha, but for all of us.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to take one last walk through the park before heading back to our accommodation. We chose the Lövstigen trail, a short loop that took us through a particularly scenic part of the forest. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a magical, dappled effect. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day. Before leaving the park, we sat for a while on a bench, simply enjoying the peace and quiet. Aisha, tired from her day of exploring, snuggled up next to me, and Hans put his arm around us. It was a moment of pure contentment, a reminder of why we embarked on this adventure in the first place – to create lasting memories with our family.

Reflecting on the day, I am struck by the simple beauty of Garphyttan National Park. It is not a place of dramatic landscapes or towering peaks, but rather a place of gentle charm and quiet serenity. It is a place where you can reconnect with nature, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the small wonders of the natural world. For a family seeking respite from the demands of modern life, Garphyttan is an ideal destination.

Tomorrow, we will be heading to Kosterhavet National Park, another gem of Swedish nature. I am excited to explore the coastal landscapes and marine life of this unique park. But for now, I am content to savor the memories of our day in Garphyttan, a day filled with flowers, forests, and family.

As we drove back to our accommodation, I couldn't help but smile, feeling grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my loved ones. Sweden, with its natural beauty and cultural richness, continues to surprise and delight us at every turn. I am already looking forward to tomorrow's adventure.

Before drifting off to sleep, I thought about the Bergslagsleden hiking trail, which apparently passes through the north-western part of the park. Perhaps next time, I'll be able to explore that a bit more. For now, though, it’s time to rest and recharge for tomorrow's journey to Kosterhavet National Park. I’m particularly excited about the prospect of visiting Bar Bruno as well!

I’m also so grateful that we remembered to pack our hiking boots. I can’t imagine navigating the trails without them. Still kicking myself for forgetting the insect repellent, though. The mosquitos were quite persistent, and Aisha ended up with a few bites. I made a note to buy some tomorrow before we head to Kosterhavet. It’s always something, isn’t it? But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?