Exploring the Wilderness of Sarek National Park with Family

Whispers of the Ancient Woods

Today, our Swedish adventure took us deep into the heart of Tiveden National Park. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of our Bamberg home felt like stepping into another world, a realm where ancient forests whisper secrets and the landscape tells tales of ice ages and mythical beings. It was a day of rugged beauty, family bonding, and a healthy dose of fresh air – exactly what we needed after the hustle of city life.


Explore the stunning landscapes of Tiveden National Park, a premier hiking and nature destination in Sweden's wilderness.
Our day began, as it has for most of this trip, with a hearty breakfast at Restaurant Krogen Stora Gungan. Aisha was particularly excited, practically bouncing in her seat as she devoured her pancakes. Hans and I enjoyed a more traditional Swedish breakfast, fueling up for the day's hike. The cozy atmosphere of the restaurant, reminiscent of an 1880s tavern, set the perfect tone for our day of exploration.


Experience authentic Swedish cuisine amidst the scenic beauty of Djurgården at Restaurant Krogen Stora Gungan.
After breakfast, we prepared for our exploration of Tiveden National Park, making sure we were equipped for the trails with our hiking boots, warm clothes, and of course, our trusty map and compass. I must admit, I felt a pang of regret for forgetting the insect repellent – a rookie mistake that I knew we might pay for later. But the excitement of the day quickly overshadowed my minor oversight.

As we entered the park, the landscape transformed dramatically. Towering boulders, remnants of the last Ice Age, dotted the landscape, creating a surreal and almost otherworldly atmosphere. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. It was easy to see why Tiveden is known as one of the wildest and most inaccessible parts of Sweden. The park's history is palpable; it once served as a hiding place for outlaws, adding to its mystique and allure. Legend has it that Tiveden means the wood of the god Tyr, a testament to the area's ancient roots and spiritual significance.

We decided to embark on one of the park's many hiking trails, choosing a route that seemed manageable for Aisha. The trails were well-marked with colored bands around the trees, making navigation relatively easy. However, the terrain was more challenging than we anticipated. The path wound its way through rocky crevices, over moss-covered boulders, and up steep inclines. I found myself grateful for my hiking boots, which provided much-needed ankle support. Aisha, ever the adventurous spirit, took it all in stride, scampering over the rocks like a little mountain goat.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

Along the way, we marveled at the unique flora and fauna of Tiveden. The park is home to a diverse range of plant life, from ancient pines clinging to rocky outcrops to delicate wildflowers blooming in hidden glades. We spotted various species of mosses, lichens, and fungi, each adding to the park's rich tapestry of life. While we didn't encounter any moose or wolves, we did see signs of their presence – tracks in the mud and droppings along the trail. It was a reminder that we were guests in their domain.

One of the highlights of our hike was discovering Stenkälla, a cave that was once an ancient sacrificial site. The air around the cave felt heavy with history, and I couldn't help but imagine the rituals that might have taken place there centuries ago. Aisha was fascinated by the cave, peering into its dark depths and asking endless questions about its past.

As we continued our hike, we stumbled upon Junker Jägare's rock, an impressive boulder that stands 15 meters tall. The rock is shrouded in legend, with tales of star-crossed lovers and tragic betrayals. According to the story, a Norwegian hunter and a local girl, forbidden to marry, sought refuge under the rock. The hunter was captured while foraging for food, and the girl was executed at the rock. Some say that their ghosts still haunt the woods.

By lunchtime, we had worked up quite an appetite. We found a scenic spot overlooking one of the park's many lakes and unpacked our picnic lunch. Sandwiches, fruit, and some traditional Swedish pastries made for a satisfying meal. As we ate, we soaked in the beauty of our surroundings – the crystal-clear water, the towering trees, and the endless expanse of sky above.

After lunch, we continued our hike, exploring more of the park's rugged terrain. We passed by several small lakes with red waterlilies, a unique feature of Tiveden. According to folklore, the lilies turned red after a fisherman's daughter sacrificed herself to a water spirit. The story added a touch of magic to the already enchanting landscape.

As the afternoon wore on, we made our way back towards the entrance of the park. We stopped by the visitor center to learn more about the park's history and ecology. The center offered a wealth of information about the park's geology, flora, and fauna. We also picked up some brochures and maps for future reference.

Before leaving Tiveden, we made one last stop at the park shop. Aisha picked out a small stuffed moose as a souvenir, a reminder of our day in the Swedish wilderness. I purchased a book about the park's history and legends, eager to delve deeper into its rich cultural heritage.

Back at Restaurant Krogen Stora Gungan, we enjoyed a well-deserved dinner. We recounted our adventures of the day, laughing at our near-misses and marveling at the park's beauty. Aisha, exhausted but happy, fell asleep in her chair before dessert arrived. Hans and I shared a quiet moment, reflecting on the day's experiences.

As we head back to our accommodation for the night, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore Tiveden National Park with my family. It was a day of adventure, discovery, and connection. We challenged ourselves physically, learned about the park's history and ecology, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we're off to Garphyttans Nationalpark. I am excited to see what new adventures await us. I'm also making a note to buy insect repellent first thing in the morning! It’s safe to say that Tiveden has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and I know we'll be back to explore its hidden corners again someday. As they say here in Germany, “Wer reist, der lebt” – He who travels, lives. And today, we truly lived.