Seven of Sweden’s national parks are island parks. Some of them are remote, which means you may need to prepare a little before your trip. Are you hoping to tick off one—or several—of these island parks this summer? Explore each park to plan your visit.

Most island national parks are at their busiest in spring and summer. This is usually when boat services run and when nature is most active.

Haparanda Skärgård

Haparanda Skärgård National Park lies in the northern archipelago, close to the Finnish border, and consists of several islands in the Bothnian Bay. You can reach the park by boat during the high season, and it’s also possible to arrive with your own boat.

On the largest island, Sandskär, you’ll find a marked five‑kilometre nature trail. Sandskär is also an excellent spot for birdwatching. Bring your swimwear and enjoy a dip from one of the island’s sandy beaches.

Ängsö

In the northern Stockholm archipelago lies Ängsö, one of Sweden’s smallest national parks. In spring and early summer, you can join guided tours to learn about the orchids and other flowers that grow here.

During the summer season, you can reach Ängsö National Park by boat from Strömkajen in central Stockholm. You can also arrive with your own boat.

Nämdöskärgården

Nämdöskärgården National Park is Sweden’s newest national park, inaugurated in 2025. It is also the first marine national park in the Baltic Sea. Several boat routes operate within the park. To reach the main entrance on Bullerö, you can take the Bullerö Line, which runs from Stavsnäs. Buses to Stavsnäs depart from Slussen in central Stockholm.

Bullerö has several marked hiking trails. Here, you can also visit the former hunting lodge of artist Bruno Liljefors, where an exhibition tells the story of the national park and life in the Baltic Sea.

Kosterhavet

Kosterhavet, Sweden’s first marine national park, is located on the west coast outside Strömstad. You can reach the park all year round with the Koster Boats, which operate from Strömstad.

The park offers both land‑based hiking trails and underwater snorkel trails. You’re welcome to visit Naturum Kosterhavet, where exhibitions, films, and presentations introduce the park and the surrounding marine environment.

Djurö

Djurö National Park lies in the Vänern archipelago. Most visitors arrive with their own boat, but it is also possible to book a taxi boat from places such as Lidköping or Mariestad.

The park has a rich birdlife, including several marine species. You may also spot osprey or white‑tailed eagle. From the northern hiking trail, you can reach the historic lighthouse site, which has been in use for several hundred years.

Gotska Sandön

In the Baltic Sea, you’ll find Gotska Sandön National Park—a remote island with vast sandy beaches and pine forests. The island’s sand and gravel ridge was formed as the ice sheet retreated after the last Ice Age.

Gotska Sandön is an excellent place for both birdwatching and seal‑spotting. The island has several marked hiking trails. Most visitors travel here on the summer boats that operate from Nynäshamn on tha mainland and Fårösund on the island Gotland.

Blå Jungfrun

In the Kalmar Strait, Blå Jungfrun rises 86 metres above the sea. As early as the 15th century, the island was linked to tales of magic, witches, and folklore. Today, the island is also known for its diverse plant and animal life.

Boats to the national park run from Oskarshamn and Byxelkrok. On Blå Jungfrun, you can explore striking geological features such as giant’s kettles and caves. The island is also home to Trojeborg, a stone labyrinth located on the southern side.