| Far from the hustle and bustle of Sweden's busy | | | | which defines in Swedish as "Big Marsh". Located in |
| cities, are its National Park System. Sweden's national | | | | southern Sweden, it's large bogs cover more than 39 |
| parks number 28, located from the north to south. | | | | miles (100 square kilometers). It is protected by |
| The northern part of Sweden, is mountainous and | | | | Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and |
| offers a fascinating view of the hot springs, geysers | | | | encompasses varied animals and birds. Of It's a lovely |
| that shoot hot water high into the air from beneath | | | | area that reminds one of the English moors or the |
| the earth. The terrain is similar to that of the moon. | | | | US's everglades region. Grasses grow thick and it's |
| In fact, film makers often film on location in this area | | | | surrounded by thick forest. |
| as a result. | | | | Of all of the national parks of Sweden, Tividen is |
| Swedes believe strongly in being environmentally | | | | perhaps, the most famous for its scenery and |
| responsible and place a high standard on natural parks | | | | wilderness. But, also because it has been a hiding |
| that provide protection to wildlife and plantlife. Of | | | | place for outlaws. It's located between two lakes and |
| these, Abisko, a national park in the northern Lapland | | | | is largely inaccessible. One of the most enchanting |
| province of the country, near the Arctic circle is | | | | sites here are the red waterlilies. Folklore tells the tale |
| spectacular for its sweeping stretches of land that | | | | of a farmer who met with a water spirit while fishing. |
| climb upward into mountains. Not only is it one of the | | | | The water spirit promised great catches of fish in |
| 28 national parks of Sweden but it is also the site of | | | | exchange for his daughter. He agreed. Later she |
| a research center used primarily for environmental, | | | | went down to the shore to meet the water spirit |
| biological and geological research. | | | | who suggested she go with him to his watery home. |
| Dalby Soderskog in southern Sweden is smaller and | | | | She refused, instead plunging a knife into her heart, |
| believed to be the remains of a primaeval forest. It is | | | | falling dead, turning the water lilies blood red. |
| a lush, green area that contains the ruins of an | | | | Near Stockholm is another national park of Sweden, |
| ancient fortress. | | | | Tyresta. it is surrounded by a nature reserve. In |
| Padjelanta is another national park of Sweden located | | | | 1999, 10% of Tyresta was consumed by fire. There |
| in the north and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It | | | | are two unforgettable lakes in this park, Lake |
| has two large lakes and an extensive plateau, mostly | | | | Stensjon and Lake Arsjon. |
| open and flat topographically. Here, the Sami lived in | | | | Unlike many other national parks of the world, |
| harmony with protected reindeer in a prolific pastoral | | | | Sweden places preservation as its main consideration |
| setting. Sami ancestors were nomads who wandered | | | | rather than national parks for tourism as some |
| the plateau herding reindeer. | | | | countries do. |
| Another interesting national park is Storre Mosse | | | | |