Plizio Visual Lab

Tyresta National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

park

Weather…

Tyresta National Park is located just 20 kilometers south of Stockholm's city center, preserving one of the best-preserved tracts of old-growth forest in southern Sweden. Established in 1993, the park covers about 20 square kilometers and is encircled by a much larger nature reserve. The landscape is characterized by rift valley topography, with flat bedrock plateaus divided by narrow valleys and scenic lakes such as Årsjön. The park gained significant scientific interest following a massive forest fire in 1999, which destroyed approximately 450 hectares of woodland. Today, this burned area serves as an important open-air laboratory for observing natural ecological succession without human interference. In the untouched sections, pines up to 400 years old and dense spruce forests provide an excellent habitat for species like the capercaillie and the pygmy owl. Accessible through the welcoming Tyresta by village, which houses the Naturum visitor center, the park has around 55 kilometers of marked hiking trails. Tyresta remains a crucial "green lung" for the Stockholm metropolitan area, providing accessible wilderness to urban residents.

Location: Sweden
Top sights: Naturum Nationalparkernas hus · Fornminne · Bird tower
Nearby: Raksta (5 km)

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Tyresta National Park is conveniently located near Stockholm and can be reached by public bus from the city center to Tyresta By. For those driving, the park is easily accessible via road 73, with well-maintained paths leading from the main village into the forest.

📅

Best season

The park is a popular year-round destination, with spring and autumn offering beautiful colors and pleasant temperatures for hiking. In winter, the forest is a peaceful place for snowshoeing or walking on the well-beaten paths, provided there is enough snow cover.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

Tyresta protects a vast area of untouched old-growth forest characterized by rift valleys and rocky plateaus. The paths are well-marked but can be open with roots and stones, reflecting the natural state of one of the largest ancient forests in southern Sweden.

🎒

What to bring

Comfortable hiking shoes or boots are recommended for the forest trails, along with weather-appropriate clothing. If you plan to visit the areas affected by past forest fires, be prepared for more exposed terrain and ensure you have adequate sun protection and water.

🅿️

Parking

The main parking area is located at Tyresta By, where visitors can also find the national park information center. There is usually plenty of space, but it can get quite busy on sunny weekends, so using public transport is a great alternative for those living in Stockholm.

⚠️

Safety

Stay on the marked trails to protect the sensitive old-growth forest and ensure you don't get lost in the rift valleys. Fire safety is extremely important in this protected area; only use the designated and prepared fire pits if you plan to cook or have a campfire.

⏱️

Time needed

A visit to Tyresta typically lasts between three and five hours, which is enough to enjoy a good loop trail through the ancient trees. Many families spend a whole day here, combining a hike with a visit to the farm at Tyresta By and a picnic in the beautiful surroundings.

Geography

Coordinates

59.18000, 18.25000

Facts

The national park was officially inaugurated in 1993.
Covers 20 km², surrounded by a 27 km² nature reserve.
A significant fire in 1999 destroyed approx. 450 hectares.
Contains ancient pine trees confirmed to be over 400 years old.
Features a network of 55 kilometers of marked hiking trails.
Located only about 20 km from the center of Stockholm.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tyresta Plateau4 km · SWExplore →

Raksta5 km · NEExplore →

Tyresö6 km · NExplore →

Haninge6 km · WExplore →

Brevikshalvön8 km · NEExplore →

Dalarö10 km · SEExplore →

Årsta havsbad11 km · SWExplore →

Västerhaninge13 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Tyresta National Park (3)

Naturum Nationalparkernas hus🏛 museum

Visitor center with exhibitions on Sweden's national parks and their wildlife.

🕒 Jun-Aug Mo-Su 10:00-17:00🆓

Fornminne

Ancient burial mounds or settlement remains in the forest of the national park.

Bird tower

Wooden tower by the lake for watching waterfowl and migratory birds.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How close is Tyresta to Stockholm?

The park is located only about 20 kilometers south of the city center.

What is Tyresta village?

A historical village at the main entrance featuring a café, museum, and farm.

What happened during the 1999 fire?

A major forest fire destroyed parts of the park; the regeneration is clearly visible today.

Are there stroller-friendly trails?

Yes, the 'Urvärldsleden' trail is partially suitable for strollers.

Is grilling allowed in the park?

Grilling is only allowed at officially designated fire pits.

Tyresta National Park: where is it located?

Tyresta National Park is located in Sweden.

Tyresta National Park: what is there to see?

Highlights include Naturum Nationalparkernas hus, Fornminne, Bird tower.

Tyresta National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Tyresta National Park is located just 20 kilometers south of Stockholm's city center, preserving one of the best-preserved tracts of old-growth forest in southern Sweden.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →