Southern Sweden is often overlooked by travelers heading north toward Lapland, but photographers know that some of the country’s most rewarding landscapes are found much closer to home. Ancient forests, dramatic coastlines, vast wetlands, archipelagos, beech forests, flower meadows and wildlife-rich lakes create incredible opportunities throughout the year.
Whether you are interested in landscape photography, wildlife photography, birdwatching or hiking, these are the best nature destinations to visit in southern Sweden.
Store Mosse National Park, Småland
Store Mosse is arguably the most unique landscape in southern Sweden. As the largest bog south of Lapland, it offers endless boardwalks crossing open wetlands, bird-rich lakes and spectacular sunrise conditions. The landscape feels far more northern than its location in Småland would suggest. (Sveriges Nationalparker)
Best Time to Visit
- April–May for bird migration
- September–October for autumn colours and fog
- Winter for eagle photography
What to Photograph
- Cranes
- Whooper swans
- Boardwalks
- Misty bog landscapes
- Wetland reflections
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Store+Mosse+Nationalpark
Related:
https://frewaphoto.com/ultimate-guide-to-visit-store-mosse-national-park/
Norra Kvill National Park, Småland
If you love forest photography, Norra Kvill should be near the top of your list. Ancient pine trees, giant moss-covered boulders and beautiful forest lakes create one of the most atmospheric landscapes in Sweden. The park protects old-growth forest that has been allowed to develop naturally for centuries. (Sveriges Nationalparker)
Best Time to Visit
- Late September to mid-October
- May for fresh spring greenery
What to Photograph
- Ancient pine forest
- Moss-covered boulders
- Forest lakes
- Reflections
- Autumn colours
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Norra+Kvill+Nationalpark
Related:
https://frewaphoto.com/ultimate-guide-to-visit-norra-kvill-national-park/
Söderåsen National Park, Skåne
Many photographers consider Söderåsen the most beautiful forest in southern Sweden. Deep valleys, dramatic viewpoints and some of northern Europe’s finest deciduous forests create spectacular scenery throughout the year. The Skäralid Valley is one of Skåne’s most iconic landscapes. (Lonely Planet)
Best Time to Visit
- October for autumn colours
- May for fresh green beech forests
What to Photograph
- Skäralid Valley
- Kopparhatten Viewpoint
- Beech forests
- Morning fog
- Autumn leaves
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Söderåsens+Nationalpark
Stenshuvud National Park, Skåne
Stenshuvud offers one of the most varied landscapes in Sweden. Beaches, cliffs, broadleaf forests, viewpoints and flower-rich meadows can all be explored in a single day. The summit provides fantastic views across Hanöbukten and, on clear days, even toward Bornholm. (Sveriges Nationalparker)
Best Time to Visit
- Spring for flowers
- Summer for coastal photography
- Autumn for forest colours
What to Photograph
- Coastal views
- Beaches
- Broadleaf forests
- Wildflowers
- Sunrise over the Baltic Sea
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Stenshuvud+Nationalpark
Åsnen National Park, Småland
Åsnen combines forests, islands, wetlands and Sweden’s best opportunities to photograph white-tailed eagles in southern Sweden. It feels almost like a miniature version of the Finnish Lakeland region. (Sveriges Nationalparker)
Best Time to Visit
- May–June
- September–October
What to Photograph
- Eagles
- Lake landscapes
- Canoeing scenes
- Reflections
- Autumn forests
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Åsnen+Nationalpark
Kullaberg Nature Reserve, Skåne
Kullaberg is one of Sweden’s most dramatic coastal landscapes.
Steep cliffs rise directly from the sea while hiking trails follow rugged coastlines and rocky viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit
- Sunset year-round
- Spring wildflower season
What to Photograph
- Sea cliffs
- Lighthouse
- Coastal hiking trails
- Sea caves
- Dramatic waves
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Kullaberg+Nature+Reserve
Öland
For wildlife photographers, Öland is difficult to beat.
The island combines unique limestone landscapes, migratory birds, orchids and beautiful coastal scenery.
Best Time to Visit
- May for orchids
- September for bird migration
What to Photograph
- Ottenby
- Långe Jan Lighthouse
- Coastal birds
- Windmills
- Limestone plains
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Ottenby
Omberg, Östergötland
Rising above Lake Vättern, Omberg is one of the most photogenic landscapes in southern Sweden.
The combination of forests, cliffs and lake views creates excellent photography opportunities year-round.
Best Time to Visit
- May for beech forests
- October for autumn colours
What to Photograph
- Västra Väggar
- Hjässan Viewpoint
- Beech forests
- Lake Vättern
- Sunset landscapes
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Omberg
Related:
https://frewaphoto.com/ultimate-guide-to-visiting-omberg-with-the-family/
Kvismaren Nature Reserve
One of Sweden’s best birdwatching locations.
Spring and autumn migration bring huge numbers of cranes, geese and birds of prey.
Best Time to Visit
- April–May
- September–October
What to Photograph
- Cranes
- Geese
- Marsh harriers
- Wetland landscapes
- Sunset flight photography
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Kvismaren+Naturreservat
Related:
https://frewaphoto.com/kvismaren-bird-photography-guide/
Lake Tåkern
Lake Tåkern is one of northern Europe’s finest bird lakes and a paradise for wildlife photographers.
Best Time to Visit
- May–June
- September migration
What to Photograph
- Great crested grebes
- Marsh harriers
- Bearded reedlings
- Wetland scenery
- Reedbeds
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Tåkern
Related:
https://frewaphoto.com/ultimate-guide-to-visit-lake-takern/
Lake Hornborga
Every spring, tens of thousands of cranes gather at Hornborgasjön creating one of Sweden’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
Best Time to Visit
- Late March to early April
What to Photograph
- Cranes
- Flight photography
- Sunrise
- Wildlife behaviour
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Hornborgasjön
Related:
https://frewaphoto.com/ultimate-guide-to-visit-lake-hornborga/
Tiveden National Park
Tiveden feels like something from a Scandinavian fairy tale. Giant boulders, deep forests and hidden lakes create one of the most dramatic forest landscapes in Sweden. (Lonely Planet)
Best Time to Visit
- September–October
- Early summer
What to Photograph
- Giant boulders
- Forest lakes
- Vitsand Beach
- Trollkyrka
- Old-growth forest
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Tivedens+Nationalpark
Bohuslän Coast
The west coast offers some of Sweden’s finest seascapes.
Granite cliffs, fishing villages and dramatic sunsets make this a dream destination for photographers.
Best Places
- Smögen
- Fjällbacka
- Marstrand
- Ramsvikslandet
- Koster Islands
What to Photograph
- Red boathouses
- Granite coastlines
- Lighthouses
- Stormy seas
- Sunset landscapes
Best Nature Destination by Category
Best National Park
Store Mosse
Best Forest Photography
Norra Kvill
Best Autumn Colours
Söderåsen
Best Wildlife Photography
Lake Tåkern
Best Bird Photography
Kvismaren and Lake Hornborga
Best Coastal Photography
Kullaberg
Best Lake Landscapes
Åsnen
Best Hiking
Tiveden
Best Sunrise Photography
Store Mosse
Best Sunset Photography
Bohuslän Coast
FAQ
What is the most beautiful nature destination in southern Sweden?
Many photographers would choose Söderåsen National Park for forests, Kullaberg for coastlines and Store Mosse for unique landscapes.
Which national park is best in southern Sweden?
Store Mosse, Söderåsen, Tiveden, Norra Kvill and Åsnen are generally considered the top five. (Sveriges Nationalparker)
Where can I photograph wildlife in southern Sweden?
Lake Tåkern, Kvismaren, Hornborgasjön, Store Mosse and Åsnen are excellent choices.
What is the best place for autumn photography?
Söderåsen, Norra Kvill, Omberg and Tiveden offer some of Sweden’s best autumn colours.
Where can I photograph cranes in southern Sweden?
Lake Hornborga, Kvismaren and Store Mosse are among the best locations.