Småland is one of Sweden’s most rewarding regions for nature photography. Ancient forests, vast wetlands, dramatic gorges, pristine lakes, coastal archipelagos and some of the country’s best wildlife create endless opportunities for photographers throughout the year.
While many visitors head straight to Sweden’s larger national parks further north, Småland offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes within a relatively compact area. You can photograph cranes at sunrise, ancient pine forests in the afternoon and a lake sunset filled with reflections on the same day.
For travel photographers, wildlife photographers, landscape photographers and hikers, these are the best nature reserves and national parks to visit in Småland.
Store Mosse National Park
Store Mosse National Park is often considered the crown jewel of Småland nature photography. Covering more than 100 square kilometers, it is the largest wetland area south of Lapland and offers a wilderness experience unlike anywhere else in southern Sweden.
The extensive boardwalks crossing open bogs create excellent leading lines for landscape photography, while numerous bird towers provide opportunities to photograph migrating birds, cranes and raptors.
Why Photographers Love Store Mosse
- Sweden’s largest southern bog landscape
- Exceptional bird photography
- Beautiful boardwalk compositions
- Misty sunrise conditions
- Rich wildlife opportunities
- Excellent autumn colours
Best Time to Visit
April–May
Spring migration transforms the park into one of southern Sweden’s most exciting wildlife photography destinations.
Photograph:
- Cranes
- Whooper swans
- Geese
- Marsh harriers
- Wetland landscapes
June–August
Summer brings:
- Dragonflies
- Wildflowers
- Long sunsets
- Reflective wetlands
September–October
Autumn offers:
- Morning mist
- Golden vegetation
- Migrating birds
- Atmospheric landscapes
Best Instagram Spots
- Kävsjön Bird Tower
- Naturum Store Mosse
- Lilla Lövö Trail
- Main boardwalk sections
- Svartgölen
Best Hikes
- Kävsjön Rundslinga
- Lilla Lövö Rundslinga
- Wibecksleden
- Svartgölsleden
Useful Links
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Store+Mosse+Nationalpark
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se/sv/jonkopings-lan/store-mosse-nationalpark
If bird photography interests you, also read:
Norra Kvill National Park
Norra Kvill is one of southern Sweden’s finest examples of untouched old-growth forest. Walking through the park feels like stepping back several hundred years in time.
Massive pine trees, moss-covered boulders, fallen logs and dark forest lakes create some of the best forest photography opportunities in Sweden.
Why Photographers Love Norra Kvill
- Ancient forest atmosphere
- Giant pine trees
- Beautiful autumn colours
- Reflection photography
- Fairy-tale landscapes
Best Time to Visit
September–October
The forest becomes a spectacular display of colour.
Photograph:
- Golden leaves
- Morning fog
- Forest reflections
- Mushrooms
May
Fresh green foliage creates beautiful woodland scenes.
What To Photograph
- Ancient pine trees
- Stora Idgölen Lake
- Moss-covered boulders
- Woodland details
- Mushrooms
Best Instagram Spots
- Idhöjden Viewpoint
- Stora Idgölen
- Forest trails
- Reflection viewpoints
Best Hike
Norra Kvill Rundslinga
Useful Links
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Norra+Kvill+Nationalpark
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se/sv/kalmar-lan/norra-kvill-nationalpark
For more forest photography inspiration:
Åsnen National Park
Åsnen National Park is one of Sweden’s newest national parks and one of the country’s best destinations for photographers seeking a combination of wildlife and landscapes.
The huge lake is dotted with islands, forests and wetlands. It is particularly famous for white-tailed eagles.
Why Photographers Love Åsnen
- White-tailed eagles
- Lake landscapes
- Forest photography
- Autumn colours
- Canoe photography
- Excellent sunrise conditions
Best Time to Visit
May–June
- Nesting birds
- Fresh greenery
- Wildlife activity
September–October
- Misty mornings
- Autumn forests
- Golden light
What To Photograph
- White-tailed eagles
- Lake Åsnen
- Forest trails
- Reflections
- Islands
Best Instagram Spots
- Trollberget
- Bjurkärr
- Sunnabron
- Lake viewpoints
Best Hike
Trollberget Trail
Useful Links
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Åsnen+Nationalpark
Naturkartan:
https://www.naturkartan.se/sv/kronobergs-lan/asnen
Related reading:
Skurugata Nature Reserve
Skurugata is one of the most dramatic landscapes in southern Sweden.
A deep canyon cuts through the forest creating a unique environment filled with moss-covered rocks, giant boulders and dramatic light.
Why Photographers Love Skurugata
- Canyon photography
- Autumn colours
- Unique geology
- Moss-covered landscapes
- Epic viewpoints
Best Time To Visit
October
Peak autumn colour transforms the reserve into one of Sweden’s most photogenic forest destinations.
What To Photograph
- The canyon
- Boulder formations
- Forest details
- Skuruhatt viewpoint
- Autumn landscapes
Best Hike
Skurugata Loop Trail
Useful Links
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Skurugata
Möckelsnäs Nature Reserve
Located beside Lake Möckeln, this reserve combines oak woodland, lakeside landscapes and rich birdlife.
It is one of the best places in Småland for eagle photography.
Why Photographers Love Möckelsnäs
- White-tailed eagles
- Oak woodland
- Reflection photography
- Lakeside landscapes
- Autumn colours
Best Time To Visit
April–May
- Spring flowers
- Bird activity
September–October
- Autumn colour
- Misty mornings
Useful Links
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Möckelsnäs+Naturreservat
Lövö Nature Reserve
Located near Mönsterås on the Baltic coast, Lövö combines coastal landscapes with forests and birdlife.
What To Photograph
- Sea eagles
- Coastal forests
- Rocky shoreline
- Sunrise photography
Useful Links
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Lövö+Naturreservat+Mönsterås
Aboda Klint Nature Reserve
Aboda Klint is one of Småland’s finest viewpoints.
Photographers visit primarily for sunrise and sunset photography.
What To Photograph
- Forest panoramas
- Sunrise landscapes
- Sunset colours
- Lake views
Useful Links
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Aboda+Klint
Korrö Nature Reserve
Korrö combines historic buildings, forests and rivers into one of Småland’s most photogenic cultural landscapes.
What To Photograph
- Traditional Swedish buildings
- Ronnebyån
- Forest trails
- Water reflections
Useful Links
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Korrö+Naturreservat
Toftaholm Nature Reserve
A beautiful reserve surrounding parts of Lake Vidöstern.
What To Photograph
- Ancient oak trees
- Wildlife
- Lake landscapes
- Autumn colours
Useful Links
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Toftaholm+Naturreservat
Blå Jungfrun National Park
This mysterious island is one of Sweden’s most unique photography destinations.
Dramatic granite formations rise from the Baltic Sea, creating opportunities unlike anywhere else in Småland.
What To Photograph
- Coastal landscapes
- Granite cliffs
- Sea caves
- Sunrise photography
Useful Links
Google Maps:
https://maps.google.com/?q=Blå+Jungfrun+Nationalpark
Suggested Photography Itinerary
Day 1
- Store Mosse sunrise
- Store Mosse hiking
- Sunset at Kävsjön
Day 2
- Norra Kvill
- Idhöjden viewpoint
- Forest photography
Day 3
- Åsnen sunrise
- Trollberget hike
- Eagle photography
Day 4
- Skurugata
- Skuruhatt viewpoint
- Sunset landscapes
Day 5
- Möckelsnäs
- Coastal photography
- Return journey
Related Guides on Frewa Photo
Bird Photography:
Nature Photography:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best nature reserves in Småland?
The best reserves for photographers are Store Mosse National Park, Åsnen National Park, Norra Kvill National Park, Skurugata Nature Reserve and Möckelsnäs Nature Reserve.
What is the most beautiful national park in Småland?
Many photographers consider Åsnen National Park the most beautiful because of its combination of forests, islands, wildlife and lakes.
Where can I photograph moose in Småland?
Store Mosse, Åsnen and the forests around Norra Kvill provide some of the best opportunities.
Which reserve is best for bird photography?
Store Mosse National Park is generally considered the best bird photography destination in Småland.
What is the best place for autumn photography?
Norra Kvill, Skurugata, Möckelsnäs and Åsnen offer the most spectacular autumn colours.
What is the best old-growth forest in Småland?
Norra Kvill National Park is widely regarded as the finest old-growth forest in southern Sweden.
What is the best location for sunrise photography?
Store Mosse, Åsnen, Aboda Klint and Blå Jungfrun are outstanding sunrise locations.
What is the best location for sunset photography?
Åsnen, Aboda Klint, Korrö and the coastal reserves around Mönsterås are excellent choices.
Is Småland good for wildlife photography?
Yes. Eagles, cranes, deer, foxes, moose and countless bird species can all be photographed in Småland.
Can you see white-tailed eagles in Småland?
Yes. Åsnen National Park and Möckelsnäs are among the best places in southern Sweden to photograph white-tailed eagles.
Which reserve is best for hiking?
Store Mosse offers the largest trail network while Skurugata provides the most dramatic hiking experience.
Is Småland worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. Snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and frosty wetlands create outstanding photography opportunities.
Which reserve is best for landscape photography?
Åsnen, Store Mosse and Aboda Klint offer some of the strongest landscape photography opportunities in the region.
Which reserve is best for drone photography?
Åsnen and the Baltic coast offer exceptional aerial perspectives, provided local regulations allow flying.
Are there waterfalls worth photographing in Småland?
Yes. Several photogenic waterfalls can be found throughout the region, including Stalpet and smaller forest streams around Skurugata after heavy rainfall.
Focus Keyword
Best Nature Reserves in Småland
Meta Description
Discover the best nature reserves in Småland for photography, hiking and wildlife, including Store Mosse, Åsnen, Norra Kvill and more.
Tags
Småland Nature Reserves, Best Nature Reserves in Småland, Nature Photography Sweden, Store Mosse National Park, Åsnen National Park, Norra Kvill National Park, Skurugata Nature Reserve, Wildlife Photography Sweden, Bird Photography Sweden, Hiking Småland, Swedish National Parks, Landscape Photography Sweden, Autumn Photography Sweden, Travel Photography Sweden, Visit Småland, Outdoor Photography Sweden, Swedish Wildlife, Forest Photography, Nature Reserves Sweden, Best Places in Småland