Tyresta National Park
Tyresta National Park and Nature Reserve is one of the largest untouched forest areas in Sweden outside the mountains. The area has one of Sweden's finest primeval forests and in 1993 Tyresta became Sweden's 23rd national park. The national park is 1,970 hectares in size, predominantly consisting of forest in a varied rift valley landscape.
Surrounding the national park is the Tyresta Nature Reserve, which more than doubles the size of the protected area. Although the area is well visited and close to a big city, it has a great wilderness feel.
In 1999, 10% of the area was affected by an intense and difficult to extinguish forest fire. The traces of this are still clearly visible but also make some areas feel like the nature of the mountains or the outer archipelago with low vegetation and wide views.
There are a lot of nice hikes to do in the area. Visit www.tyresta.se or buy the book Vandringar i Tyresta for good information.
Varied and tough hike
One of the most varied and even toughest hikes in the area starts at the parking lot in Stensjödal, near Åvaviken. Of the 14 kilometers, one third goes through the fire area. Follow the path towards Stensjön and then turn off towards Bylsjön. At this small lake you continue on a stretch of the Sörmlandsleden trail past Årsjön before turning off again back towards Stensjön, which you pass this time on the eastern side. Make a detour up to the ancient castle which provides a magnificent view. There are several nice resting places around the lakes.
Should we have coffee or go for a walk?
Being a leader can be lonely. A cup of coffee, a walk and someone to talk to can be a start.