As soon as we hit the trails in Hamra National Park, it felt like we had stepped back in time. There were bogs everywhere, and animals often come here. A walk that people have built gives you a view of a beautiful lake. You can also walk on wooden boards that are part of a path and get right up close to the clear lake. As we go deeper into the area, life starts to come out of the trees. The walk is pretty easy and not too hard for the most part. Some honks could be heard in the distance, and then we saw birds flying together. Two cranes were in the sky and were coming down to the water close to us. Being outside in nature is so beautiful!
About Hamra National Park
On the 1,383 hectares of land that make up Hamra National Park, you can walk around and see swamps, woods, streams, and rocks. One of the last pure woods in central Sweden can be found in this park. Make your way to a tower with a view of the swampy land. The man-made trail leads to a deck that hangs over the edge and gives you a better view. The building has three entrances that are available to people with disabilities. Each one has information about the area and restrooms. This park is the first to get a gold crown, which can be found near the main gate. This means that it’s full of beautiful nature and gives people who visit the park a great time.
In the summer, you can see wild cotton as you walk in some parts of the park. Another name for this area is the Swedish spot with the most bears. You might find bear tracks if you’re lucky. Very rarely do people run into a bear. If you’re scared, make noise as you walk through the forest. Bears will stay away from that sound because it scares them.
Urskogslingan Trail
Things to Do in Hamra National Park
There are fun things to do in the wild once you get to Hamra National Park. There are lots of hiking paths, places to grill, and stunning views to enjoy. The whole family will enjoy it, and there is parking at all three exits.
Picnic or Grill Out
In Hamra National Park, there are places to rest, have a bonfire, and get out of the wind. There are some great places to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. You can cook food over a fire and look at the scenery. There are fire pits near the exits to this peaceful spot, so you won’t have to go far to start cooking some tasty food!
Hiking Trails
Each trail in Hamra National Park takes you through a different type of scenery. Go into the woods or walk around until you find a great view. The paths all go around and around, so it’s easy to get back to the beginning. There are two trails. One leads through the oldest trees, and the other leads to a charcoal area where there used to be a fire. You can learn more about a certain part of the park by reading the signs that are there.
Hamra National Park Hiking Trails Map
1. Hamraleden
Difficulty: Hard – Distance: 10km- Duration: Approx. 6 hours one way
The whole Hamra National Park can be seen from this path. On this walk, you can see swamps, forests, and other natural areas. It might be hard because some of the signs on the trail might not be easy to see. Trees and signs with a dot in red show the way. Some of the other trails link to this one, so you can always change. You can start this walk from either the main entrance or the Svartå entrance.
2. Urskogslingan
Difficulty: Easy – Distance: 2 or 3km- Duration: 40-60 min. (roundtrip)
This path is pretty simple, and it leads to a nice lookout point with a view of Lake Svansjön. The trail is marked with yellow lines that have two dots in them. This path goes in a circle. From the main gate, you can get to this trail.
3. Svartåslingan
Difficulty: Moderate – Distance: 1 or 2km- Duration: Approx. 40-60 min. (roundtrip)
You can get to a great view from this path. The path is easy at first until it gets to a bridge. After that, it gets a little harder. On this path, there are orange signs with three dots that are wrapped around trees. One more path that goes around and around. Start this path at the entrance to Svartå and walk through the rocky ground.
4. Myrslingan
Difficulty: Easy – Distance: 2.5km- Duration: Approx. 60 min. (roundtrip)
The pathway is marked with purple dots that are four in number, and you can find these markings on trees and signs that are located close to the path. You will be able to observe some of the swampy areas as you go through a magnificent forest. One of the more regular trails is this one, and it offers a breathtaking perspective of the deck that is suspended over the natural environment. There is a path that is almost entirely flat across the loop, making this a reasonably simple task. In order to navigate the muddy areas of the natural environment, you will be walking on boards rather than on the ground. This path begins at the primary entrance and then loops back around to the same location.
Myrslingan Trail
5. Långa Myrslingan
Difficulty: Easy – Distance: 3km- Duration: Approx. 1-2 hours (roundtrip)
Along this track, you will be able to hike through the wettest portions of Hamra National Park. As you make your way along this path, you will see that it gives you a sense of direction by utilizing blue marks that have five dots on them. Beginning at the Myr entrance is where you can begin this path. This trail is designed to be looped, which makes it simple to return to the point where you began.
Best Season to Go to Hamra National Park
In Hamra National Park, each season has the potential to bring about a wonderful new experience. When spring arrives, life begins to come to life, and the sky is filled with the sound of birds chirping and animals waking up. As the snow begins to melt away and the colors begin to cover the woods, this is an excellent time to observe the phenomenon. With the exception of springtime, the most popular time to visit is during the summertime. Remember to bring bug spray with you because this is the time of year when flowers are in bloom and insects can be in abundance.
During our trip, which took place in the middle of July, we went along the trails and took in the breathtaking scenery. The surface of the earth was covered in white spots. On some of the pathways, there was wild cotton growing across the entire area! It is fascinating to observe the various forms of life that emerge during the summer season.
Viewpoint
The pleasant breeze that blew over the land helped to alleviate the heat that was caused by the sun. I was able to relax as a result of the temperature because the trees provided shade for us in certain places of the pathways. Even in the cold, this place is a wonderful place to go exploring. Both skis and a dog sled are viable options for getting out on the snow. However, use caution and make certain that the dogs are handled in a compassionate and careful manner if you choose to travel with a dog sled.
Recommended Gear
When wandering in marshes and swamps, it’s best to wear waterproof hiking boots. I’ve used a great pair that I really recommend! Many times, my Oboz hiking boots have kept my feet from getting wet. A handy water bottle is something else you must have when you hike the trails. If you want to go camping for a long time, you need to make sure you drink plenty of water. For long hikes, a day packis helpful because it gives you a place to keep snacks, water, and other things.
Check out Hiking Gadgets to be informed on the most useful items during a hike. Or you can check it on my shop, which has some helpful items when traveling or exploring the outdoors. There’s even items that you can use everyday. Check them out here!
Man made trail to help with the wet ground
How to Get to Hamra National Park
Driving is the best way to get to Hamra National Park. Be sure to rent a car and start your journey to one of the nicest National Parks. Coming from Stockholm, it will take you five hours to get to the park. Get on E4 and go to Gavleborgs lan. This trip will take at least two hours. Then, keep going straight until you reach Road 83. Stay on this road for two hours. Check out Google Maps if you need more specific directions.
Helpful Information
Here’s a brochure of Hamra National Park so you can learn even more about it. You can download it here.
Adventures in Sweden
Check out Adventures in Sweden if you want to find more fun things to do or learn more about other Swedish National Parks. There are great places to be outside that you can choose from. This will help you learn more about nature if you just want to go outside and look around.
Hiking in Sweden
Do you like to hike like I do? Then you should find out what you can do while hiking in Sweden. Read my article to find out more. I can tell you about some great hikes I went on in Sweden and important things to keep in mind when you’re outside. That’s a very helpful and informative piece! Check it out here! There are also a lot of trails and more details about National Parks and Nature Reserves here.
Pin it on Pinterest!
Most of the things that I recommend, I can make a commission on. But this doesn’t change the price for you.