NatureViews, Skovde

As far back as the Middle Ages, it was prescribed by law that the Crown had the sole right to make use of the country’s oak trees. Oak wood is excellent for shipbuilding, and to ensure access to oak timber for the Swedish fleet, major plantings of oak took place on Visingsö in the 1830s. Today the oak trees are ready for logging, but since the fleet uses other materials, the timber is used for other things. To ensure access to good timber for the Swedish fleet after the oak forests in Swedish Pomerania were inundated following the Napoleonic Wars, the Crown had several hundred hectares of oak trees planted on Visingsö. Up until the middle of the 19th century, about 300,000 oak trees had been planted, many of which remain today, occupying an area of about 360 hectares. Today the oak forest is administered by Sweden's National Property Board. The oak trees are currently available for shipbuilding, but technological development has long made them more valuable as oak veneers for floors, whisky barrels, furnishing details for boats and many applications requiring the hard and compact oak material. https://jkpg.com/en/visingso/the-oak-forest-on-visingso/

Piren – The pier is the place to be in Jönköping during the summer. The pier starts in the middle of Jönköping and extends into Vättern, the second largest lake in Sweden. The Pier consists of restaurants and there is also a 200 meters long sofa where you can enjoy the sun and ice cream. Regardless if you want to eat some delicious fish dishes, have a drink or rent a kayak you should visit the Pier. There is an activity center at the pier called Fortuna Marin with activities for everyone, lots of restaurants and also the original boat from the Swedish TV-series “Saltkråkan” (1964) by Astrid Lindgren. https://jkpg.com/en/jonkoping-huskvarna/piren/

Go on a delightful hike on planked trails in southern Sweden’s last wilderness. The air here is filled with the scent of marsh Labrador tea, and animal and plant life abound. From the south, the Dumme Mosse trail is accessible for both wheelchairs and prams. Dumme Mosse is classified as a nature reserve, and it is one of the county’s largest, most varied swamp areas, with many different types of wetland. The area lies 7 kilometres west of Jönköping. If you are travelling by car, take highway 40 from Jönköping towards Göteborg. Turn off towards the airport. Right next to the airport, there is a sign for Dumme Moss as well as parking. You also can get to Dumme Mosse by taking bus 27 from central Jönköping to the airport. Dumme Mosse has hiking trails for both summer and winter. The planked trail that is suitable for the period from March to October is called the Dumme Mosse Trail. You will find it in the southern part of the nature area. The choice of how far you want to go is up to you. The various trails range in length from 4 to 9 kilometres. For 2 kilometres the trail has been adapted for prams and wheelchairs. Next to the old embankment, there is a BBQ site with wood already chopped, perfect for a splendid pause. https://jkpg.com/en/jonkoping-huskvarna/dumme-mosse/

In Glottern forest you can wander through the beautiful old-growth forests or swim in lakes Glottern clear waters. If it is cold, you can warm up in the sauna! Here you are treated to a mixture of spruce forests, rock outcrops, twigs bogs and damp depressions. The forest provides a wild impression with mossy boulders and old lowes. The reserve has almost twenty kilometres trailhead. There is also a shelter and a forest hut. An adventure for many tastes! https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/glotternskogen

Geological formations, woods, flowers, lakes and water streams. This ravine was created as a fracture for 200 million years ago. You can easily, on a small path, follow Getå stream from its start in Bråviken and up through a small and deep ravine. In the lower part of the ravine, you will find lots of broad-leaf trees and in the upper part, there is a beautiful spruce forest. Here you have a great variety of flowers. It is an oasis for all flower lovers. https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/getaravinen

The Linnéparken is located directly at the cathedral in the center of Växjö and is part of the city park of Växjö, along the lake Växjösjön. The Linnéparken consists of three differently designed areas – an English park with winding paths and large trees, a modern park with open green spaces, playgrounds and water areas, as well as a classic formal park. An important theme of the park is dedicated to the world-famous botanist Carl von Linné. Born in Råshult, Småland in 1707, Linné was a high school student at Karolinerhuset, which is located in the northern part of the park next to the cathedral. As a professor of botany at the university in Uppsala, he developed the system of the Latin naming of living creatures and plants and their classification, which has so far been used in biology. Planting in the Linnéparken illustrates the Linnaean system for dividing plants into 24 different classes. There is also a cactus planting in the park, which is included in an annual changing plant theme, a flower path, various shrubs, as well as an open-air stage. https://www.guidebook-sweden.com/en/guidebook/destination/linneparken-park-vaexjoe

Visit Rothoff Park, a park in the heart of Eskilstuna with a botanical orientation and a fun playground for the younger ones. Here there are flowers, berries, spices and trees to learn more about or simply enjoy. Despite its central position, Rothoffsparken is a quiet and harmonious place, framed by centuries-old oaks. Here you can take it easy or have fun, young and old. In the lush park, you can have a picnic, play football or simply relax. Despite its modern details, the park retains its 17th-century charm and is today a cultural heritage site, as well as one of the city's most famous parks. When you visit the Rothoff Park you are met by trees, shrubs and flowers but also a playground, a pond with arched small bridges and a beekeeper. All plants have small descriptive signs for those who want to learn more. In the pond, you can sometimes see carp swimming around and ducks, quietly floating around on the surface. In the playground, there are swings, a climbing frame, a trampoline and a rocking jeep for the adventurous. In addition to this, there is a large lawn with space for picnics, lunches and games. The main entrance to the park is met by the Rothoffsvillan - a stately building from the late 1800s that has given the park character for many years. https://eskilstuna.nu/gora/sevardheter/rothoffsparken#googtrans(sv|en)

Holmberget is a beautiful park in the middle of Torshälla. The park, which is more than 100 years old, is primarily the city gardener and the hometown enthusiast Georg Nyström's work. From the park, you have a beautiful view of the river and old Torshälla. Holmberget, originally a work of the city gardener and the hometown enthusiast Georg Nyström (1861-1944). He spent much of his life making Holmberget a distinguished park facility. During the summer season, entertainment is arranged at Holmberget's outdoor stage. On the mountain is also the restaurant Holmberget. Holmberg Park is also called Torshällas city park. It is provided with winding corridors, statues and beautiful views of old Torshälla. https://eskilstuna.nu/gora/sevardheter/holmberget-torshalla

As regards surface, Danska Fall is a large nature reserve. Visitors come here in both winter and summer. They are particularly attracted by the waterfall itself, its beautiful surroundings and historic associations. There is a 36-metre drop from the top of the falls to the river’s mouth. The river has several rapids and beautiful waterfalls. A walking trail passes through the scenic beech forest. The nature reserve is also crossed by the Halland trail. If you take the trail from the car park out to the waterfall, there are several benches and picnic tables where you can rest your legs and enjoy the contents of the basket you so wisely brought along! Beech forests with some oaks dominate the nature reserve. Pine bog, mixed forest, wetland forest, lakes, watercourses and open land (e.g. at the Eriksköp farm estate) complete the picture. The beech and oak forest type is over 100 years old and, thanks to their age, its trees are becoming interesting as hosts for lichens and mosses. There is water on three sides of the nature reserve, the Brearedssjön lake on the north , the Assman watercourse on the east and the Skällåsasjön lake on the west. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/en/experience/nature-and-the-outdoor-life/danska-fall-nature-reserve

A small sandy beach with surrounding cliffs and part of the heart of Steninge. The beach is ideal for families, with excellent opportunities for crab fishing. At Steninge you will find a unique bathing area appreciated by both adults and children. There are two smaller sandy beaches with dunes for those who like to feel the sand between their toes. If you like to be active during a day at the beach there is a volleyball net you can use to play. Although what makes Steninge’s bathing area unique is its pier which divides the sea out to the island of Stora Skär. Along the pier, many visitors come to catch the crabs hiding among the rocks. Along the pier is a bathing area with a ladder leading down into the water. Once you are on Stora Skär, you have plenty of space to both swim and sunbathe. Take your snorkelling equipment with you and discover all the life beneath the surface of the rocky seaweed sea bed. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/en/experience/beach-and-coast/steninge

Hallandsgården is an open-air museum founded in 1925, beautifully situated on Galgberget in the middle of Halmstad. Hallandsgården is a natural destination for anyone wanting to visit bygone days. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/english/to-do/attractions.html?url=113685985%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fc%3D3%26TLp%3D361289%26TLl%3Den&sv.url=12.562a806313e8e51ee2e8bc7

The grey lighthouse was built in 1858 and with its 46 m it is Denmarks second tallest. The spiral staircase leads up to the external balcony. If the 210 steps haven´t already taken Your breath away, then the view certainly will. http://www.visitnordjylland.com/ln-int/skagen-gra-fyr-lighthouse-gdk600368

Tjuvahålan is a naturally beautiful small family beach in Tylösand with a sandy beach, rocks and a jetty. In the past, thieves roamed here, reflected in the name Thieves’ Cave. There are great opportunities here for snorkelling, fishing and barbecuing. Prince Bertil's Trail passes the beach. The history of the cove is an exciting one. It was very popular with smugglers and pirates thanks to its location, hidden from ships at sea. In the end, the authorities grew tired of smuggling and built a coastal post in 1870, which put a stop to the illegal activities. At the end of the 1910s, a boat service started, carrying bathers from Halmstad out to Tylösand. After a while, this also stopped at Tjuvahålan and Svärjarehålan. The ferry stopped operating in 1929 when more people were travelling to the beaches by car or bus. In the 1920s young people began to camp at Tjuvahålan. After a while, a campsite was formed and finally developed into small cottages owned by a cottage association. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/en/experience/beach-and-coast/tjuvahalan

The ski museum in Holmenkollen, located underneath the famous ski jump, is the oldest of its kind in the world. The museum presents more than 4,000 years of skiing history, Norwegian polar exploration artifacts and an exhibition on snowboarding and modern skiing. The observation deck on top of the jump tower offers panoramic views of Oslo. The best view in the city? Café and souvenir shop. Open 365 days a year! https://www.visitoslo.com/en/product/?TLp=496475&Holmenkollen-Ski-Museum--Tower

Beloved by both Stockholmers and visitors, Djurgården is a tranquil oasis in the middle of Stockholm. The island has been in possession of the crown since the 15th century. Like no other place in Stockholm it collects many of the city’s most famous museums and cultural attractions (the Vasa Museum, Gröna Lund, the Abba museum and Skansen to name a few) with green nature, parks, and family-friendly activities. Djurgården can be reached by bus, tram or ferry from central Stockholm. Though on a beautiful summer day a walk along Strandvägen, from The Royal Dramatic Theatre to Djurgårdsbron, is highly recommended. https://www.visitstockholm.com/see--do/attractions/djurgarden/

The Uppsala University Botanical Garden stylishly houses more than 7,500 plant species and is part of the Linnaean Gardens, with the Linnaeus Garden and Linnaeus Hammaby. What you can expect and get here is a botanical and gardening experience par excellence. Visit the baroque garden and the park during spring, summer and autumn for brilliantly coloured summer flowers, charming alpine plants, trees and shrubs from all around the world. Make a pit-stop at charming summertime Café Victoria for coffee and buns before heading for the gorgeous 200-year-old Orangery (Orangeriet) for cacti, Linnaeus’ bay trees, as well as fig and olive trees. End on a sweaty note by taking in Uppsala’s only rain forest at the Tropical Greenhouse and see the coffee bushes, banana plants and orchids. The Botanical Garden is a short walk from the city centre. https://destinationuppsala.se/en/activities/the-botanical-garden/

Stadsträdgården is Uppsala’s city park situated beside the Fyris river. The powers that be in Uppsala took the first steps towards creating this city park in the late 19th century. Now in the early 21st century, open-year-round Stadsträdgården is a firm favourite among Uppsala city folk for strolls, lazing around and its various children’s play, picnic and event areas. Visit the wonderfully-named Lycksalighetens ö, or ‘Bliss Island’ in English – a tiny island in the middle of a water-lily pond. Plonk yourself down and bliss out surrounded by greenery. Nearby is a large playground for the kids and other family attractions. The former home of the master gardener, Gula Villan or ‘Yellow House’, is in the middle of the park and is now a café serving coffee and eats during the summer months. It’s an ideal stop-off before visiting the southern end of the park for Parksnäckan for open-air theatre shows and events in the summer months. Being a park, Stadsträdgården is packed with flowerbeds the varieties of which are too many to go into here. One of the highlights though is the rose garden featuring many different types of roses, as well as clematis and perennials. https://destinationuppsala.se/en/activities/uppsala-city-garden/

Who was 18th-century Swedish super-scientist Carl Linnaeus? What did he do that was so important and why should you visit his garden? Linnaeus’ biological naming system (the binomial nomenclature) made sense of the system of naming animals and plants, so that (at least in Latin) scientists had a common reference name, for example for the Polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Otherwise, they wouldn’t know what each other was talking about. Biologists, bird-watchers and gardeners all around the world have much to thank him for. This feat alone makes him a giant among scientists. The reconstructed gardens are here because Carl Linnaeus lived and worked in Uppsala where he was a professor of medicine at Uppsala University. The gardens are a copy of Uppsala University’s botanical garden as it would have looked during Linnaeus’ lifetime and have been restored according to his and Carl Hårleman’s design from 1745. All of some 1,300 species in the garden are known to have been cultivated by the great man himself according to his own system and that makes it very special indeed. https://destinationuppsala.se/en/activities/the-linnaeus-garden/

Nationalpark Mols Bjerge offers a great variety of nature. Mols Bjerge is especially known for its extraordinary landscape, which was shaped during the Ice Age. Tall peaks, deep dead ice holes, and rare sand lizards – and maybe you will meet a national park guide on your trip in the 180 km2 Mols Bjerge national park. The landscape in the Mols Bjerge national park was created by gigantic ice tongues and tons of water over millions of years. In the national park, you will find about 40 of the 200 nature types worthy of preserving, called habitat areas. You can practically feel the cultural history at Kalø castle ruins, in front of the large bronze age burial mounds of Mols Bjerge and in the small cobbled streets of Ebeltoft. Adventure awaits you at the Mols Bjerge national park. Here, you will find plenty of room for exploration, which is what makes a holiday memorable. Furthermore, you can always find help and inspiration right around the corner. https://www.visitdjursland.org/djursland/explore/national-park-mols-bjerge-gdk935587

At Langelinje Pier you will find one of Copenhagen's most famous tourist attractions: The sculpture of The Little Mermaid. 23 August 2013 she turned 100 years old. Unveiled on 23 August 1913, The Little Mermaid was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City of Copenhagen. The sculpture is made of bronze and granite and was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale about a mermaid who gives up everything to be united with a young, handsome prince on land. Every morning and evening she swims to the surface from the bottom of the sea and, perched on her rock in the water, she stares longingly towards the shore hoping to catch a glimpse of her beloved prince. Carl Jacobsen fell in love with the character after watching a ballet performance based on the fairy tale at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen. The brewer was so captivated by both the fairy tale and the ballet that he commissioned the sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a sculpture of the mermaid. https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/little-mermaid-gdk586951

The beach Ribbersborgsstranden and the associated recreational area are located in Malmö district Ribersborg and therefore only in about a three kilometres distance from the city center of Malmö. The extensive green areas and the long sandy beach were already created in the mid-1920s as a recreational area for the city's population. The sand for the beach was specially fetched from the Oresund and then delivered by train. The entire recreational area extends from the new district Vastra hamn along the coast up to Limhamn. Walking and biking paths lead through the spacious lawns behind the beach. There are also several playgrounds for football, rugby and American football. The beach is equipped with a total of 10 bathing piers. If you walk along the beach from Västra Hamnen, you meet the Kallbadhus Ribersborg at the first bridge. At the end of a broad pier is the bathhouse, built in 1898 and fully restored in 2009. In addition to a sauna, the complex has a café and restaurant where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the sea. https://www.guidebook-sweden.com/en/guidebook/destination/ribersborgsstranden-bathing-beach-in-malmoe

Roskilde Fjord features one of Denmark’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. The narrow inlet, which extends 40 km into the Zealand landscape, is dotted with around 30 small islands and islets, home to rich and largely undisturbed flora and fauna. http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/roskilde-fjord-gdk713239

The Tropical Houses (the Greenhouses in Danish "Væksthusene" in the Botanical Gardens) is a place where numerous plant collections are presented in four different climate zones. You will have an educational and sensuous experience strolling through the beautiful and varied sceneries, and you will find plants from most parts of the world. Here, you get to witness what happens when the heat of the dense rainforest intertwines with lifelike animal sounds and the soft smells oozing from the many plants. You can also hear fascinating stories about nature and botany and gain insight into the interdependence between us humans and nature. At the outside areas of the Botanical Gardens you can experience typical, Danish types of landscape, such as heath and beach, which is sure to inspire you to visit “the real” nature on the outskirts of Aarhus. http://www.visitaarhus.com/ln-int/tropical-houses-botanical-garden-gdk653428

Himmelbjerget ("The Sky Mountain") rises 147 metres above the landscape and is one of Denmark’s finest and most traditional places for outings. This has been the case ever since the old steamer Hjejlen made its call at the foot of the mountain for the very first time in 1861. The steamboat Hjejlen and the other tour boats sail from Ry and Silkeborg to Himmelbjerget in the summer season. Climb the proud mountain slope from the lakeside and fill up your senses, hunger and thirst when you’ve reached the top at Hotel Himmelbjerget or in one of the souvenir shops. Relax on the big lawn and look up into the sky. You can also drive, walk or cycle to Himmelbjerget - from the parking lot at the top there is only 200 meters to the top and the beautiful viewpoint that is worth a visit all year round. https://www.visitskanderborg.com/skanderborg/plan-your-trip/himmelbjerget-sky-mountain-gdk604901

Senses is a privately owned visit garden. It is Birgitta´s dream come true thanks to Marcus special skills as a designer and gardener. He fulfils her dream of heaven of scents, sights and tranquillity, located in the lovely archipelago of Åland. The garden is still young but the goal is set high. We aim to become the best garden in Finland. Highlights of the season are: Spectacular spring bloom, maybe the best in Finland. Impressive summer bloom with Peonies, Roses, Lavandula, Lillies and lots of perennials. The breathtaking colour explosion marks the end of the season in autumn. https://www.senses-aland.com/441608140

Randbøl Hede, southwest of Randbøl, is one of the few remaining heathland landscapes and with its 750 hectares one of Denmark's largest inland units. Randbøl Hede was already protected in 1932. At that time it was the largest landscape peace in Denmark. The conservation area covers 750 hectares, of which the state currently owns approx. 650 hectares. The purpose was to preserve the open heather-covered plains and ensure the heat against cultivation and planting. It has since been found that heatherness is an unstable natural state. There will be forest if man's influences on the heath cease. Randbøl State Forest District has therefore been allowed to care for the heath so that it is preserved for posterity. Randbøl Hede used to be much bigger than it is today. It was inconvenient, deserted and feared by everyone, especially travelers, because robbers housed here. The trail from Vorbasse stud road, where cattle have been brought to market in Vorbasse or even further south for centuries, continues to meander across the moor. https://www.visitbillund.dk/billund/service-information/randboel-hede-og-frederikshaab-plantage-gdk607894

Grene Sande and Gyttegård Plantation are unique natural areas and cultural history! Gyttegård Plantation is a so-called "Copenhagen plantation", which has only existed for well over 100 years. In the past, it was an area of ​​hard-working heathen peasants who struggled with sand escape. Today, you can see traces of both the "Copenhagen plantation" and the sand escape, as the area consists of woodland, dry heathland with cranberries and heather, as well as many larger and less humid meadows and marsh areas. There are large dunes, of the finest light sand, which you can run and play in as much as you like. https://www.visitbillund.dk/billund/service-information/grene-sande-gdk611741

The nature area around the Baldersbæk pleasure castle tells the story of the Copenhagen plantations, their owners and nature views in the early 1900s. Here are original sandstone statues from the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, lush carp dams and a smaller castle - which contrasts sharply with the once heathen pauperous landscape. The area around Villa Baldersbæk was renovated in 2013-14, so it is possible to experience the many details of the place on the nearest team. There is a marked path that leads around the area to the Treherreds stone, the stone nozzle, the ice cellars, the carp ponds and the fountain "The insidious boy". (The boy can't hold tight and you start the beam by stepping on the step. The fountain is in operation in the summer). The "castle", which is called the villa at Baldersbæk, is modelled with Frederiksdal Castle. There is no public access to the villa, but you can get close. The private area is clearly marked. The villa is still used for residential purposes. https://www.visitbillund.dk/billund/service-information/baldersbaek-plantage-og-villa-baldersbaek-gdk622699

The Archipelago National Park is located just 60 kilometres from Turku. Visitors can reach the park via Kimito and Pargas. Nature in the region is fascinating the whole year-round. The region is comprised of a rugged archipelago ecosystem and ancient bedrock, where the juniper and curling pine grow. Thanks to grazing livestock and long-term land management, the region also boasts beautiful, verdant traditional landscapes. Archipelago National Park is one of the most species-rich regions in Finland. Visitors can also experience archipelago life and culture within the park as well as in co-operation areas outside it. The Archipelago National Park is part of the Archipelago Sea Biosphere Reserve, which was established by UNESCO. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/archipelago-national-park_en

The Turku University Botanical Garden operating on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Flourishing in the outdoor garden are rhododendrons, peonies, annuals, economic plants, meadow flowers, exotic trees and shrubs, to name a few. A distinguishing feature of the new landscape is the three ponds containing colourful water lilies and other wetland plants. Here it is possible to hold meetings, training sessions and private events held in the outdoor gardens, greenhouses, seminar hall and cafeteria (which is also available for dining). http://www.visitturku.fi/en/botanical-garden_en

Adam Mickiewicz Park also referred to as the Oliwa Park is one of the best known places in Gdańsk. The extraordinary location of the park, beautiful flora and small climatic paths of the Park create a unity that is irresistible. The park itself dates backs to the Cistercians who started a vegetable and herb garden by their monastery. Starting your stroll in the Park from the entrance at ul. Grunwaldzka following the longitudinal pond we can see the Botanic Garden created after World War II and where the visitors can also enter the enchanting Palm House. The main path of the Park, stretching from the entrance from ul. Opata Rybińskiego leads to the French part of the Park where you can see the Abbot Palace and further on the path leads to the Oliwa Cathedral. The Abbot Palace now houses a branch of the National Museum in Gdańsk, exhibiting contemporary art. In the Cathedral in the Oliwa Park one may listen to organ concerts and participate in the Organ Music Festival which is organised every summer. In the Park there are many sculptures to admire like: Exhibition of Contemporary Sculpture of Gdańsk, Swietopelk the Great and Mestwin II monuments and the bust of Adam Mickiewicz. The National Museum has another branch in the Oliwa Park - Branch of Ethnography located in the Abbot Granary. Now the Oliwa Park has been expanded with new gardens, e.g. a Japanese garden where you can have some rest during a steady walk and admire the beauty of one of the former city gardens in Gdańsk. http://visitgdansk.com/en/corobic/The-most-beautiful-parks-in-Gdansk,a,27

The Einfelder See is located in the north of Neumünster between the district Einfeld and the village Mühbrook. It was formed during the Vistula Ice Age as a subglacial outflow valley. Since there are no noteworthy tributaries to the lake, it is fed by the groundwater, as well as by the precipitation. https://www.seen.de/einfelder-see/

Venture only a few kilometres from Turku centre up a stream of the River Aura, and you will come to the splendid Halistenkoski Rapids. The Halistenkoski Rapids is a popular fishing spot from which fly-fishermen are able to snare Trout, Rainbow Trout or Atlantic Salmon. Here you can also begin a canoe ride and see the cultural landscape of the River Aura, a highly recommended activity. Close to the Halinen bridge is the Miller's House where you’ll find the River Aura Information Centre. Here you can rent a canoe, collect brochures, buy a fishing license and souvenirs, or just enjoy a cup of coffee and explore the river environment. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/halistenkoski-rapids_en