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Asnen National Park

A lake of a thousand islands in southern Smaland, made a national park in 2018 and best seen from a canoe.

Updated 30 August 2026

WhereKronoberg
Nearest cityUrshult about 10 km; Vaxjo about 40 km
Best seasonMay to September
Time to allowA full day or several
Getting thereRoads south of Vaxjo to Trollberget or Sunnabron; canoe hire locally
EntryFree

Asnen is a large shallow lake broken into a maze of bays, sounds and something like a thousand islands, and the national park declared in 2018 covers part of it - Bjurkarr's old broadleaf woodland on the western shore with oaks and lime, plus a set of islands. Osprey nest here in numbers and white-tailed eagle is regularly seen; the shallow water and the fish support both. A storm in 2005 brought down a great deal of timber that was left where it fell, which has since become a feature rather than a problem. Canoeing is the way to use the place, with a route network and camping spots, and there is a naturum at Sunnabron.

What's there

  • A lake of about a thousand islands - bays and sounds between.
  • Bjurkarr's old broadleaf wood - oak and lime on the west shore.
  • Osprey and white-tailed eagle - both regular here.
  • Storm-fallen timber left in place - since 2005.

When to go

May to September for paddling. A full day or several.

Things to know

The park is best reached by canoe - shore access shows a fraction of it. Wind gets up quickly on open water. Mosquitoes are heavy in summer. Facilities are concentrated at two or three entrances.

Nearby

Urshult and its apple district are north; Vaxjo is beyond.

Key facts

Local nameÅsnens nationalpark (Swedish)
Established2018
Heritage statusRamsar site
Location56.6103° N, 14.6613° E · map

Source: Wikidata, item Q27027158, read on 18 October 2026.

What to pack for Asnen National Park

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
  • Quick-dry clothing - Board shorts or synthetics that shrug off spray and dry fast. Find on Amazon
  • Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
  • Shelter suited to the place - Tent, tarp or hut booking - match it to the terrain and rules. Find on Amazon

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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