Asnen National Park

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 you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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.