Marine Wilderness

Comprising 25,000 hectares, with 97 per cent of its area covered by water, Nämdöskärgården is a unique destination. It encompasses more than 1,000 islands, skerries, and reefs, forming one of the largest continuous archipelago landscapes in the Baltic Sea, shaped by the forces of wind and waves.

While Sweden established Kosterhavet, a marine national park on its West Coast in 2009, Nämdöskärgården is the first of its kind on the East Coast. It’s almost entirely composed of water, which also makes it special among protected areas elsewhere in the Baltic Sea.

Biodiversity and Cultural Heritage

Nämdöskärgården aims to preserve and make accessible the biodiversity found within its archipelagos, kelp forests, and underwater ecosystems. The new landscape includes:

• Ecological diversity underwater, featuring shimmering seagrass meadows, extensive bladder wrack belts, and vast mussel banks.
• Shallow bays and complex seabed structures that provide ideal breeding grounds for young fish.
• Abundant birdlife above the water, alongside sparse rock outcrops on the central skerries and birch and alder forests further out.

Beyond its natural beauty, the marine park also has a rich cultural history, reflecting a long-standing human coexistence with nature. Visitors can explore historic fishing huts and former artist refuges, including the island of Bullerö, home to the hunting lodge of renowned painter Bruno Liljefors, the Tourism Board said.

Proposed site for Nämdöskärgården. Photo: naturvardsverket.se

Experience and Accessibility

Nämdöskärgården invites visitors to explore the archipelago by kayak or camping. It is quiet, vast, and easily accessible, and carries the essence of "Original Sweden."

This new park represents Sweden's 31st protected natural jewel and the third national park in the Stockholm area, joining Ängsö and Tyresta.  

Its establishment is the result of a broad and sustained political process, involving years of preparation by environmental authorities, scientists, and regional stakeholders. The Swedish Parliament approved its creation in June 2025, under the leadership of Minister for Climate and Environment, Romina Pourmokhtari.

Nämdöskärgården is easily accessible from Stockholm by boat. During the summer months (June to September), the Båttaxi shipping company provides direct service to the Nämdöskärgården island world from Stavsnäs.

Grand Opening and Events

The official opening of Nämdöskärgården National Park is scheduled for September 5, 2025. To mark this occasion, a dedicated week of events, nature experiences, and maritime discoveries will take place from August 30 to September 7.