Scandinavian National Parks

Scandinavia-a fascinating region that encompasses Europe's northern countries from Iceland, Norway and Denmark, to Sweden and Finland. In the short, green summers it hardly ever gets dark and in the long, white winters it rarely gets light. Dancing Northern Lights in the firmament are among the attractions of the north, as is the midsummer night, which with its uniquely enchanting light makes the breathtaking natural environment appear in all its beauty.

The untouched landscapes of Scandinavia are considered the last wilderness on the continent. In order to maintain this extraordinary and species-rich diversity of Mother Nature, Sweden founded Europe's first national park in 1909. To date, Scandinavia counts around 125 of them: three in Iceland, five in Denmark, 30 in Sweden, 40 in Finland and 47 in Norway. Among them are names like SnfellsjOkull, Folgefonna, Hardangervidda, Spitsbergen, Riisitunturi, Oulanka, Jotunheimen, Sarek or Abisko.

Whether it is extensive tundras, with reindeer herds passing by, dense pine, spruce or birch forests where moose hide, diverse moors and idyllic lakes, fjords reaching far into the country, mighty mountain ranges, thundering waterfalls, thick glacier tongues, polar bears on icy slopes or deep snow-covered, tree-lined or fjell landscapes-Scandinavia's varied and lonely Arctic nature is one of the most beautiful areas on earth. Once again, this illustrated book shows that these unique landscapes must be preserved.