- We look positively at the increased number of visitors. However, the toilets and garbage get full faster. In addition, more wood is used. But we do not experience the same problems as in the metropolitan regions, says Beke Rylin, nature conservation manager at the County Administrative Board of Gävleborg.

On average, the national parks Färnabofjärden and Hamra National Park have 85,000 and 15,000 visitors per year, respectively. Figures that tripled during the pandemic according to the Gävleborg County Administrative Survey.

The Swedish Tourist Association has also noticed an extra great interest in hiking and outdoor life in Sweden. On their website, the searches for hiking have increased by 70% compared to last year.

Toilets faster full

In several parts of the country, the increased interest has resulted in over-exploitation. Because many unaccustomed visitors lack knowledge about rights and obligations in natural areas. Something that the County Administrative Board Gävleborg does not recognize.


Beke Rylin hear more about the increased number of visitors in the clip above.