The southernmost part of Åsnen National Park, Toftåsa bog, is significantly different from Sunnabron and Trollberget! This area offers a distinctly more northern feel in nature. Fragrant marshes filled with Marsh Labrador Tea and beautiful pine forests. Svartsjön (Black lake) lies like a sparkling gem in the middle of the area, and quiet moss-covered grounds guide you through this part of the national park. The hike is approximately 6.3 km long, and although the trail has good footbridges in many areas, waterproof shoes are recommended if there has been a lot of rainfall!
At the parking area by Svartsjön, you will find information boards, a rest area, and a nice barbecue spot. From Ålshult, follow the road towards Getnö, and after 4.5 km, turn left towards Vrigstad gård. After approximately 1.2 km, you will find the parking area on the left. From the parking area, start your hike by continuing on the small gravel road you arrived on (if you are standing with the lake behind you, go left). The hike is described here in a counterclockwise direction!
Winding trails
After about 150 meters, and having passed Svartsjön, follow the trail marker to the left. Here, the path takes you through quiet forests and soft moss-covered grounds. The trail is narrow and winds around rocks and vegetation, making you feel truly connected with nature!
Viewpoint on northern Toftåsa
At the northernmost point of the northern loop on Toftåsa mire, there is a bench and a practical support for binoculars and cameras. It is a popular spot for many birdwatchers! The location offers captivating views over the waters of Åsnen and is perfect for when you just want to sit down and enjoy the tranquility and the sound of the waves!
Fragrant Marsh Labrador Tea
On the northern part of the trail, you walk on paths and footbridges surrounded by vast expanses of Marsh Labrador Tea. When the shrubs bloom in early summer, you can enjoy a wonderful fragrance. Marsh Labrador Tea is also known as nature’s mosquito repellent, but remember that in the national park, you are not allowed to pick or break off plants!
Rest area with a view
When you reach the trail along the old embankment, you will find a rest area with a magical view of one of the most untouched areas in Åsnen, Horgefjorden. On early spring mornings, you might be lucky enough to hear the Black throated diver calling between the islands. There is a nice barbecue spot, a dry toilet, and a wind shelter here. Remember to bring your own firewood and exercise good judgment when lighting your fire!
Continue your hike to the left.
Southern loop
After just over 900 meters along “Banvallsleden”, the railway embankment trail, follow the trail marker to the left. Continue a short distance on the small forest road, and soon the trail will lead you onto soft paths and fine footbridges over the mire. On warm days, you can enjoy the fragrant, sun-warmed pine forest, blueberries, lingonberries, and expanses of Marsh Labrador Tea. You walk on footbridges over the wettest parts, but keep in mind that waterproof shoes may be necessary if it has rained a lot!
What applies in the national park?
Remember that the right of public access is limited within the national park. Special rules, known as regulations, apply here. In Åsnen National Park, you are allowed to pick berries during your hike but not to collect or dig up plants. You must not damage living or dead trees and bushes or disturb wildlife. It is also important to avoid making noise that may be perceived as disturbing to others. For most visitors, the focus is on the nature experience, and by respecting this, both you and others will have a more enjoyable visit to the national park! You are welcome to bring your dog, but it must always be on a leash, and you may make fires but only in designated areas.
In the later part of summer, the bog glows with purple heather. Even at other times of the year, there is a display of colors in the bog, but you need to stop and look more closely to discover the different plants! After you have passed the bog and the pine forest, you will come to a gravel road. Turn left and follow the road for about 500 meters, and you will be back at the rest area and parking lot where you started.
A FIKA OR PICNIC PUTS THE ICING ON THE CAKE
Bring a fika or lunch to enjoy in nature, or visit a café along the way! Check the opening hours carefully during autumn, winter, and spring – they can vary. Many cafés open around Easter, while others start in May. In spring, it’s common for them to be open on weekends, expanding to all days later in the season.
On your way to the starting point of the hike, you will pass the delightful Ålshult Culture Café. It’s a cozy mix of shop, café, and restaurant, with the season starting at Easter. They also offer accommodation in a unique old sleeping car!
Just north of the starting point for the hike is Getnö Lake Åsnen Resort, located on an island bordering the national park. From the country café, you can order a picnic basket to take with you on your hike or have a Swedish fika on site!
