The national park provides crucial habitat for numerous wildlife species, particularly birds. It serves as an important breeding ground for wetland birds such as cranes, golden plovers, and wood sandpipers. The rare great grey shrike and black grouse can also be observed here. Mammals including moose, roe deer, and foxes inhabit the area, while the bog supports diverse invertebrate populations, including specialized bog butterflies and dragonflies. During migration seasons, the park becomes a significant stopover for various bird species.
Store Mosse hosts a diverse array of bog-adapted plant species, including several rare and endangered varieties. Sphagnum mosses dominate the landscape, creating the characteristic spongy surface and playing a crucial role in peat formation. Other notable species include cotton grass, sundew (a carnivorous plant), cranberry, crowberry, and various sedges. The bog's edges feature stunted pine trees and birch, while heath plants like heather and cross-leaved heath add color to the landscape during flowering seasons.
The bog formed through gradual accumulation of partially decomposed plant material in waterlogged conditions following the retreat of glaciers. The landscape consists of various peat formations, with depths reaching up to 6 meters in some areas. The bog's structure includes raised dome sections, lagg zones (peripheral areas), and distinctive patterned surfaces of alternating ridges and pools. This geological formation continues to evolve, with peat accumulating at a rate of approximately 1mm per year in active growth areas.
Store Mosse's history spans thousands of years, beginning with its formation after the last ice age around 12,000 years ago. The bog has served as an important resource for local communities since medieval times, with peat harvesting being a significant activity until the mid-20th century. The area was designated as Sweden's first national park focused on wetland preservation in 1982, marking a shift from resource extraction to conservation. Archaeological findings in and around the bog have revealed well-preserved artifacts from various historical periods, including ancient wooden pathways and tools.
Store Mosse's most distinctive features include the extensive boardwalk system that allows visitors to explore deep into the bog safely. The Lövö Island, an elevated area within the bog, offers panoramic views and hosts the park's visitor center. The unique 'string bog' patterns, visible from observation towers, create a striking landscape of parallel ridges and pools. The park also features several hiking trails, including the Svartgölsleden trail, and specialized bird-watching facilities. The visitor center provides educational exhibits about the bog's ecology and history.
Store Mosse experiences a typical Nordic climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are mild and relatively short, with average temperatures between 15-20°C (59-68°F), while winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The bog environment creates its own microclimate, often being cooler and more humid than surrounding areas. Annual precipitation is significant, with frequent rain and snow contributing to the bog's unique ecosystem. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and misty conditions, particularly during early mornings and evenings.
Sweden
57.2830°, 13.9330°
1982
77.4
Store Mosse is Sweden's largest south-of-Lapland bogland and an important bird sanctuary. The park features extensive wetlands, raised bogs, and unique flora adapted to the acidic environment. Wooden boardwalks allow visitors to explore the otherworldly landscape without damaging the delicate ecosystem.