The park supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including large mammals such as moose, roe deer, and wild boar. Predators such as lynx and foxes are present but rarely seen. Tyresta is particularly important for bird life, hosting over 100 breeding species including the black woodpecker, hazel grouse, and various owls. The park's dead wood and old trees provide crucial habitats for numerous rare insect species, particularly beetles, while the lakes support various fish species and amphibians.
Tyresta boasts one of the largest old-growth forests in southern Sweden, with some pine trees exceeding 400 years in age. The forest ecosystem includes diverse vegetation zones, from dry pine forests on rocky outcrops to humid spruce forests in valleys and deciduous woodlands in richer soils. The understory features typical Nordic species such as bilberry, lingonberry, and various mosses and lichens. The 1999 fire area has developed into a unique habitat where fire-dependent species thrive, including rare fungi and insects.
The park's bedrock consists primarily of ancient granite and gneiss formed roughly 2 billion years ago during the Precambrian era. Tyresta's landscape was dramatically shaped by the last ice age, which left behind characteristic features including smooth rock surfaces, erratic boulders, and distinctive glacial striations. The terrain is typical of the Swedish bedrock shield, with numerous fault lines creating a varied topography of valleys and ridges. Several lakes within the park occupy depressions carved out by glacial activity.
Tyresta's human history dates back to the Bronze Age, evidenced by ancient settlements and grave sites scattered throughout the area. The landscape bears witness to centuries of traditional farming and forestry practices, with some parts of the forest remaining virtually untouched for over 400 years. In 1993, Tyresta was designated as a national park, largely in response to its unique old-growth forest and proximity to Stockholm. A significant forest fire in 1999 burned approximately 450 hectares, creating a distinctive ecological study area that continues to demonstrate natural forest regeneration.
Tyresta's most distinctive feature is its pristine old-growth forest, one of the largest protected areas of its kind in Sweden outside the mountain region. The park offers over 55 kilometers of marked hiking trails, including the Primeval Forest Trail that showcases the oldest parts of the forest. The Naturum Visitor Center provides extensive information about the park's ecology and history, while the dramatic landscape created by the 1999 fire offers a unique opportunity to observe forest regeneration. Several prehistoric sites, including Bronze Age settlements and grave fields, add cultural significance to the natural attractions.
Tyresta experiences a humid continental climate typical of central Sweden, with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are mild and pleasant with average temperatures between 15-20°C (59-68°F), while winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through March. The park receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with slightly higher precipitation in late summer and autumn. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with variable conditions, making it essential for visitors to pack appropriate layers regardless of when they visit.
Sweden
59.1830°, 18.3000°
1993
19.7
Tyresta contains one of the largest old-growth forests in southern Sweden, with trees up to 400 years old. The park features pristine lakes, dramatic cliffs, and diverse wildlife. A major forest fire in 1999 created unique ecological conditions now studied by researchers.