Djurö National Park, National park in Lake Vänern archipelago, Sweden

Djurö National Park covers about 24 km² in Lake Vänern and takes in all the islands of an archipelago of some 30 islands. The islands look like skerries, with only a thin layer of soil and therefore rather barren ground. The exception is Gisslan, whose lime-rich soil supports a richer flora.

The area saw very little human settlement from the 1500s onward and was officially protected as a national park in 1991. This long period of minimal activity allowed nature to preserve its landscape and wildlife.

Djurö's name comes from the Swedish words for 'animal island', referring to the fallow deer that still live here. The island was once a hunting and animal park, and a hunting lodge remains. Up to three families lived here from the 16th century, farming and fishing; the islands are now uninhabited.

The park is only accessible by boat, with the best landing place at Malbergshamn on the north shore. It is important to respect the restricted areas, as large parts close during nesting season.

The eastern and southern sides are a bird protection area closed from 1 April to 31 July. The eastern part of the archipelago also has dangerous shallows and breakers, so boats should approach from the north or west.