Fjärilsvägen – Sweden’s Butterfly Road
Fjärilsvägen is a unique three-kilometer forest road in Grinduga, southeast of Gävle, where more than 50 different butterfly species can be observed during the summer months. The road was officially inaugurated in 2007 and has since become Sweden’s first official “butterfly road,” attracting visitors from near and far.
Why is it special?
The area offers an unusually rich butterfly fauna thanks to the lime-rich soils along the Gävle coast. These soils support a diverse flora, which in turn provides food and habitat for many butterfly species. Careful management also plays an important role: the road verges are cleared in traditional ways with late-season mowing, giving butterflies the best possible conditions.
What can you see?
Over the course of a summer, more than fifty butterfly species can be found here, including the Makaonfjäril (Swallowtail), Turkos blåvinge (Turquoise Blue), Ängspärlemorfjäril (Heath Fritillary) and Vitfläckig guldvinge (Small Copper). In addition, day-flying moths such as humledagsvärmare (Bee Hawk-moth) and svävdagssvärmare (Hummingbird Hawk-moth) can often be spotted. Every visit offers something new, and enthusiasts often return several times during the season.
Visiting the road
A barrier at the start of the road makes it largely car-free, which means the best way to enjoy it is to walk or cycle along the route. Informational signs with butterfly photos and descriptions help visitors learn about the species they encounter.
Collaboration and future
Fjärilsvägen was created through collaboration between the landowner Bergvik Skog Öst, Microsoft, the County Administrative Board, and local enthusiasts. Today, ongoing efforts aim to make the area even more accessible and attractive for butterfly lovers, with photography, filming, and digital projects in development.
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