Nature national parks: 21 in total and six new ones on the way
Updated
Nature national parks are large state-owned natural areas where nature is intended to develop more on its own terms. Green Tripartite is expanding the scheme.
What is a nature national park?
According to Miljøministeriet (the Danish Ministry of the Environment), these are large, continuous natural areas where drainage ditches are blocked, forests are left untouched, agricultural production ceases, and large grazing animals help create varied natural habitats.
Number and status
15 state-owned areas have been selected, and six more are to be chosen, bringing the total to 21. The six new parks must open by the end of 2030. Naturnationalpark Fussingø opened on 21 June 2025. In addition, a nature national park close to the city is to be established at Kalvebod Fælled.
11 areas under consideration
In May 2025, the ministry announced 11 potential state-owned areas: Skjernåens og Gudenåens Kilder, Pamhule Skov, Fanø Plantage, Kalø, Livø, Skagen Plantage, Randbøl Hede, Skindbjerglund, Lodbjerg, Vester Thorup and Sydlangeland.
Documenting the development of nature
When nature is intended to develop over decades, an early, dated record using fixed monitoring points is valuable. It makes it possible to show the change, rather than merely describe it.
Frequently asked questions
How many nature national parks will there be?
21 in total, plus a nature national park close to the city at Kalvebod Fælled.