Grinduga Butterfly Road – a vibrant summer experience

Information

The three-kilometre-long gravel road winds through an unusually species-rich landscape with calcareous soils and long continuity of management – factors that allow many different plants and thus also butterflies to thrive here.
Here you are greeted by sun-warmed roadsides, flower meadows and quiet countryside – a place where nature's small wonders are at the centre.
Why are there so many butterflies here?
Most butterflies in Sweden are declining in number, mainly because their host plants are becoming increasingly rare when the soil grows again.
The Butterfly Road is an exception. Here, the roadsides have been mowed regularly for a long time – but never during the summer when the butterflies are dependent on the plants. Together with calcareous soil, this provides perfect conditions for a rich flora and a large number of butterfly species.
A path managed for biodiversity
The care is carefully adapted to the butterfly's life cycle:
1. No mowing takes place between May and August
2. Mowing does not take place until September when the larvae have left the plants
3. Only one roadside will be mowed at a time – the other will be left untouched until next year
This allows both plants and butterflies to develop and spread along the way
Protection and availability
To protect the butterflies – which are often located directly on the road – Fjärilsvägen is barricaded for car traffic.
1. It is not possible to drive a car along the road
2. It is possible to pass the barrier on the side with a wheelchair, stroller and bicycle
3. The road is sometimes used by commercial traffic – be aware
This hopefully creates a calm and safe environment for both butterflies and visitors.
What can you see – and when?
Different butterflies fly during different parts of the summer:
1. May–June: lemon butterfly, aurora butterfly, nettle butterfly, hawthorn butterfly
2. July: mother-of-pearl butterflies, bluewings, grass butterflies
3. August: Admiral, Peacock's Eye, Mourning Cloak
If you visit the road on several occasions, you can experience a great variety of species
How to experience Fjärilsvägen best
To get close to the butterflies:
1. Walk at a leisurely pace
2. Avoid sudden movements and shadowing the butterfly
3. Feel free to sit down at the same level as the butterfly
4. Avoid shiny and reflective objects
5. Choose a sunny and windless day
Butterflies have good eyesight but are sensitive to vibrations – move softly and your chances of getting close will increase.
How to get here
Fjärilsvägen is located in Grinduga, south of Gävle, and is signposted from the village. Parking is available at the designated place adjacent to the road.
An experience that changes every time
The Butterfly Path is more than a place – it is a living ecosystem in constant change. Here you can follow the butterflies' journey through the summer, from the first spring species to the colourful diversity of late summer.
Take your time – and let nature lead the way.