Guide to quiet places
”Discover the potential of quiet places to develop sustainable nature tourism and increase the attractiveness of places”
Guide to quiet places
Quiet places offer a unique opportunity to combine sustainable nature tourism with and improve the attractiveness of the region. By creating calm, peaceful environments that promote health and cooperation between local actors, these places can become hubs for development and innovation in nature tourism.
Read more about our feasibility study - Quiet places
Background and needs
In today's hectic and digital everyday life, the need for silence and connection to nature is greater than ever. Many people lack access to green, peaceful places where they can find peace and quiet. To meet this need, we want to support local actors in Leader Sörmland Coast to identify and make visible "Quiet Places" that promote recovery and well-being.
The project is aimed at the municipalities of Salem, Södertälje, Trosa, Nyköping and Oxelösund, with a focus on supporting development groups to document their places and post them on existing digital platforms such as Naturkartan.se and the local history associations' "Explorer's Map"”
Purpose and goals
Purpose:
To strengthen the connection between people and nature by supporting local actors in identifying and highlighting quiet, peaceful places for recreation and well-being.
CASE:
- Support development groups in each municipality to identify and document at least one "Quiet Place".
- Facilitate the publication of these locations on existing digital platforms.
- Increase awareness of and accessibility to quiet places for residents of the Leader Sörmland Coast.
Project scope
The project runs for 3 months and includes:
- Support and advice to local development groups in the five municipalities.
- Mapping of potential quiet places together with local actors.
- Help document and publish information about the places on established platforms such as Naturkartan.se and the Hembygdsföreningarna's Explorer Map.
Project activities
Planning and Preparation (December)
- Establish contact with municipal representatives and local development groups to map needs, interests and opportunities. Information meeting December 9 in Salem municipality with Quiet Park representative Pontus Wikström and two digital information sessions December 11 and 12.
- Publish information about the project on the website and newsletter
- Form 3–5 local study circles or networks with stakeholders for a quiet place
Workshops and advice (January)
- Conduct 2 digital workshops to educate and inspire local development groups.
- Support the groups in identifying and documenting potential quiet places.
Documentation and publication (February)
- Help the groups collect and compile data for each location, including text descriptions, images, and geographic locations.
- Coordinate publication of these places on Naturkartan.se and the Hembygdsföreningarna's Explorer's Map.
- Inspirational trips: Study visits and dialogue meetings between the groups
- Development of activities that can be carried out in natural areas. (Activities carried out with test groups if there is interest)
Closing and reporting (March)
- Production of information material. A film is produced that tells about the potential of at least one of the places
- Compile a final report with documentation of identified sites and lessons learned from the project.
- Propose future measures to continue developing and preserving quiet places in the area.
- Disseminate the results to other organizations and companies as well as to other Leader areas in the form of a webinar.
Expected results
- At least five documented and published "Quiet Places" – one in each municipality.
- Local development groups that feel empowered and committed to continuing their work with initiatives that promote nature and outdoor activities.
- Increased awareness among residents about where they can find peaceful, natural places for recovery.
Target group
- Local development groups, associations and actors in the municipalities of Salem, Södertälje, Trosa, Nyköping and Oxelösund.
- Residents of Leader Sörmland Coast who are looking for quiet and peaceful places.
Evaluation and follow-up
The project is evaluated through:
- Number of published quiet places on Naturkartan.se and Utvorskapkartan.
- Feedback from development groups and residents on the project's implementation and results.
- A compiled report that is shared with Leader Sörmland Coast and local stakeholders.
Effects of the project
The project Guide to silence is expected to have several long-term and positive effects for both local actors and residents in the Sörmland Coast Leader area:
- New collaborations between associations and actors
The project strengthens collaboration between various local actors such as Friluftsfrämjandet, Hembygdsföreningar, Sörmlandsleden and other organizations. These collaborations can contribute to the joint development and management of quiet places in the region. - Increased local engagement and interest
The project is expected to increase local interest in nature, silence and recovery. This may lead to greater participation in nature-promoting activities and a deeper appreciation of the values that nature offers. - Strengthened networks and resources
The new networks and collaborations established through the project can constitute a resource for future development initiatives in nature, outdoor life and sustainable tourism. - Visibility and accessibility of quiet places
By publishing quiet places on established platforms such as Naturkartan.se and Utvorskarkartan, these areas become more visible and accessible to the public, which increases the use of local natural resources in a sustainable way.
""Discover the potential of quiet places to develop sustainable nature tourism and increase the attractiveness of places""
Through the project Guide to silence We have worked to identify and make visible "Silent Places".
6 motifs for quiet places
Opportunities for quiet places to develop nature tourism and the attractiveness of places
1. Create unique experiences
- Silence as a luxury: In an increasingly noisy and hectic world, silence is a rare resource. Quiet places like exclusive destinations and mindfulness can attract visitors looking for something unique.
- Specialized tourism experiences: Quiet places can be used for yoga, meditation, bird watching and nature walks where peace and quiet enhance the experience.
2. Link to health and well-being
- Health-promoting tourism: Quiet places can be integrated into health-promoting activities such as forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), stress management and recovery, which can attract visitors with an interest in health and well-being.
- Rehabilitation and therapy: These places can be used for therapeutic purposes, for example as part of treatment for stress or mental illness.
3. Increase the attractiveness of the place
- Unique marketing: By highlighting and making quiet places visible on platforms such as the Nature Map or the Explorer Map, areas can be positioned as sustainable tourist destinations.
- Cultural and historical connection: Many quiet places are often scenic environments with cultural or historical values, which can enhance their attractiveness.
4. Engage the local community
- Local ownership: By involving local actors in the identification and development of quiet places, pride and commitment are created, which can lead to long-term and sustainable development.
- Combined activities: Local businesses and associations can offer combinations of activities, such as hikes with local guides, meals based on local ingredients, and workshops on sustainability.
5. Contribute to sustainable tourism
- Environmental awareness: Quiet places can become symbols of sustainable tourism and inspire the preservation of nature and culture.
- Low impact: Nature tourism based on quiet places can be designed to have minimal environmental impact and thus protect the area's biodiversity.
6. Attract new target groups
- Families and intergenerational groups: Quiet places can offer activities suitable for different ages, such as nature school for children and mindfulness for adults.
- International tourists: Many international visitors seek authentic and relaxing experiences in unique environments, which quiet places can offer.
Read about Quiet natural areas
Piteå Municipality, together with Luleå Municipality, has participated in a project that aimed to locate and describe natural areas worth visiting where silence is a quality. The project had a particular focus on natural areas close to urban areas and protected natural areas.
Read more about Quiet parks
The purpose of the association is to contribute to quieting peaceful natural areas throughout Sweden be recognized, preserved and protected. Quiet and peaceful nature is a threatened asset that is fundamentally is important for all life forms on our planet. For us humans, the peaceful nature can be a source
to recovery, mental and physical health – inner peace.
Try a silent hike – an easy way to find peace in nature
Being in nature can do wonders for both body and mind. A great way to deepen the experience is to try silent walk – a quiet walk where you leave talking behind and instead let the sounds of the forest, birdsong and the rustle of the wind become part of the experience.
Silent hiking is not about performance, but about letting go of the noise of your thoughts and letting the rhythm of nature guide you to presence and recovery.
Here's how to get started:
🔹 Choose a location where you feel safe and where you can walk undisturbed for a while – perhaps a forest path, a lakeside promenade or a clearing.
🔹 Walk in silence – alone together or with others. Avoid talking, instead listen to those around you.
🔹 Bring a seat pad. and sit down for a moment to just be – listen, breathe and take in the moment.
🔹 Dress according to the weather and let the journey take the time it needs.
Silent walking is a simple, free and accessible way to give yourself a break – to unwind, regain focus and regain energy.
Want to know more about how silence can be used for recovery? Check out the Quiet Parks Sweden association, which works to ensure that more people have access to the deep peace of nature.
🌿 Welcome to discover what happens when you let nature speak!