Some of Swedens most beautiful national parks
The large national parks; Sarek, Padjelanta, Stora Sjöfallet and Muddus form, together with several nature reserves, a huge wilderness area with a lot to discover. Mentioned national parks are part of the Laponia area, the World Heritage of Lapland, Scandinavia’s only combined nature- and culture heritage.
Sarek
The high mountain area of Sarek looks a lot like the Alps with high mountain massifs and deep valleys. The most known is the Rapa valley with its magnificent delta and rich animal life. Some hundred glaciers form with the melted water, rapid mountain rivulets and small waterfalls. Six of the peaks are over 2000 meters over the ocean. Sarek is not easy accessible and have demanding terrain conditions. Except for the Royal Trail that passes in the southern parts, there are no hiking trails.
Established: 1909
Area: 197 000 ha
Worth looking at: the high mountain landscape. The animal life in the valleys. The calm water in the Rapa stream and the Rapa delta.
Padjelanta
Padjelanta national park is a plateau with soft rolling mountains and mountain heaths around the big lakes Vastenjaure and Virihaure. This is Sámi summer country with living places in Staloluokta and Arasluokta. The area is known for its botanical rarities and rich animal life. Virihaure is often called Sweden’s most beautiful lake. The Padjelanta trail, a marked summer trail, opens the door to Sweden’s largest national park. Along the trail are overnight cabins at suitable distances. Padjelanta is a part of the World Heritage Laponia, and have been awarded the European Diploma of Protected Areas by the Council of Europe.
Established: 1962
Area: 198 400 ha
Worth to see: The rich flora, the animal life. The mountain landscape, the large beautiful lakes.
Muddus
Muddus is a flat area known for its virgin forest with pine trees and large golden yellow bogs. Seen from the air, the landscape looks like mosaic of forest and bog. The bog land around lake Muddusjaure have a rich birdlife. Muddus characteristic bird is the reserved whooper. There are also growing tribes of lynx and bear. The park has been expanded 1984 with trails, lay-bys and overnight cabins. Muddus is part of the World Heritage Laponia and have been awarded the European Diploma of Protected Areas by the Council of Europe.
Established: 1942, expanded 1984
Worth to see: The virgin forest with huge pine trees. The animal life. Moskokorsu, a 100 meter deep ravine. Muddusfallet, a waterfall with the height of 42 meters.
Stora Sjöfallet
Stora Sjöfallet national park reaches over the high mountains, from the pine forests in the south to the Norwegian border in west. The mountain Akka is called Queen of Lapland, when you see her you will understand why. Sjaunja is located on the border of the park and is the largest bird restricted area in Sweden.
Established: 1909
Area: 127 800 ha
Worth to see: Akka massifs peaks and glaciers. Teusa valley. The steep slopes of Kierkau. Ahutjukårså cliff ravine.