Sarek nationalpark

Deep in the mountains, in the world heritage of Laponia, lies Sarek National Park. Like a high Alpine jewel in the middle of the mountain range you’ll find ​​towering mountain massifs, bound together by hundreds of ridges and glaciers and separated by lakes and rushing rivers. Sarek National Park is one of the largest and wildest areas in Sweden and Europe, without the comforts of civilization but with a rich wildlife.

A rich animal life

Sarek National Park is known for the large moose that wander and graze in the beautiful delta in Rapa Valley. Where Sarvesvágge meets Rapadalen, there is a place called Rovdjurstorget. There, during one and the same spring-winter day in the 1960s, traces of all the big four could be seen. Wolf, lynx, wolverine and bear. Nowadays, it is difficult to see wolverines and especially lynx, even if they are there. Wolf is no longer in the area. You can, however, look for bears in Rapa Valley and there are plenty of red foxes, reindeer, moose, birds of prey, eagles and some years also lemmings.

A cultural landscape

Sarek National Park is not only high mountains, beautiful nature and wild animals. There is also a place where many people have left their cultural-historical imprint. The Sami have lived in the area for thousands of years without leaving any traces behind. They have followed their reindeer through the lush valleys on their way to Padjelanta, to the summer grazing area.

Impact through history

At the end of the 17th century, silver ore was mined in Álgvagágge. During the mining period, religious services were held and, due to the often harsh weather, a stone chapel was built, which still stands today. At the Ähpár mountain massif, magnesite mining took place during the Second World War.

During the mining period, religious services were held and, due to the often harsh weather, a stone chapel was built.

Carl von Linné visited the area in 1732 on his Lapland journey and fell in love with the new world he found. At the end of the 19th century, during the nature-romantic wave, Swedish geographers and geologists opened their eyes to the mountain world when the height of the mountains and the size of the glaciers were to be measured and photographed. A researcher who became attached to the area was Axel Hamberg, who built four research observatories. Far into the Rapa Valley, you’ll still find a small red cabin still, tightly closed. The oldest observatory is located high up on one of the peaks of the Pårek massif.

During World War II, an English bomber crashed on the west side of Tsahtsa, in the southwestern parts of the National Park. The pilot and one crewman survived and managed to get to Kvikkjokk. They thought they had crashed in Norway so the wreckage was not found until 34 years later, by a surprised hiker.

Not a place for beginners

If you also want to experience this special place, on foot or on skis, a lot of preparation is required. Nothing in Sarek National Park is adapted to humans. Here, everything takes place on terms of Mother Nature and with regard to the forces of the weather. No place in the entire mountain range has as variable a weather as Sarek National Park. There are no trails, possibly a path here and there. In addition, only a few bridges, which means that you have to do bigger river crossings during the summer. In Sarek National Park, you can see occasional reindeer herder huts, but there are no tourist huts for overnight stays. So, you’ll have to bring a tent.

In Sarek’s national park, you can see occasional reindeer herder huts, but there are no tourist huts for overnight stays.

There is also nowhere to stock up, so you just have to carry all the food you intend to eat. Plus a little more – our recommendation is to have at least one day of extra tour food with you in your pack. Due to the demanding terrain and the rapidly changing weather, we also recommend allowing an extra day in the planning. In the challenging environment, it may take some time before you get help if something happens. It is wise to bring some form of emergency transmitter. In short – traveling in Sarek national park is not for beginners, but a fantastic experience for those with a little more mountain experience.

The best time

If you want to experience Sarek National Park during winter, the best time is from the end of February to the middle of April. In summer, you have the best conditions between July and mid-September. But whether you choose to visit Sarek National Park in summer or winter, on foot or on skis, a dramatic landscape awaits that will take your breath away. Both out of sheer wonder but also out of the challenges that lie ahead. Trust us, Sarek National Park is an experience well worth the effort.

Do you have any questions?

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