Padjelanta National Park
Padjelanta is set in a mountain region of high plains and majestic lakes. The soft contours of the open landscape contrast sharply with the dramatic profile of the nearby Sarek Mountains. The national park includes some of the most luxuriant flowering meadows in the Swedish mountains, as well as most of the bird species associated with the heaths and lakes of the barren heights.
Sights: Open mountain landscape. The large lakes. Exceptionally varied flora. The fauna.
Area: 198,400 hectares.
Established: 1962.
Location: Between the Norwegian border and Sarek national park in Jokkmokk Municipality, Norrbotten County.
Visiting Padjelanta: The park can be reached via the hiking trail, Padjelantaleden, from Kvikkjokk to the south or Ritsem in Stora Sjöfallet National Park to the north. From Ritsem there is boat transport across Lake Akkajaure to Änonjalme and Vaisaluokta. It takes at least a day to hike to the park boundary. Along the trail there are sleeping cabins at intervals of ten to twenty kilometres. There is a large research station at Staloluokta, which can be reaced by plane from Ritsem or Vietas during the summer months.
Padjelanta is one of the most beautiful areas of the Swedish mountain region. It has rolling plains,
softly rounded mountain ridges, and vast areas of water. For a Nordic alpine area, it is unusually open and accessible. Padjelanta consists of an elevated plain around the large lakes of Vastenjaure and Virihaure - the latter called the most beautiful lake in Sweden. Almost the entire park is above the tree line. There are several interesting geological formations which show the effects of the inland ice. The flora of the park is extremely rich in species. A total of over 400 plant species have been found, which is something of a record for the mountain region. There is also an unusually rich animal life. You may glimpse snowy owls, arctic foxes and wolverines. The area is also valuable reindeer grazing land. Three Sami villages have their reindeer at summer pasture here. Padjelanta's foremost sights are the open mountain landscape, the large lakes, the uniquely rich flora and the animal life.