First published: 06/10/09.

Walter 4.0

Laponian Area

Laponian Area (Inscribed)

Laponian Area by Walter

I visited the Laponian area in June 2009. The weather was good, sunny and warn, to the point of being able to bathe in the lakes. The Laponian area consists of 7 national or nature parks. The most intesrestings are (un)fortunately only accessible by several days trekking. Even in excellent waether condition, it is only advised for experienced trekkers, due to its remote locations, and arctic climate. Sarek National Park, which seems to be the most interesting area is therefore of reach for independant traveller.

I rented a car in Kiruna (easy and relatively cheap air acces from Stockholm) which allowed me to travael trough four of the parks. Going from the east to the west, the landscape gradually changes from lowland to mountanious. From the Malmberget to Jokkmokk main road, I took a small dirt road to the east, going to the Muddus National Park. The park preserves un undisturbed primeval forest and several deep ravine with a few waterfalls. The road stops at the park entrance, but they is several hikes (easy to walk, clerlay indicated) that follow a canyon to a waterfall.

Then I backtracked to the main road, and then took the 142 km long road west to Ritsem. The road pases the Stubba and Sjaujna nature reserves consisting mostly of lowlands. It follows the Stora Lulevatten Lake (an artificial lake actually not part of the WH site) with nice view on the moutains to the West. They are no easy hikes there.

I then reached Stora Sjöfallets National Park. The landscape then turns mountainous. They are steap valleys and strong rivers and waterfalls to be seen. From the road you can guess far away the Sarek mountains with high peaks and glaciers.

This area is cut by artificial lakes, the biggest being Akkajaure. They unfortunately alters the natural landscape (most were half-empty with no vegetation on they sides). The lakes are considered outside the site borders.

In that area, you can wanders along lakes, climb boulders ofr briefly hiked along the Kingsleden. You would need a few weeks to hike the Kingsleden from start to end.

The Laponian area is a mixed site because of Saami cultural environment. Along the way, they are several Saami villages and a few reindeers farms, but in June, the reindeers are gazing way up in the mountains. They is a few old Saami churches and cult places, but they are difficult to find.

Along the road, they is several places to sleep, hotels or mountains cabins.

I would definitely recommand a trip to those national parks. From Kiruna, you can also drive a few hours to the Lofoten Island in Norway (on the TL).

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