Sarek National Park
Europe's last true wilderness with six thousand reindeer.Remote wilderness in Swedish Lapland with towering peaks, 100 glaciers, and challenging terrain. Home to moose and bears, it's a raw landscape for experienced hikers.
Sarek National Park in Swedish Lapland is a remote wilderness area established in 1909. The park includes mountain peaks like Sarektjåkkå, deep valleys, and nearly 100 glaciers. With no marked trails or facilities, Sarek presents a raw landscape for experienced hikers and mountaineers to navigate.
Landscape of Sarek
Sarek National Park covers 760 square miles (1,970 sq km) of wilderness in northern Sweden. The park's terrain consists of massive mountains, long valleys, and high plateaus. Six of Sweden's thirteen peaks over 2,000 meters are within Sarek, including Sarektjåkkå, the second-highest mountain in the country at 2,089 meters. The park also contains around 100 glaciers, making it one of the most glacier-rich areas in Sweden.
Hiking and Trekking Challenges
Experienced hikers and mountaineers will find Sarek National Park particularly appealing. The park has no marked trails or tourist facilities. You can take on the Sarek-Padjelanta Loop Trail, a challenging 137-mile trek through mountain scenery with steep climbs and river crossings. For a slightly more accessible option, you can hike the Kungsleden trail, which passes through the eastern part of the park.
Wildlife and Nature
Despite its rugged environment, Sarek National Park is home to various wildlife. During your trek, you can see moose, bears, wolverines, lynx, and golden eagles. The park is also an important area for reindeer herding, managed by local Sami communities. The landscape changes with the seasons, from 24-hour daylight in summer to the possibility of northern lights in winter. In late summer, you can find wild berries, including bilberries and cloudberries, along your hiking route.
Practical Information for Visitors
Reaching Sarek National Park requires careful planning. The closest towns with regular transportation links are Gällivare and Jokkmokk. From these points, you'll typically need to use a combination of buses and boats to reach the park's entry points. There are no accommodations within the park itself, so you must be prepared for backcountry camping. The park is open year-round, but summer (late June to early September) is the most popular and accessible time for hiking due to milder weather conditions.
Weather and Safety Considerations
Sarek is known for its unpredictable weather conditions. Even in summer, you should prepare for rain, strong winds, and potentially snow. The park's remote nature and lack of facilities mean that self-sufficiency and proper preparation are crucial. You should have experience with navigation using maps and compasses, as well as river crossings, which can become dangerous during high water levels. It's important to inform someone of your planned route and expected return date before entering the park.
