Location: Älvdalen Municipality, Dalarma County Map
Height: 410 ft (125 m)
Njupeskär Waterfall, also known as Njupeskär Vattenfall, is one of Sweden's most impressive natural wonders, located in the heart of Fulufjället National Park in the Dalarna region of central Sweden. With a total height of 93 meters (305 feet) and a free-falling plunge of 70 meters (230 feet), it holds the distinction of having the tallest uninterrupted drop in the country, though some estimates suggest Tvillingfallen in Lapland may be taller overall. Situated at coordinates approximately 61°38′N 12°41′E, the waterfall cascades through a narrow, dramatic gorge carved from ancient sandstone, creating a misty, ethereal atmosphere that draws around 100,000 visitors annually. Fed by the Njupån River originating from the high plateau of Fulufjället Mountain, it exemplifies the raw beauty of Sweden's wilderness, blending towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and the thunderous roar of falling water. Often shrouded in fog and surrounded by rare mosses and lichens, Njupeskär is not just a scenic highlight but a symbol of the park's pristine, protected ecosystem, making it a must-visit for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers.
While Njupeskär lacks extensive human historical narratives, its
formation is tied to Sweden's ancient geological processes. The
waterfall and surrounding gorge were sculpted during the last Ice Age,
approximately 10,000 years ago, when glacial meltwater eroded the soft
sandstone layers of Fulufjället, creating the steep cliffs and narrow
channel seen today. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times,
with evidence of Stone Age settlements nearby, but the waterfall itself
remained largely untouched until the 19th century when Romantic
explorers and artists began documenting its splendor. In the early 20th
century, concerns over logging and development led to the establishment
of Fulufjället National Park in 2002, Sweden's first national park under
the new environmental code, encompassing 385 square kilometers and
protecting the waterfall as its centerpiece.
Geologically, Njupeskär
flows over a fault line in the mountain's sedimentary rock, resulting in
its near-vertical drop. The gorge's walls, rising up to 125 meters in
places, are composed of layered sandstone that weathers into dramatic
formations, often veiled in mist from the cascading water. This creates
a microclimate supporting unique flora, while the river below carves
through boulder-strewn terrain, forming small pools and rapids. The
waterfall's flow varies seasonally, peaking in spring from snowmelt and
diminishing in winter when it often freezes into an icy spectacle,
attracting ice climbers. Historically, the site gained fame through
early 20th-century tourism promotions, and today it symbolizes Sweden's
commitment to preserving its natural heritage amid climate change
threats like altered water flows.
Njupeskär Waterfall plunges dramatically from the Fulufjället
plateau, dropping 93 meters in total through a narrow cleft in the rock
face. The main free fall measures 70 meters, where water tumbles
unimpeded into a rocky basin below, generating a perpetual mist that
nourishes the surrounding vegetation and creates rainbows on sunny days.
The gorge is flanked by steep, basalt-like cliffs covered in green
mosses and lichens, some of which are rare species adapted to the humid,
shaded environment. At the base, the Njupån River continues as a series
of smaller cascades over boulder fields, eventually flowing into the
larger river system.
The surrounding environment is part of
Fulufjället's old-growth spruce and pine forests, one of Europe's
largest unprotected wilderness areas outside of reserves. The park's
high plateau, reaching 1,000 meters, features subalpine meadows with
wildflowers like gentians and orchids in summer, transitioning to
tundra-like conditions at higher elevations. Wildlife includes moose,
reindeer, lynx, and birds such as golden eagles and capercaillies, with
the waterfall area serving as a habitat for moisture-loving plants and
insects. In winter, the falls freeze into intricate ice formations, up
to 60 meters tall and 25 meters wide, creating a frozen wonderland for
photographers and adventurers. The site's remote, untouched feel is
enhanced by minimal human development, preserving its natural acoustics
and visual drama.
Fulufjället National Park, home to Njupeskär, boasts a rich
biodiversity shaped by its boreal forest and alpine zones. The
waterfall's misty environment supports rare mosses, liverworts, and
ferns along the gorge walls, including species like the endangered green
spleenwort and various lichens that thrive in the constant humidity.
Surrounding forests are dominated by ancient Norway spruce, Scots pine,
and birch, with undergrowth of bilberries, lingonberries, and
cloudberries in summer. Higher elevations feature dwarf shrubs and
alpine flowers, creating vibrant displays from June to August.
Fauna
is equally diverse: Large mammals like moose and brown bears roam the
area, while smaller species include foxes, martens, and lemmings.
Birdlife thrives with species such as the Siberian jay, black grouse,
and raptors like peregrine falcons nesting in the cliffs. The river
supports fish like brown trout and grayling, and the park is a haven for
insects, including rare butterflies adapted to the subarctic climate.
Conservation efforts protect this ecosystem, with the park banning fires
and off-trail hiking to preserve fragile habitats.
Njupeskär is accessible via a well-maintained 4 km round-trip hiking
trail from the Fulufjället Naturum visitor center near Särna, about 3
hours northwest of Stockholm by car. The path is moderately easy, with
wooden boardwalks and stairs leading to a viewing platform at the base,
though it's not wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain and steps.
Entry to the national park is free, but guided tours (around 100-200
SEK) are available seasonally for deeper insights. The best time to
visit is summer (June-August) for full flow and wildflowers, or winter
for frozen views, though trails may be icy.
Facilities include
parking, restrooms, and a café at the Naturum center, which offers
exhibits on the park's ecology. Tips: Wear sturdy shoes and rain gear,
as the mist can make paths slippery; bring insect repellent in summer.
Allow 2-3 hours for the hike; avoid peak tourist times for solitude.
Combine with nearby attractions like the Old Tjikko spruce (world's
oldest clonal tree) or cross-country skiing in winter. Official website:
www.sverigesnationalparker.se for updates and bookings.