Location: Norrbotten County Map
Area: 1,970 km2 (760 sq mi)
Info: 0920 96200
Sarek National Park, located in Jokkmokk Municipality in Swedish Lapland, northern Sweden, is one of Europe's oldest national parks, established in 1909 and covering approximately 1,970 square kilometers. Often referred to as the "last wilderness of Europe," it features dramatic alpine landscapes with sharp peaks, deep U-shaped valleys, wild rivers, nearly 100 glaciers, and six of Sweden's thirteen highest mountains, including Sarektjåkkå at 2,098 meters—the second-highest peak in the country. The park is part of the larger Laponia UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized since 1996 for its outstanding natural beauty, geological significance, and cultural heritage tied to the indigenous Sami people, who have used the area for reindeer herding for centuries. With no roads, limited trails, and minimal infrastructure, Sarek is a true backcountry destination suited for experienced adventurers, offering solitude amid turbulent waters, vast deltas, and diverse ecosystems. It attracts hikers, mountaineers, and nature enthusiasts seeking immersion in untouched subarctic wilderness, though its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather demand preparation.
Sarek National Park was founded in 1909 as part of Sweden's early conservation efforts, making it one of the continent's pioneering protected areas alongside adjacent parks like Stora Sjöfallet and Padjelanta. Its establishment aimed to safeguard the region's pristine alpine environments from industrial exploitation, such as mining and hydropower development, which threatened Lapland's wild landscapes in the early 20th century. The area has long been inhabited by the Sami people, indigenous reindeer herders who have utilized Sarek's valleys and plateaus for seasonal grazing and migration routes for thousands of years, viewing the land as integral to their cultural and spiritual identity. Archaeological evidence, including ancient settlements and rock carvings, underscores this deep human connection. In 1996, Sarek was incorporated into the Laponia World Heritage Site, spanning 9,400 square kilometers, to preserve both its natural features and Sami traditions. Over the decades, the park has remained largely undeveloped, with management focused on minimal intervention to maintain its wilderness character, though climate change discussions in recent years have highlighted glacier retreat as a growing concern.
Situated at approximately 67°N latitude in Norrbotten County, Sarek National Park occupies a remote subarctic region characterized by rugged terrain, with elevations ranging from about 500 meters in the valleys to over 2,000 meters at its peaks. The landscape is dominated by long, narrow U-shaped valleys carved by ancient glaciers, turbulent rivers like the Rapaätno that form intricate deltas, and high plateaus. The park's central massif includes sharp, jagged mountains, with Sarektjåkkå as the highest point, surrounded by expansive moorlands and boulder fields. Climate is harsh, with short summers (June to September) featuring midnight sun and temperatures up to 20°C, and long winters with polar nights, heavy snowfall, and lows below -30°C. Accessibility is limited; there are no roads within the park, and entry points are via trails from neighboring areas like Kvikkjokk in the south or Saltoluokta in the east, often requiring boat crossings or helicopter access for remote sections. The terrain's inaccessibility enhances its appeal as a wilderness area, but it also poses risks from swift rivers, rockfalls, and sudden weather changes.
Sarek's geology is a testament to its ancient formation during the Caledonian orogeny around 400 million years ago, resulting in folded metamorphic rocks like gneiss and amphibolite that form its dramatic peaks and valleys. The park hosts nearly 100 glaciers, including the expansive Pårte and Mikka glaciers, which have sculpted the landscape through erosion, creating cirques, moraines, and hanging valleys. Glacial retreat due to climate change has been notable, with studies indicating a loss of up to 30% of ice mass since the mid-20th century, exposing new rock formations and altering river flows. The Rapa Valley, a key feature, exemplifies glacial troughs with its steep walls and delta systems fed by meltwater. Geological interest also stems from the park's role in the Scandinavian Caledonides, offering insights into tectonic history. No major mining has occurred, preserving the site's integrity as a natural laboratory for glaciology and geomorphology.
The park's ecology spans alpine tundra, birch forests, and wetlands, supporting a resilient subarctic ecosystem adapted to extreme conditions. Vegetation is diverse, with low-lying shrubs like dwarf birch and willow in valleys, alpine meadows blooming with wildflowers such as globe flowers and mountain avens in summer, and lichen-covered rocks on higher plateaus. Rivers and deltas foster riparian habitats rich in sedges and grasses, while mires and bogs act as carbon sinks. The absence of human infrastructure allows natural processes like wildfires and avalanches to shape the environment, promoting biodiversity. As part of Laponia, Sarek contributes to global conservation efforts, with ongoing monitoring of climate impacts, such as permafrost thaw affecting soil stability and plant distribution.
Sarek is a haven for Scandinavian wildlife, hosting large mammals such as brown bears, wolves, wolverines, lynx, and moose, which roam freely in its remote expanses. Reindeer, managed by Sami herders, are abundant, migrating through valleys. Bird species include golden eagles, gyrfalcons, ptarmigans, and rough-legged buzzards, with wetlands attracting waders like red-necked phalaropes. Smaller animals, such as Arctic foxes and lemmings, thrive in the tundra, while rivers support fish like Arctic char. The park's predator-prey dynamics remain intact due to low human disturbance, though climate change poses threats to species like the wolverine, dependent on snow cover. Sightings are common for patient observers, emphasizing Sarek's role as a biodiversity hotspot.
Key attractions include the Rapa Valley with its meandering river and delta landscapes, the piercing peaks of the Sarek massif for climbing, and glacial hikes to viewpoints like Skierfe for panoramic vistas. Hiking is the primary activity, with unmarked trails demanding navigation skills; popular routes include the Kungsleden trail skirting the edges and multi-day traverses through valleys like Alkavagge. Mountaineering targets summits like Sarektjåkkå, while packrafting on rivers offers adventurous exploration. Winter activities encompass ski touring and snowshoeing amid aurora borealis. Sami cultural experiences, such as guided reindeer herding tours, provide educational insights. Regulations prohibit fires, camping in sensitive areas, and drones to protect the environment, with visitors advised to follow "leave no trace" principles.
As of 2025, Sarek National Park remains fully protected and accessible, managed by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with Sami communities to balance conservation and traditional land use. Visitor numbers are moderate, around 2,000-3,000 annually, due to its remoteness, with no major infrastructure changes. Ongoing challenges include accelerating glacier melt from climate change, prompting research initiatives on ecosystem resilience. The park is open year-round, but summer (July-August) is peak season for hiking, with permits not required but safety registrations recommended. Recent efforts focus on sustainable tourism, including digital trail apps and environmental education, ensuring Sarek's wilderness endures as a symbol of untouched nature.