Stora Sjöfallet National ParkAbout Stora Sjöfallet National Park
Stora Sjöfallet National Park is a protected mountain and wetland landscape in Norrbotten County, northern Sweden, and one of the older Swedish national parks. It contains alpine valleys, glaciers and formerly large waterfalls that gave the park its name.
Glaciated valleys, mountain plateaus and tundra ecosystems, with opportunities for long hikes, wildlife observation and experiencing remote Arctic landscapes. The former waterfall at Stora Sjöfallet and the park’s glaciers and cirques are among the main natural attractions.
The park was established in the early 20th century and later adjusted in size; it now forms part of the larger Laponia UNESCO World Heritage area that recognizes both natural values and continuing Sami reindeer pastoralism. River regulation for hydroelectric development in the 20th century changed parts of the park’s hydrology, notably reducing the flow over the historic falls.
Geographically the park sits in Swedish Lapland within Jokkmokk/Ritsem vicinity in Norrbotten County, above the Arctic Circle. The terrain is mountainous and remote, with the nearest small settlements serving as trailheads for multi-day trekking into the park.
- World Heritage and Sami land: Part of the Laponia UNESCO World Heritage area, the park contains glaciated landscapes and is within the traditional reindeer herding territory of the Sami.
- Altered waterfall flow: Hydroelectric regulation in the 20th century significantly reduced the natural flow of the Stora Sjöfallet waterfall, altering the park’s historic water landscape.
What to See#
- Stora Sjöfallet waterfall area: The namesake waterfall and steep mountain valleys formed by glacial action, historically one of the largest falls in northern Sweden though its flow has been reduced by river regulation in the 20th century.
- Glacial valleys and plateaus: High mountain plateaus, glaciers and alpine valleys that are representative of Arctic mountain environments and support tundra flora and reindeer grazing.
- Ritsem access point: Access points and trailheads near the small settlement of Ritsem, which is commonly used as a base for walks into the park and the surrounding Laponian area.
Best Time to Visit Stora Sjöfallet National Park
Summer brings the most accessible conditions (long days, open trails); winter is for experienced snow travelers.
Weather & Climate near Stora Sjöfallet National Park
Stora Sjöfallet National Park's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -15°C to 16°C. Moderate rainfall (581 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -15° - -7° | -17° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 97% | 3.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.8h |
| February | Poor | -15° - -7° | -18° | 38 mm | overcast | 97% | 4.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
| March | Poor | -12° - -4° | -14° | 30 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.4h |
| April | Poor | -7° - 1° | -8° | 26 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.8 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 15.4h |
| May | Poor | -1° - 6° | -1° | 34 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 19.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 6° | 47 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.7 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 23.9h |
| July | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 82 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 21.6h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 67 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.8h |
| September | Poor | 3° - 8° | 3° | 57 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 12.9h |
| October | Poor | -2° - 2° | -4° | 54 mm | overcast | 97% | 3.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| November | Poor | -8° - -2° | -10° | 48 mm | overcast | 98% | 3.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.7h |
| December | Poor | -12° - -5° | -15° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 98% | 3.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 0.3h |
How to Get to Stora Sjöfallet National Park
Main access points are via Ritsem (road from Gällivare) or via Kvikkjokk (road from Jokkmokk). Long-distance buses and regional flights to Gällivare or Jokkmokk are the starting options; from there local transfers reach trailheads. Expect long drives on remote roads.
Tips for Visiting Stora Sjöfallet National Park
- Summer: bring insect repellent - marshes and rivers attract midges.
- Winter: if planning to ski or snowshoe, check park advisories and avalanche warnings.
- The remote nature paths are best navigated with a map and compass; mobile signal is patchy - tell someone your route before heading out.