Sarek National Park
District

Sarek National Park

Sweden's last wilderness for serious mountain adventurers

Sarek National Park isn't for weekend warriors. This 2,000-square-kilometer slice of Swedish Lapland has no marked trails, no huts, and definitely no hand-holding. It's raw wilderness where you navigate by compass and sleep under the midnight sun. The Sami call it "Europe's last wilderness" — and they're not exaggerating. Here, 200 peaks rise above 1,800 meters, six glaciers carve through ancient valleys, and the only sounds are your footsteps and maybe a golden eagle overhead. But here's the thing: if you're ready for it, Sarek delivers the kind of mountain experience that changes you.

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Look, there are no official trails in Sarek. That's the point. The Kungsleden (King's Trail) skirts the park's eastern border, giving you access points at Kvikkjokk and Saltoluokta. From there, you're on your own. The classic route follows the Rapa Valley, where reindeer paths and your own navigation skills guide you through 20 kilometers of tundra and river crossings. Experienced hikers tackle the Sarektjåkkå massif — Sweden's second-highest peak at 2,089 meters. But seriously, this isn't beginner territory. You need solid map and compass skills, river-crossing experience, and the ability to handle weather that can turn nasty in minutes. Most visitors spend 5-7 days here, though some ambitious souls attempt 2-week traverses.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Buy groceries in Jokkmokk or Gällivare — prices triple at mountain stations
  • 2.Rent gear from Saltoluokta Fjällstation instead of buying if you're testing equipment
  • 3.Take the overnight train to Gällivare (around 600 SEK) to avoid expensive flights to Kiruna
  • 4.Pack extra food for weather delays — getting stuck costs way more than carrying extra weight
  • 5.Consider splitting helicopter costs with other hikers if accessing remote entry points

Travel Tips

  • •Download offline maps to your phone as backup — GPS batteries die in cold weather
  • •Practice river crossing techniques before you go — Sarek's streams are no joke
  • •Bring extra socks and underwear — wet feet lead to miserable days
  • •Start your hike early morning to maximize daylight for navigation
  • •Cache emergency food at strategic points if planning long traverses
  • •Learn basic Sami place names — they often describe terrain features that help with navigation
  • •Test all gear at home first — discovering broken zippers in a storm isn't fun

Frequently Asked Questions

Not required, but recommended for first-time visitors. Sarek has no marked trails and weather can turn dangerous quickly. Several companies in Jokkmokk offer guided trips, or you can hire local Sami guides who know the traditional routes.

Explore Sarek National Park

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