Photo: @thecommonwandererStorforsen, part of the Pite River, is Europe’s largest unbound rapids. They are located 40 kilometres west of Älvsbyn on road 374, with a restaurant and museum that are open during summer. The rapids thunder with a mighty power that has fascinated people for many, many years. Several viewpoints along the rapids are easily accessible through walkways and ramps. Apart from the rapids themselves, you can also see the ‘Dead Fall’, ravines and several rare plants found in the area. If you want to stay overnight Hotel Storforsen is a comfortable option located right next to the wild rapids.
Photo: Daniel OlaussonOn the western peak of Dundret mountain, just a few minutes by car from central Gällivare, you can see an eleventh of Sweden’s surface in clear conditions. The view is magical, in other words, especially at night from the beginning of June to the middle of July when it is lit by the midnight sun. The entire mountain is a nature reserve with rich flora. The road takes you all the way up to the western peak. Park your car and take the opportunity to explore the mountain along some of the signposted trails.
Photo: Mikael NilssonThe largest grazing marsh in the Nordic countries, Vasikkavuoma, is located some 10 kilometres from Pajala and has been used by local farmers for more than 200 years. Conservation work is underway to preserve the marshland, today a nature reserve. Next to the marshlands is a parking area, barbecue spots and a bird tower where you can look for the more than 70 bird species found here. Narrow footbridges lead out onto the marshland and some of the restored barns where hay was stored in the past.
Photo: Ted LogartThe lighthouse at Bjuröklubb, some 25 kilometres north of Lövånger, presents you with a view of the open sea and the surrounding nature reserve. The lighthouse at Bjuröklubb was built in 1859 and is one of 25 Swedish national heritage lighthouses. By the old lighthouse, there is a café open during the summer season. You can also rent a picnic basket to enjoy on the cliffs on a sunny summer’s day. A wheelchair-accessible ramp makes the view available to everyone. You can easily get to Bjuröklubb on a local bus from Lövånger.
Photo: Carl-Johan UtsiIf you’re passing by Arjeplog, you should take the road up on the mountain Galtispuoda. This easily accessible low fjeld measures around 800 meters above sea level, and it has – to say the least – an impressive view over what is sometimes called Sweden’s only mountain archipelago. Arjeplog has over 8000 lakes, one of which is Sweden’s deepest lake: Hornavan, and over 4000 islands. The sprawling view from the top of Galtispuoda is a must for anyone visiting Arjeplog.
Photo: Ted LogartAurora Sky Station is not only the place to go for northern lights viewing during the dark months of the year, it also offers an amazing view of Abisko National Park, Torneträsk and the magnificent Lapponian Gate under the midnight sun in summer. Take the cable car up the mountain Njullá, 900 metres above the sea. Inside the Aurora Sky Station there is a small café and a souvenir shop. If you are looking for a bit of extra luxury you can book a midnight sun dinner. You can also take the train to Abisko.
