Laponia

Laponia is a UNESCO World Heritage site of extraordinary breadth, joining several national parks including Sarek and Padjelanta into one of the largest unbroken wild areas in Europe. It is honoured for both its wild nature and for being a living cultural landscape, where the Sami still herd reindeer across the mountains as they have for millennia.

Background

The name comes from the Latin word for Lapland, and the area spreads across the municipalities of Gällivare, Arjeplog and Jokkmokk, about 9,400 square kilometres in all. Most of it had been protected since the early 20th century before UNESCO listed it in 1996, for natural and cultural values. National parks and nature reserves cover 95% of the land, including the reserves of Sjaunja and Stubba, and the remaining 5% lies in Sulitelma, Tjuoltadalen and Rapadalen. It is described as the largest unmodified natural area on earth still used by a native people, though the Sami graze reindeer on only parts of it. Sarektjåhkkå, at 2,089 metres, is the highest peak.

Source: Wikipedia, "Laponia"

What you'll find

• The joined parks - Sarek, Padjelanta, Muddus and Stora Sjofallet under one heritage.
• Sami reindeer herding - the living Indigenous culture that shapes the land.
• Mountains and old forest - from high peaks to ancient pine and vast wetland.
• The gateways - Ritsem, Saltoluokta and Kvikkjokk on the wilderness edge.

When to go

The summer from July to September for hiking and the accessible edges; winter to understand the reindeer-herding culture, though the interior is extreme. It rewards time and preparation.

Good to know

It is a huge wilderness rather than a single sight, so you experience an edge or a trail rather than the whole. The interior is for experienced trekkers only. The Sami culture at its heart is living and deserves respect, not treatment as a backdrop.

Nearby

Jokkmokk with its winter Sami market and Ajtte museum is the cultural gateway; the Kungsleden threads the area.

Key facts