Pieljekaise National Park

Pieljekaise was declared in 1909 specifically to protect mountain birch forest, which was then being cut heavily for firewood and charcoal, and about a hundred and fifty square kilometres of it were set aside on the slopes below the peak that gives the park its name - Bieljihkájsse in Lule Sami, meaning the ear mountain. Birch woodland covers most of the ground, opening to fell above, with a rich flora on the calcareous soils and a good deal of wet ground. The Kungsleden crosses the park between Jackvik and Adolfstrom, which is how most people see it, and the summit at 1,138 metres can be walked from the trail.

What you actually see

• Mountain birch forest - the habitat the park was made for.
• Open fell above the birch line - and the peak at 1,138 metres.
• A rich flora on lime soils - through the woodland.
• The Kungsleden through it - between Jackvik and Adolfstrom.

When to go

July to September. A full day.

Honest expectations

There are no facilities in the park itself - huts are outside it. Ground is wet and boggy in stretches. Mosquitoes are heavy in July. Access needs the trail; there is no road inside.

Nearby

Arjeplog and the Silvermuseet are east; Adolfstrom is north-west.