Storforsen
One of the largest unregulated rapids in Europe - a thundering half-kilometre of whitewater and polished rock on a northern river.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
Storforsen is a colossal set of rapids on the Pite river in northern Sweden, dropping 82 metres along some five kilometres of thundering whitewater, steepest at the main falls, one of the largest untamed rapids in Europe. Boardwalks and a nature reserve let visitors walk out over and beside the roaring water and its wildly polished rocks.
What you actually see
- The rapids - the vast thundering whitewater dropping across the river.
- The boardwalks - the walkways out over and beside the torrent.
- The Dead Falls - the old dry channel of smooth potholed rock beside the rapids.
- The forest reserve - the pine wood and river landscape around.
When to go
Late spring and early summer for the highest, most thunderous flow from snowmelt; the rapids run all summer. Any clear day suits the walk.
Honest expectations
It is a powerful natural spectacle rather than a graceful waterfall, so come for raw force and scale. It is far north, a real drive from most places. The rocks are slippery and the water lethal, so keep to the boardwalks.
Nearby
Alvsbyn and the Swedish Lapland coast are the region; the Lulea archipelago lies to the east.
What to pack for Storforsen
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
