Explore Sweden’s largest forest national park, a stunning stretch of wilderness that’s part of the Laponian World Heritage Site.
Muddus National Park encompasses 193 square miles (500 square kilometres) of old pine forests, ravines, marshlands and gorges. The Muddusjokk River flows through the park, feeding its dramatic 138-foot (42-metre) high waterfall. In winter, this landscape is blanketed with thick white snow and during the summer the sun never sets. Follow the park’s well-marked trails, which are ideal for beginners as well as more experienced hikers, and admire this spectacular landscape.
This park plays an important role in the mythology of the indigenous Sami people of Lapland. Find Sweden’s oldest pine tree, which is thought to be over 700 years old. Arrange a guided trek through the park with a local tour company. Some tours involve travelling the traditional way, with reindeer carrying your bags for you.
Put on your hiking boots and start exploring. One of the most popular ways to experience Muddus National Park is to trek through the landscape over the course of several days. Look for lynx, bears, weasels, hares, elk, reindeer and other wildlife along the way.
Two of the park’s most popular hiking trails are the 15-mile (24-kilometre) long Skaite–Muddusfallet–Måskoskårså–Skaite and longer Skaite–Muddueluobbal–Manson–Skaite. Both trails end at the village of Skaite, passing the lovely Muddus Falls en route. Find small huts periodically along these two trail loops where you can rest. These huts are open during the summer, but in winter you need to get the keys ahead of time from the tourist information offices in Gällivare or Jokkmokk. Browse the information packages left for tourists in these huts. The packages , which include practical information about the park as well as myths and legends associated with it.
Muddus National Park stretches over the Jokkmokk and Gällivare municipalities. Find it 12 miles (20 kilometres) north of Jokkmokk. Get here by bus from Gällivare. Tourist facilities are limited, so bring enough food, water and any other supplies you may need for your trek. Hiking conditions are best in July and early August.
Wildlife watch as you walk along the trails of this beautiful national park.
