Sarek

Sarek National Park has deep, narrow valleys between high peaks, several over 2,000 metres above sea level – it is an impressive sight. The landscape is stunningly beautiful, a real wilderness. Walking here requires experience as there are no marked paths or mountain refuge huts.

Sarek is a challenging area, open to the elements and not without risks to walkers. If you plan to walk here, you really should have knowledge and expertise of using a map and compass. In addition, you should be used to walking with a heavier load since more goes into your backpack when you have to carry a tent, a sleeping bag and food supplies along the way. But the rewards are substantial – the magnificent experience you’ll have of the deserted Sarek area is hard to beat.

There are many permutations of the Sarek route you can arrange, and there are stretches that people quite frequently visit. The valleys that make up the entrances to the national park are particularly popular. Saltoluokta is one of several starting points. From here you can reach valleys such as Pastavagge and Pielaslätten – which some people call the heart of Sarek – within a couple of days’ walking.

Walkers who start at Kvikkjokk often take the Kungsleden walking trail northwards so as to make their way via STF Aktse into the Rapadalen and then into Routesvagge. STF Aktse is also two days’ walk from the STF Saltoluokta Mountain Station.

Another popular option is to start at Sourva. This takes you to the central parts of Sarek. The easiest way to get to Sarek from the north is from the Padjelantaleden trail. The route starts with a boat trip from Ritsem over Lake Akkajaure. This is a route with an impressive approach at the foot of the “queen of Lapland” – the Áhkká massif, which rises to 2,015 metres above sea level. A further possibility is to get from Kvikkjokk or Ritsem to Staloluokta (in Padjelanta) by air and start the Sarek route from there.

Sarek is a reindeer herding area for many Sámi herding districts, so walkers are asked to treat it with respect and consideration. You should also be aware that these areas are a natural habitat for some of our big predatory animals. Dogs are not allowed in the national park.

Directions

Bus from Gällivare to Saltoluokta, Sourva or Ritsem
Bus from Murjek to Kvikkjokk via Jokkmokk