The park supports a diverse array of Arctic wildlife, with reindeer being the most prominent large mammal. Other mammals include Arctic fox, wolverine, and occasional visits from brown bears. The bird life is rich, particularly during the summer breeding season, with species such as golden eagle, rough-legged buzzard, and various waders. The park's numerous lakes and wetlands provide important habitat for waterfowl, including long-tailed duck and red-throated diver. Several rare butterfly species can also be found in the park's meadows during summer.
Padjelanta's vegetation is characterized by its rich alpine meadows, particularly in areas with calcium-rich bedrock. The park hosts over 400 species of vascular plants, including rare arctic and alpine species. The lower elevations feature mountain birch forests, while higher areas display a mosaic of heath, grassland, and herb-rich meadows. Notable species include mountain avens, alpine gentian, and various orchids. The park is especially renowned for its extensive populations of alpine flowers that bloom during the brief summer season, creating spectacular carpets of color across the landscape.
The park's landscape was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in vast plateaus, U-shaped valleys, and numerous lakes. The bedrock consists primarily of Caledonian mountains formed around 400 million years ago, with significant deposits of calcium-rich rocks contributing to the area's unique flora. The park features extensive alpine plains at elevations between 700-800 meters, surrounded by peaks reaching up to 2,000 meters. Notable geological features include the Tarrekaise massif and the distinctive flat-topped mountains characteristic of the region.
Padjelanta, meaning 'the higher land' in Lulesámi, has been home to the Sámi people for thousands of years, who continue their traditional reindeer herding practices in the area. The park was established in 1962 as part of Sweden's first wave of national park creation, and in 1996 it was designated as part of the Laponian World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The area's cultural landscape reflects centuries of Sámi settlement and traditional land use, with numerous archaeological sites including ancient hearths, storage pits, and sacred sites (sieidi) scattered throughout the park.
The park's most distinctive features include Lake Virihaure and Lake Vastenjaure, two of Sweden's largest mountain lakes known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning turquoise color. The Tarrekaise massif offers dramatic mountain scenery, while the extensive alpine plains provide unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. Traditional Sámi settlements and summer camps can be found throughout the park, offering insights into indigenous culture. The Padjelantaleden trail, stretching 150 kilometers through the park, connects several mountain stations and provides the main access route for visitors exploring this remarkable wilderness.
Padjelanta experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures typically range from -10°C to -20°C, while summer temperatures average between 10°C and 15°C. The park receives significant snowfall from October to May, with snow often persisting in higher elevations well into summer. July and August offer the most favorable conditions for hiking, though visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, strong winds, and occasional summer rainfall. The park experiences the midnight sun in summer and polar nights in winter, dramatically affecting daylight hours throughout the year.
Sweden
67.4170°, 16.7170°
1962
1984
Padjelanta is Sweden's largest national park and part of the Laponian World Heritage area. The park features vast alpine plateaus, extensive meadows, and spectacular mountain landscapes. It is an important area for Sami culture and reindeer herding, with rich alpine flora and fauna.