The park supports diverse wildlife adapted to subarctic conditions. Large mammals include moose, reindeer, and occasional brown bears. The bird population features ptarmigan, rough-legged buzzards, and golden eagles. Several rare butterfly species can be found during summer months, while the lakes and streams host Arctic char and brown trout.
Mountain birch forest dominates the lower elevations, creating one of Sweden's largest continuous birch woodland areas. Above the tree line, the vegetation transitions to alpine heath featuring hardy species like dwarf birch, crowberry, and various lichens. During the brief summer, the landscape comes alive with Arctic flowers including mountain avens, Alpine bearberry, and purple saxifrage.
The park's landscape was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in characteristic U-shaped valleys and cirque lakes. The dominant feature is Mount Pieljekaise, reaching 1,138 meters above sea level. The bedrock consists primarily of hard, resistant quartzite and mica schist, which has influenced the mountain's distinctive profile and the surrounding terrain's rugged character.
Established in 1909, Pieljekaise National Park was created to preserve the region's unique mountain birch forests and Sami cultural heritage. The area has been traditionally used by Sami reindeer herders for centuries, with ancient paths and cultural sites still visible today. The park's name comes from the Sami language, with 'Pielje' referring to the distinctive ear-shaped mountain that dominates the landscape.
The park's most distinctive landmark is Mount Pieljekaise itself, offering panoramic views across the surrounding wilderness. The extensive network of marked hiking trails includes sections of the famous Kungsleden trail. Traditional Sami settlements and reindeer migration routes add cultural significance, while pristine mountain lakes and streams provide opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.
Pieljekaise National Park experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Average winter temperatures range from -10°C to -15°C, while summer temperatures typically reach 10-15°C. The park receives significant snowfall from October through May, with snow-free conditions generally occurring only from June to September. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous terrain, and visitors should be prepared for sudden shifts in temperature and precipitation regardless of season.
Sweden
66.3830°, 16.7170°
1909
153.4
Pieljekaise National Park is characterized by its mountain birch forests and alpine environment. The park is named after the Pieljekaise mountain and is an important area for reindeer husbandry. Its landscape features gentle slopes and valleys typical of the Swedish mountains.