Sarek National Park is the largest area of unspoiled wilderness in Europe — a vast, roadless mountain kingdom in Swedish Lapland where 2,000-metre peaks, massive glaciers, and deeply carved U-shaped valleys create a landscape so rugged and remote that it has been called “Europe’s last wilderness.” Part of the Laponian Area UNESCO World Heritage site, Sarek is not for casual tourists: there are no marked trails, no mountain huts, and no facilities — just 200 peaks, 100 glaciers, and some of the most spectacular trekking on the continent for experienced backcountry hikers.
Quick Facts: Sarek National Park, Sweden
- Best time to visit: Late June–early September for summer trekking; July–August for 24-hour daylight; March–April for ski touring
- Size: 1,970 km² — larger than Greater London, with no roads, no trails, and no mobile phone coverage
- How to get there: ~2 hours from Kiruna by car to the trailhead at Ritsem or Kvikkjokk; both are reachable by bus in summer; the nearest road is the famous Wilderness Road (Vildmarksvägen)
- Experience required: Sarek is for experienced, self-sufficient wilderness trekkers only — you must carry all food, navigate by map and compass, and ford glacial rivers
Sarek National Park is Sweden’s second largest national park bordering Padjelanta national park which is located 20 km from Kvikkjokk. It is the largest area of unspoilt countryside in Europe. There are mountains, glaciers, deep valleys, rich flora and fauna. In the park there are no shelters for tourists, hunting and fishing is forbidden.
The national park is popular with hikers and mountaineers, but not suitable for beginners. Sarek National Park has no marked trails, no accommodation possibilities.
Sarek National Park was established in 1909 (in this year the first national parks in Europe have been established) and protects nearly 2000 km2 of wilderness.
Sarek National Park is best reached from Kvikkjokk. Another way is by ship from Ritsema on the north side through the lake Akkajaure. Whether you choose any path you will get into absolute wilderness. You will find here more than 100 peaks that are higher than 1,800 meters and over a hundred glaciers.
View Sarek National Park in Sweden – largest area of unspoilt nature in Europe in a larger map
Have you trekked in Sarek or explored Swedish Lapland’s wilderness? Share your Arctic adventures in the comments! 🏔️
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