Haparanda Archipelago National Park

Haparanda Archipelago Overview

Haparanda Archipelago National Park, known in Swedish as Haparanda Skärgårds Nationalpark, is a remote and pristine protected area in northern Sweden, located in the Bothnian Bay near the Finnish border.

Covering approximately 23 square miles (60 square kilometers), this national park consists of a cluster of islands, with Sandskär being the largest and most well-known. Established in 1995, the park is part of Sweden’s broader effort to preserve its unique coastal and marine ecosystems.

The park lies within Norrbotten County, making it one of the northernmost national parks in the country. The archipelago is shaped by post-glacial land uplift, which continues to create new islands and reshape the landscape over time.

The park’s landscape is dominated by low-lying islands, sandy beaches, and coastal meadows, with occasional rocky shorelines and lagoons. Sandskär Island, the highlight of the park, is known for its expansive dunes and rare sand formations, shaped by winds and waves. The land here is still rising by approximately 8 millimeters per year due to post-glacial rebound, meaning new land is continuously being exposed.

The park also features shallow bays, rich wetland areas, and dense stands of Scots pine, birch, and dwarf shrubs, which provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife. In late summer, the park is dotted with vibrant wildflowers and cloudberries, a northern delicacy that thrives in the moist terrain.

The wildlife in Haparanda Archipelago National Park is well-adapted to its northern latitude. It serves as an important nesting site for seabirds and waterfowl, including Arctic terns, ospreys, and sea eagles. The shallow waters around the islands attract migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers during the spring and summer months.

The marine environment is home to gray seals and ringed seals, which can often be spotted basking on the coastal rocks or swimming in the cold waters. Moose occasionally wander onto the islands, particularly during winter when ice forms temporary bridges between the mainland and the park.

The surrounding waters also support populations of fish such as pike, perch, and whitefish, which are important both for the ecosystem and local fishing traditions.

Sandskär Island is the park’s most visited destination, offering a range of activities for nature enthusiasts. The island has well-maintained hiking trails, including routes that lead through forested areas, sandy beaches, and open meadows. Kayaking and boating are among the best ways to explore the archipelago, as the shallow and protected waters allow for close encounters with nature.

In winter, the park transforms into a wilderness for ice skating, skiing, and even snowmobiling, as the frozen sea connects the islands to the mainland. Due to its location near the Arctic Circle, visitors may also experience the midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter, adding to the park’s unique appeal.

Conservation efforts in the park focus on preserving its fragile coastal and marine ecosystems. Land uplift continues to alter the landscape, and climate change poses a long-term challenge, particularly for ice-dependent species such as the ringed seal.

However, Sweden has been proactive in managing its national parks, ensuring that human activities do not threaten the biodiversity of the area. Sustainable tourism initiatives, including regulated boat access and designated camping areas, help protect the islands while allowing visitors to experience their natural beauty.

Conservation programs also support bird monitoring and marine life protection, ensuring that the archipelago remains a thriving habitat for its diverse wildlife.

Park Map

Haparanda Archipelago National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Haparanda Archipelago National Park, located in the northernmost part of the Baltic Sea in Sweden, is a unique coastal environment composed of shifting sandbanks, shallow waters, and a collection of islands formed by post-glacial rebound. The park is known for its dynamic landscapes and rich wildlife, with several species adapted to the harsh conditions of the subarctic marine environment.

Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)
One of the most common marine mammals in the park, the grey seal can often be seen basking on the rocky shores or swimming in the waters. They are large, with a distinctively long snout and a thick layer of blubber that helps them endure the cold climate.

Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida)
Smaller than the grey seal, the ringed seal is well adapted to Arctic and subarctic waters. It relies on sea ice for breeding and is an excellent diver, capable of staying underwater for extended periods while hunting for fish and crustaceans.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
This elusive semi-aquatic mammal can be spotted along the coastlines and river estuaries of the park. It has a streamlined body, webbed feet, and dense fur that helps it stay warm in the cold waters.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A rare sight in the park, the Eurasian lynx is a solitary predator that roams the forests near the coastline. It is characterized by its tufted ears, large paws, and thick fur, which provide excellent insulation against the cold.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)
The mountain hare is well adapted to the changing seasons, with its fur turning white in winter to blend in with the snow. It is a key prey species for many of the park’s predators.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
An invasive species in Sweden, the raccoon dog has adapted well to coastal and forested environments. Originally from East Asia, it has a thick coat and scavenging habits that allow it to survive in harsh climates.

Moose (Alces alces)
Moose occasionally wander into the park from the mainland, particularly in winter when the sea ice provides a bridge. These massive herbivores feed on aquatic vegetation and coastal shrubs.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
A common predator in the park, the red fox is highly adaptable and preys on small mammals, birds, and even marine invertebrates found along the shorelines.

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
While primarily found in forested areas, the European hedgehog can also be seen in coastal meadows where it forages for insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.

Western Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Occasionally present in the park’s wooded areas, roe deer are agile and cautious herbivores that rely on dense vegetation for cover from predators.

Birds

Haparanda Archipelago National Park is also home to a diverse range of bird species, as the islands and surrounding waters provide important breeding and resting grounds for seabirds and migratory species.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
One of the most abundant seabirds in the park, the common eider is a large sea duck known for its soft down feathers, which are used to insulate nests. It feeds mainly on mollusks and crustaceans.

Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
A strikingly patterned diving duck, the long-tailed duck is often seen in flocks on the open waters. It dives deep to catch small fish and invertebrates.

Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
This small seabird is easily recognizable by its black plumage with white wing patches and bright red feet. It nests on rocky shorelines and feeds on fish and crustaceans.

Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
Known for its long migration from the Arctic to the Antarctic, the Arctic tern breeds in the park’s coastal habitats. It is highly territorial and fiercely defends its nesting areas.

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Similar to the Arctic tern but slightly less migratory, the common tern is a graceful seabird that hovers over the water before diving to catch fish.

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
A dominant presence along the park’s shores, the herring gull is an opportunistic feeder that scavenges for fish, invertebrates, and human food scraps.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
This large, dark waterbird is a skilled diver, often seen perched on rocks with its wings spread out to dry after hunting for fish.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle can be seen soaring over the archipelago in search of fish or waterfowl.

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
A striking duck with a thin, serrated bill adapted for catching fish, the red-breasted merganser is often spotted in coastal waters.

Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
This black-and-white shorebird, with its long, bright orange bill, is commonly seen along the rocky and sandy beaches probing for shellfish and worms.

The combination of marine and terrestrial habitats in Haparanda Archipelago National Park creates an exceptional environment for a wide variety of wildlife. The park’s remote location and protected status help preserve its fragile ecosystem, making it an important refuge for both resident and migratory species.