Pieljekaise National Park | National Parks Association

Pieljekaise Overview

Pieljekaise National Park, known as Pieljekaise Nationalpark in Swedish, is a remote and breathtakingly beautiful protected area in northern Sweden, located in Norrbotten County within the Arctic Circle.

Covering approximately 61 square miles (160 square kilometers), this park is characterized by rolling hills, alpine tundra, and vast expanses of birch forests. The park’s name, Pieljekaise, comes from the mountain that dominates its landscape, with a gently sloping summit that offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

The park is a part of the Laponia region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it serves as an important refuge for wildlife and a crucial area for the indigenous Sámi people, who have lived in the region for centuries.

The terrain of Pieljekaise National Park is shaped by ancient geological processes, featuring undulating hills and rugged highland areas interspersed with lush valleys. One of the park’s most striking features is its extensive birch forests, which thrive in the subarctic climate.

These forests provide a stark contrast to the open tundra found at higher elevations, where low-lying shrubs, lichens, and hardy grasses dominate the landscape. During the short summer season, the park bursts into life with wildflowers carpeting the meadows, creating a stunning spectacle of color.

Numerous small lakes and streams are scattered throughout the park, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. The waterways also contribute to the park’s serene and unspoiled atmosphere, reflecting the dramatic mountain scenery.

Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Pieljekaise National Park may encounter a variety of species that have adapted to the harsh Arctic conditions. Among the most iconic mammals found in the park are reindeer, which roam freely as part of Sámi-managed herds. The park is also home to moose, red foxes, and wolverines, elusive predators that thrive in the remote wilderness.

Birdwatchers can look forward to spotting species such as the Siberian jay, willow ptarmigan, and rough-legged buzzard. The park’s lakes and wetlands also attract migratory birds, including various species of ducks and waders, making it an important area for bird conservation.

Visitors are drawn to Pieljekaise National Park for its sense of solitude and unspoiled natural beauty. Unlike some of Sweden’s more accessible parks, Pieljekaise is relatively untouched by tourism, offering a true wilderness experience. The Kungsleden, or King’s Trail, one of Sweden’s most famous long-distance hiking routes, runs close to the park, and a marked trail passes through its interior, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in its pristine environment.

The park is particularly popular among those seeking a peaceful and scenic trekking experience, with opportunities for multi-day hikes and backcountry camping. Winter visitors can experience the park under a thick blanket of snow, engaging in activities such as snowshoeing or ski touring.

Conservation efforts in Pieljekaise National Park focus on maintaining its fragile ecosystems and protecting the cultural heritage of the Sámi people. The park is managed with minimal human interference to preserve its wilderness character.

One of the main challenges facing the park is climate change, which threatens to alter the delicate balance of its subarctic ecosystems. Despite these challenges, the park remains a stronghold for biodiversity, and its protection ensures that future generations will continue to experience the untouched beauty of Sweden’s Arctic landscapes.

Park Map

Pieljekaise National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Pieljekaise National Park is home to a variety of bird species that thrive in its boreal forests, alpine meadows, and tundra landscapes. Many of these birds are adapted to the harsh Arctic environment, displaying remarkable survival skills.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A powerful and majestic bird of prey, the golden eagle soars over the park’s rugged terrain, hunting for hares and smaller birds. Its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight make it one of the top avian predators.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The largest falcon in the world, the gyrfalcon is a skilled hunter that preys on ptarmigans and other birds. It thrives in the Arctic tundra and is known for its speed and agility.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
This iconic owl is well adapted to life in the Arctic, with its white plumage providing excellent camouflage in snowy landscapes. It primarily hunts lemmings and small mammals.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
A master of camouflage, the willow ptarmigan changes color with the seasons to blend into its surroundings. It inhabits the park’s lowland forests and tundra.

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
Closely related to the willow ptarmigan, the rock ptarmigan prefers higher elevations and rocky terrain. Like its cousin, it undergoes seasonal plumage changes.

Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)
Unlike most owls, the Northern hawk owl is active during the day. It hunts small mammals and birds, using its keen vision to spot prey from high perches.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
One of the largest owls in the region, the great grey owl is known for its distinctive facial disk and silent flight. It hunts rodents in the park’s dense forests.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Highly intelligent and adaptable, the raven is a frequent sight in the park. It scavenges for food and often follows predators to take advantage of leftovers.

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
This woodpecker thrives in the boreal forests, feeding on insects found in tree bark. Its drumming sound can often be heard in the quiet wilderness.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
A symbol of the wild north, the whooper swan breeds in the park’s wetlands during the summer. Its distinctive calls and graceful presence make it a highlight for birdwatchers.

Pieljekaise National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to witness some of Sweden’s most iconic species in their natural habitat.

Popular

Pieljekaise National Park, located in northern Sweden, is a remote and pristine wilderness known for its mountainous terrain, alpine meadows, and extensive boreal forests. This park is home to a variety of Arctic and subarctic wildlife, offering a glimpse into the unique ecosystems of Lapland.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
A powerful and elusive predator, the brown bear roams the forests and valleys of Pieljekaise. It primarily feeds on berries, roots, insects, and small mammals but is also an opportunistic hunter and scavenger.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This solitary feline is one of the top predators in the park, preying on hares, rodents, and occasionally young reindeer. Its thick fur and keen eyesight allow it to survive in the harsh northern climate.

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Wolves are occasionally spotted in the park, moving in small packs as they hunt reindeer and smaller mammals. Their presence is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A rare but formidable resident of Pieljekaise, the wolverine is a scavenger and predator known for its strength and endurance. It can travel great distances in search of food.

Moose (Alces alces)
The largest land mammal in Sweden, the moose thrives in the park’s wetlands and forests. It feeds on aquatic plants, shrubs, and tree bark, and is a key species in the ecosystem.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
These semi-domesticated animals are closely associated with the Indigenous Sámi people, who herd them throughout Lapland. They graze on lichens and shrubs and are well-adapted to the Arctic environment.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
This adaptable predator is a common sight in the park, hunting small mammals and birds while also scavenging for food. Its thick fur provides insulation against the cold.

Arctic Hare (Lepus timidus)
Well-camouflaged for the changing seasons, the Arctic hare turns white in winter and brown in summer. It is an important prey species for lynx, foxes, and birds of prey.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
Found in the park’s rivers and lakes, the European otter is an excellent swimmer and primarily feeds on fish. Its presence indicates the high water quality of the park’s aquatic ecosystems.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)
Closely related to the Arctic hare, the mountain hare also undergoes seasonal color changes. It plays a crucial role in the park’s food web, supporting many predators.

Birds

Pieljekaise National Park is home to a variety of bird species that thrive in its boreal forests, alpine meadows, and tundra landscapes. Many of these birds are adapted to the harsh Arctic environment, displaying remarkable survival skills.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A powerful and majestic bird of prey, the golden eagle soars over the park’s rugged terrain, hunting for hares and smaller birds. Its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight make it one of the top avian predators.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The largest falcon in the world, the gyrfalcon is a skilled hunter that preys on ptarmigans and other birds. It thrives in the Arctic tundra and is known for its speed and agility.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
This iconic owl is well adapted to life in the Arctic, with its white plumage providing excellent camouflage in snowy landscapes. It primarily hunts lemmings and small mammals.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
A master of camouflage, the willow ptarmigan changes color with the seasons to blend into its surroundings. It inhabits the park’s lowland forests and tundra.

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
Closely related to the willow ptarmigan, the rock ptarmigan prefers higher elevations and rocky terrain. Like its cousin, it undergoes seasonal plumage changes.

Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)
Unlike most owls, the Northern hawk owl is active during the day. It hunts small mammals and birds, using its keen vision to spot prey from high perches.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
One of the largest owls in the region, the great grey owl is known for its distinctive facial disk and silent flight. It hunts rodents in the park’s dense forests.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Highly intelligent and adaptable, the raven is a frequent sight in the park. It scavenges for food and often follows predators to take advantage of leftovers.

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
This woodpecker thrives in the boreal forests, feeding on insects found in tree bark. Its drumming sound can often be heard in the quiet wilderness.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
A symbol of the wild north, the whooper swan breeds in the park’s wetlands during the summer. Its distinctive calls and graceful presence make it a highlight for birdwatchers.

Pieljekaise National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to witness some of Sweden’s most iconic species in their natural habitat.

Popular

Pieljekaise National Park, located in northern Sweden, is a remote and pristine wilderness known for its mountainous terrain, alpine meadows, and extensive boreal forests. This park is home to a variety of Arctic and subarctic wildlife, offering a glimpse into the unique ecosystems of Lapland.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
A powerful and elusive predator, the brown bear roams the forests and valleys of Pieljekaise. It primarily feeds on berries, roots, insects, and small mammals but is also an opportunistic hunter and scavenger.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This solitary feline is one of the top predators in the park, preying on hares, rodents, and occasionally young reindeer. Its thick fur and keen eyesight allow it to survive in the harsh northern climate.

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Wolves are occasionally spotted in the park, moving in small packs as they hunt reindeer and smaller mammals. Their presence is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A rare but formidable resident of Pieljekaise, the wolverine is a scavenger and predator known for its strength and endurance. It can travel great distances in search of food.

Moose (Alces alces)
The largest land mammal in Sweden, the moose thrives in the park’s wetlands and forests. It feeds on aquatic plants, shrubs, and tree bark, and is a key species in the ecosystem.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
These semi-domesticated animals are closely associated with the Indigenous Sámi people, who herd them throughout Lapland. They graze on lichens and shrubs and are well-adapted to the Arctic environment.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
This adaptable predator is a common sight in the park, hunting small mammals and birds while also scavenging for food. Its thick fur provides insulation against the cold.

Arctic Hare (Lepus timidus)
Well-camouflaged for the changing seasons, the Arctic hare turns white in winter and brown in summer. It is an important prey species for lynx, foxes, and birds of prey.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
Found in the park’s rivers and lakes, the European otter is an excellent swimmer and primarily feeds on fish. Its presence indicates the high water quality of the park’s aquatic ecosystems.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)
Closely related to the Arctic hare, the mountain hare also undergoes seasonal color changes. It plays a crucial role in the park’s food web, supporting many predators.

Birds

Pieljekaise National Park is home to a variety of bird species that thrive in its boreal forests, alpine meadows, and tundra landscapes. Many of these birds are adapted to the harsh Arctic environment, displaying remarkable survival skills.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A powerful and majestic bird of prey, the golden eagle soars over the park’s rugged terrain, hunting for hares and smaller birds. Its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight make it one of the top avian predators.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The largest falcon in the world, the gyrfalcon is a skilled hunter that preys on ptarmigans and other birds. It thrives in the Arctic tundra and is known for its speed and agility.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
This iconic owl is well adapted to life in the Arctic, with its white plumage providing excellent camouflage in snowy landscapes. It primarily hunts lemmings and small mammals.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
A master of camouflage, the willow ptarmigan changes color with the seasons to blend into its surroundings. It inhabits the park’s lowland forests and tundra.

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
Closely related to the willow ptarmigan, the rock ptarmigan prefers higher elevations and rocky terrain. Like its cousin, it undergoes seasonal plumage changes.

Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)
Unlike most owls, the Northern hawk owl is active during the day. It hunts small mammals and birds, using its keen vision to spot prey from high perches.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
One of the largest owls in the region, the great grey owl is known for its distinctive facial disk and silent flight. It hunts rodents in the park’s dense forests.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Highly intelligent and adaptable, the raven is a frequent sight in the park. It scavenges for food and often follows predators to take advantage of leftovers.

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
This woodpecker thrives in the boreal forests, feeding on insects found in tree bark. Its drumming sound can often be heard in the quiet wilderness.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
A symbol of the wild north, the whooper swan breeds in the park’s wetlands during the summer. Its distinctive calls and graceful presence make it a highlight for birdwatchers.

Pieljekaise National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to witness some of Sweden’s most iconic species in their natural habitat.

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