Sonfjallet National Park

Sonfjallet Overview

Sonfjället National Park, known as Sonfjällets nationalpark in Swedish, is a remote and rugged wilderness area located in central Sweden, in Jämtland County.

Covering approximately 42 square miles (109 square kilometers), it is one of Sweden’s oldest national parks, established in 1909 to protect its unique mountainous landscape and thriving wildlife. The park is dominated by the Sonfjället mountain massif, which rises to a height of 4,724 feet (1,440 meters) and forms a striking backdrop to the surrounding forests and valleys.

This isolated and dramatic landscape is characterized by steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and expansive alpine plateaus, interspersed with ancient boreal forests and open heathlands. Glacial activity has shaped much of the park, leaving behind moraines, rugged ridges, and crystal-clear streams that carve through the valleys.

The vegetation in Sonfjället National Park varies with elevation, creating distinct ecological zones that support a rich diversity of plant life. Lower elevations are covered in dense pine and spruce forests, where mosses and lichens carpet the forest floor, creating an enchanting and pristine environment.

As the elevation increases, the trees gradually give way to birch woodlands, which eventually transition into alpine meadows and windswept tundra. The higher elevations of the park are characterized by exposed rock and sparse vegetation, with hardy plants such as mountain avens, alpine bearberry, and various lichens clinging to the rocky terrain.

The stark contrast between the forested valleys and the barren peaks adds to the park’s dramatic scenery, making it a visually striking and ecologically diverse landscape.

Sonfjället National Park is renowned for its wildlife, particularly its population of brown bears, which are among the most frequently sighted large mammals in the region. The park’s remote nature and dense forests provide an ideal habitat for these elusive creatures, making it one of the best places in Sweden to observe bears in the wild.

In addition to bears, the park is home to moose, lynx, red foxes, and reindeer, all of which roam freely through the forests and highlands. The presence of wolverines and mountain hares further highlights the park’s importance as a sanctuary for Sweden’s native wildlife.

Birdwatchers visiting the park can spot golden eagles soaring above the mountain ridges, while species such as Siberian jays, black grouse, and ptarmigans are commonly seen in the woodlands and alpine areas.

Visitors to Sonfjället National Park are drawn to its remote beauty and unspoiled wilderness, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and adventure. Hiking is the most popular activity, with a network of well-marked trails leading through the forests, across tundra-covered slopes, and up to the summit of Sonfjället itself, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Wildlife watching is another major attraction, particularly for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the park’s famous brown bears. In the winter months, the park transforms into a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, providing a peaceful and scenic retreat for those willing to brave the cold. The park’s lack of roads and limited infrastructure ensures that it remains an untouched and pristine environment, appealing to those seeking a true wilderness experience.

Despite its remote location, Sonfjället National Park has been successfully managed to balance conservation and public access. The park’s protected status ensures that its delicate ecosystems and wildlife remain undisturbed, with strict regulations in place to minimize human impact.

Challenges such as climate change and habitat fragmentation pose ongoing concerns, but conservation efforts have helped maintain the park’s biodiversity and ecological integrity. Through sustainable tourism practices and continued research, Sonfjället National Park remains a vital refuge for Sweden’s wildlife and a haven for nature lovers who appreciate its rugged beauty and serene landscapes.

Park Map

Sonfjallet National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Sonfjället National Park, located in central Sweden, is one of the country’s oldest national parks. Known for its rugged mountain terrain, vast forests, and open landscapes, the park provides a haven for a variety of wildlife. It is particularly famous for its healthy population of brown bears, but other large mammals and smaller creatures also thrive in this remote wilderness.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
Sonfjället is often called “the bear park” due to its significant population of brown bears. These powerful animals roam the dense forests and alpine meadows, searching for berries, insects, and small mammals. While elusive and generally avoiding humans, they are a symbol of Sweden’s wild nature.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
The Eurasian lynx is a secretive predator found in the forests of Sonfjället. This medium-sized wild cat has tufted ears and a thick, spotted coat, which helps it blend into the landscape. It preys on deer, hares, and smaller mammals, using stealth and agility to ambush its prey.

Moose (Alces alces)
The moose is one of the most iconic species in Sweden and is commonly seen in the park. These massive herbivores roam the wetlands and forests, feeding on leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants. With their impressive antlers, bull moose are particularly striking during the mating season in autumn.

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Wolves are rare but occasionally pass through Sonfjället National Park. As apex predators, they play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by keeping herbivore populations in check. They usually move in packs and have a highly developed social structure.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
The wolverine is a fierce and elusive carnivore that thrives in Sonfjället’s rugged terrain. Despite its small size compared to bears and wolves, it is an excellent scavenger and capable hunter. It often preys on weakened or dead animals left behind by larger predators.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The red fox is a common sight in the park, adapting well to a variety of habitats. With its striking reddish-orange coat and bushy tail, it hunts small mammals, birds, and even scavenges from human settlements when possible.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
This small and agile deer species can be seen grazing in the park’s meadows and forest edges. With their reddish-brown summer coats and paler winter fur, they are well-adapted to Sweden’s changing seasons. They are an important prey species for lynx and wolves.

European Badger (Meles meles)
The European badger is a nocturnal omnivore known for its distinctive black-and-white facial markings. It digs complex burrow systems called setts and feeds on a wide range of food, including earthworms, fruits, and small mammals.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)
This adaptable hare changes its coat color from brown in summer to white in winter, providing excellent camouflage in snowy conditions. It is an important prey species for predators like lynx and foxes.

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
Otters are found along the park’s rivers and lakes, where they hunt fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. These playful and agile swimmers are a sign of healthy freshwater ecosystems in Sonfjället.

Birds

Sonfjället National Park’s diverse landscapes, from dense forests to alpine meadows, support a wide variety of bird species. The park is an excellent place to spot raptors, owls, and grouse, along with migratory birds that visit during the summer months.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
This majestic raptor soars high above the park’s mountains, scanning the ground for hares, birds, and carrion. With its impressive wingspan and sharp talons, it is one of the top predators in the area.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owl species in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a powerful nocturnal hunter. Its deep hoots can be heard at night as it searches for rodents, birds, and even small foxes.

Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix)
Black grouse are known for their striking mating displays, where males gather in leks to compete for females. They inhabit the park’s forest edges and clearings, feeding on buds, leaves, and berries.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
This large woodland grouse is a symbol of Swedish boreal forests. Males are particularly impressive with their dark plumage and elaborate courtship displays in spring.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
A fierce forest predator, the northern goshawk preys on birds and small mammals. Its swift and agile flight allows it to maneuver through dense woodland with ease.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
The intelligent and adaptable raven thrives in Sonfjället, scavenging for food and sometimes hunting small prey. It is known for its deep, croaking calls and problem-solving abilities.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
This large and striking owl, with its round face and piercing yellow eyes, is an expert hunter of voles and other small rodents. It is often seen perched in trees, listening for prey beneath the snow.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
These elegant white swans are commonly found on the park’s lakes and rivers during the breeding season. Their loud, trumpeting calls and strong family bonds make them a fascinating species to observe.

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
This specialized woodpecker thrives in old-growth coniferous forests, where it feeds on insects hidden beneath tree bark. Its distinctive drumming sounds echo through the trees.

Merlin (Falco columbarius)
The merlin is a small but powerful falcon that hunts birds in fast, agile chases. It can be seen darting over open landscapes, making it one of the park’s most exciting raptors to spot.

Sonfjället National Park offers a rich wildlife experience, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.