Muddus National Park
A section of the Swedish taiga has been preserved in Muddus National Park, where it is possible to experience undisturbed primeval forest, raging waterfalls, the solitude of broad marshes, and an animal life that is typical for what remains of Norrland’s unspoiled nature.
Sights: Virgin forest with giant pines. Mosaic of bogs. Precipitous ravines with interesting flora. Muddusjokk waterfall. The Fauna.
Area: 49,340 hectares.
Established: 1942, extended 1984.
Location: Between highway 97 and the Stora Lule river south-west of Gällivare and Jokkmokk municipalities, Norrbotten County.
Visiting Muddus: The easiest way to reach the park is by road from Liggadammen. From the road´s terminus at Skaite, there is a hiking trail to Muddus Falls and Måskokårså. The paths from Solaure and Sarkavare also connect with the park´s trail system. There are four sleeping cabins and two simpler tourist huts along the trails. A bird observation tower at Muddusloubbal offers a view over the marshes. In order to protect nesting birds in the areas around Lake Muddusjaure, Sörstubba and Måskokårså River, access is prohibited from March 15 to July 31 every year.
Muddus national park is unique through the protection of such a large area of untouched forest and mires. Almost half of the park consists of mires. The terrain is flat with only a few peaks. Fires devastate the area at regular intervals and leave their mark on the forest. Many charred stumps bear witness to these events. In spite of the inaccessibility of Muddus, there have in fact been settlers here. The last settlement was abandoned in 1909.
There are several deep ravines in the south, for example the Måskoskårså which is a stunning experience. It is 50-70 m deep and 2.5 km long. The swamp around the lake Muddusjaure is home to a rich bird life and a bird protection area has been created there. Muddus also has other animal life, as well as interesting flora, including rare orchids.
Muddus' foremost sights are the ancient forest with its giant firs, the mosaic-like swamp areas, the deep rocky ravines with their interesting flora, the Muddusjokk waterfall and the animal life of the park.
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