Pieljekaise National Park
Pieljekaise is a long ridge at the southern edge of Sweden’s northern mountains. It lies like a lonely sentinel amidst a wide, birch-clad transition zone that stretches between high mountains and a lower region of evergreen forest. The feature that gives the park its special character is the large expanse of unspoiled birch forest.
Sights: Mountain birch woods with many herbaceous plants. The view from the top of Pieljekaise.
Area: 15,340 hectares.
Established: 1909.
Location: Approximately 10 kilometres south of Jäkkvikk in Arjeplog Municipality, Norrbotten County.
Visiting Pieljekaise: The national park lies in a remote part of the mountains and recives few visitors, even though the national "Kungsleden" hiking trail passes through the area. The easiest approach to the park is via Kungsleden, along the six kilometres from Jäkkvik to the north, or the nine kilometres from Adolfsström to the south. There is one sleeping shelter along Kungsleden.
Pieljekaise national park is mainly associated with mountain birch forest. The forest varies from one which is rich in species to heathlike forest, and is largely untouched. A few traces of Sami cots or huts do not spoil the untouched impression. The mountain of Pieljekaise itself is also a landmark in the area. The name means "ear mountain" in Sami, and the two peaks of the mountain in fact look like an ear in profile.
The park has several lakes rich in char. There is fairly rich animal life since the park, with its unspoiled character, functions as a sanctuary for many animals. Here one can sometimes glimpse such rarities as wolverines, bears, arctic foxes, eagles and gerfalcons.
The flowers of the mountain birch meadows make an impressive colour display. The characteristic flower of Pieljekaise is the globeflower, which is found in great numbers. Pieljekaise's foremost sights are the varied mountain birch forests and the view from the top of Pieljekaise mountain.
For further information:
