- Location: Norrbotten, Sweden
- Phone: +46 971 222 50
- Website: sverigesnationalparker.se
- Area: 127,800 ha
- Foundation date: 1909 y
- Managing organization: Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvardsverket)
In Sweden, on the territory of Lapland, between the communes of Ellivare and Jokmokk is the picturesque Stura-Shefalet National Park . It is part of the territory of Laponia and since 1996, together with the conservation areas of Sarek , Muddus and Padelanta is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The geographical position of Stur-Shefallet
The Swedish National Park is located in the Scandinavian Mountains 20 km south of the Arctic Circle. Along the Stura-Shefalet passes the Stura-Lulevelen River, which divides it in half. The main decoration of the southern part of the park is the Akka massif with a height of 2015 m, at the top of which lie glaciers. This peak is also known as the "Queen of Lapland". In the northern part of Stura-Shefalet, the Kallakchokko Massif is located, passing into the valley of Teusa.
The history of Stura-Shefallet Park
According to a scientific study, the mountains in this part of Sweden were formed as a result of a collision of the continents, which occurred approximately 400 million years ago. That is why on the territory of Stur-Shephalet, traces of the glacial period are still clearly visible, during which the local landscape was formed.
In earlier times, the local waterfalls were considered the most beautiful in the whole of Europe. But as soon as the Stora-Shephalet Park was given the status of a protected facility, the government approved the construction of a hydroelectric power station on the Luleleven River. This led to a sharp decline in water levels both in the river itself and in waterfalls.
Biodiversity of Stora-Shefallet Park
Rich flora and fauna became the main reason, because of which this territory was given the status of a national park. A large height difference led to the fact that different types of plants grow in different parts of the park. Therefore, in its territory you can find:
- birch forest;
- boulder field;
- old-growth forest.
The most famous representatives of the Stora-Shefalet flora are:
- dwarf or small birch;
- evergreen short shrub shrubbery;
- cloudberry, which is called "Lappish gold" here.
The rich plant world has become the habitat for 125 species of birds, the most famous of which are the European golden plover, an ordinary stove and a meadow horse.
Of animals in the territory of Stur-Shephalet, there are ermines, Arctic foxes, foxes, wolverines, deer, moose, bears and lynx.
Tourism in the park Stura-Shefallet
The best time to visit this national park is from March to September. At this time in Stur-Shefallet you can do:
- climbing the Akka array;
- visiting picturesque waterfalls;
- walk along the valley of Teusa.
On the territory of the reserve it is allowed to collect firewood for campfire and to put up tents. You can even collect mushrooms and berries. At the same time in the park Stura-Shefalet it is forbidden:
- To fish, hunt, catch insects;
- to dig out green plantations;
- ride horseback riding;
- walking dogs;
- harm animals, living and dead plants.
Next to the park is the resort of Stora Shefale, where you can go skiing, snowmobiling, go hiking or ice climbing.
How to get to Stoura Shefallet?
The national park is located in the north-west of the country about 64 km from the border of Sweden and Norway . The nearest cities to Stur-Shefalet are Quikjokk, Hellivar and Nikkalukta, from where you can reach the E10 and E45.
With the capital, located at 900 km, the park also connects road transport. To get to Stur-Shefallet from Stockholm by car, you have to spend almost 13 hours on the road.