Northern Sweden (Abisko)

Abisko National Park

Abisko is one of Sweden’s most northerly National Parks, based around the valley and gorge of the Abiskojokk (river) and the mountains round about.

We visited the river gorge, looked over the delta where it tips into Torneträsk, an enormous lake, and went for a walk up the valley. The big river has been provided with a man-made tunnel to get it under the railway (and road). Amazingly, a dipper was nesting in rocks in the outlet. What a first flight its offspring would have!

Our walk through woodland to the tributary river,Kårsajåkka, was rather suffering from the high water that was making the rivers spectacular, and lack of maintenance.

We checked in to a motorhome park at nearby Björkliden, a ski resort. A morning walk there was good for arctic heath and golden plovers. The plovers seemed to be escorting us through their territories in turn.

Later that day, and a bit further east, we followed an internet recommendation of a walk to Steindalen and Trollsjön. The internet reference was a bit optimistic about how easy it was, and how long it would take. It was a full on mountain walk, very enjoyable.

There was lots of interest. Vole runs made under the snow, arctic heath plants, avalanche tracks in the corrie alongside. Steindalen appears to be occupied by a glacier of boulders – such hings do exist. Trollsjön (lake) at the head of the valley was still mostly frozen. On the way, the Fjällsphinx is an amazing pair of rocks standing on end like pillars.