The story of Abisko National Park

In 1909, the same year Sweden created its first laws on nature conservation, a group of prominent Swedish scientists, among them the well-known geologist Fredrik Svenonius, established this national park. Their aim was to preserve an area of northern Nordic fell nature in its original condition, and to keep it for scientific research.

The park begins at the shore of Torneträsk, one of Sweden's largest lakes, and stretches some 15 km to the south-west, about 195 km north of the Arctic Circle. That position brings two gifts: summer hikers enjoy the midnight sun, while in winter the place, free of light pollution, is ideal for watching the northern lights.

The Kungsleden trail, 440 km long, starts or ends nearby and runs through the park. Scientists still come too: the Abisko Scientific Research Station, first set up in 1903 at Vassijaure, was rebuilt here after a fire and opened in 1913. Permafrost is common in the park, but at lower elevations it is disappearing because of global warming and increased snowfall.