Sarek National Park
Foto: Laponiatjuottjudus

When you should visit the park

Sarek National Park has something to offer year-round. From dark to light, cool to heat. The Sami divide the year into eight seasons after the changes of nature and the life cycle of the reindeer.

Spring-winter

In March and April the sun begins to warm. The migratory birds return. The reindeerherding saamis  start preparing to move west with the reindeer to the summer grazing land. Now it's a great time for skiing.

Spring

In May, spring begins. Now is when the reindeer calves are born, and the reindeer must not be disturbed. The sun beams and the increasingly large bare patches make the mountainsides look spotted. The brooks start to rise and the ice abates. It is fine to go on trips. 

Spring-summer

In late June the snow has melted. The ground begins to dry up and the greenery speeds up. The Saamis  prepare for branding the reindeer calves. If you hike at this time, you will see the midnight sun and small reindeer calves. At higher elevations the snow remains. The first calf branding begins.

Summer

It is July and the mosquitoes are here. There is calf branding in the mountains, and the cloudberries are ripening. In addition, the Sami settlements are full of people, and in some of them it is possible to buy fresh bread and smoked fish. July is the peak season for hiking tourism. August is also an excellent time for hiking. 

Autumn-summer

August is often a nice time for hiking. The mosquito decreases while the first yellow leaves appear. It's time for berry picking and fishing. The first cold nights are coming and

Autumn

It's a bit cooler air and autumn colours and lingonberries to pick. There is hunting and reindeer butchering. Those who go hiking now often experience fine weather but cold nights.

Autumn-winter

The first snow is coming. 

Winter

This is our longest season. Winter continues from December until late March. It is a time of short, blue-tinged days and Northern Lights. The plentiful snow illuminates the landscape and the long nights, but the weather conditions could be rather harsh.

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