Fjällen

Fjällen, meaning 'the mountains' in Swedish, denotes the mountain landscape of the Swedish part of the Scandinavian Mountains. The range runs through northern and western Sweden, from the Norwegian border via Jämtland and Härjedalen to Swedish Lapland. It comprises high plateaus and rugged peaks carved by glaciers, with glacial valleys and tundra at altitude. Kebnekaise is commonly cited as Sweden’s highest peak, while many other summits are prominent in the area.

Geology and climate: Fjällen were formed during the Caledonian orogeny and later shaped by repeated glaciations. The highlands have an alpine tundra climate with short summers and long winters; snow and ice persist on many elevations. Flora consists of hardy mosses, lichens and dwarf shrubs. Fauna includes reindeer, arctic fox and wolverine, as well as various birds. Sami communities participate in traditional reindeer herding in parts of the range.

Protection and recreation: The area contains several national parks and nature reserves, such as Abisko National Park, Padjelanta National Park and Sarek National Park. Much of the northern fjällen lies within Laponia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting wilderness and Sámi cultural heritage. The fjällen are popular for hiking, notably the Kungsleden long-distance trail, and for cross-country and alpine skiing in winter.

Human presence and access: The fjällen are sparsely populated. Access is via towns and villages including Jokkmokk, Storuman and Åre, with visitor services centered around mountain lodges and stations. Conservation policies aim to balance recreation with indigenous rights and habitat protection, making the Swedish fjällen a key site for outdoor recreation and cultural heritage.