Skanderna

Skanderna, in English the Scandinavian Mountains, is a major mountain range on the Scandinavian Peninsula. It spans Norway and Sweden and forms much of the border between the two countries for a large portion of its length. The range runs from the southern coast near the Skagerrak to the Arctic region in the north and contains some of Northern Europe’s tallest peaks outside the Alps.

Geologically ancient, Skanderna consist mainly of Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks such as gneiss and granite. They were lifted during the Caledonian orogeny and shaped by repeated glaciations in the Pleistocene, which produced many U-shaped valleys and cirques. The highest peak is Galdhøpiggen in Norway, about 2,469 meters, followed by Glittertinden. In Sweden, Kebnekaise rises to roughly 2,100 meters.

Climate ranges from subarctic in the north to more temperate conditions in the south, with alpine conditions at high elevations. Above the timberline, the landscape is alpine tundra with rocks and glaciers; lower areas support boreal forests and heathland. Wildlife includes reindeer, moose, wolverine, lynx, and various birds of prey, while lichens and mosses dominate the high-altitude flora.

Humans have traversed Skanderna for centuries, with Sámi and Nordic histories in the region. Today the range attracts hikers, climbers, and winter sports enthusiasts and is partly protected in parks and reserves in Norway and Sweden. The mountains influence regional climate, water resources, and biodiversity, and remain a focus for conservation and outdoor recreation.