In north Norrland, in Norrbotten County, Sweden, the Rapa River (also known as Rapaätno) meanders through stunning mountain ranges and slender valleys as it passes through the Sarek National Park. Rapa is a tributary of the Lesser Lule River that flows through the 35-kilometre-long Rapa Valley, also known as Rapadalen, for 75 kilometres from its source, which is high in the Sarektjåkkå glaciers, to the outlet of Lake Laitaure. Sarek’s main thoroughfare is the Rapa Valley Most parks have poor flora, but the valleys have abundant animal life. A bear, wolverine, lynx, or one of the highly giant elks may be visible if you’re lucky. Rapa River Delta Sweden
Rapid river Lodge, Sweden
With its massive flow, the Rapaätno River transports green glacial water from approximately thirty glaciers. After flowing through the Rapa Valley to Lake Laitaure, it re-joins the Lesser Lule River, which eventually merges with the Lule älv to form the Lule River.
The Rapa River creates the Laitaure Delta at the mouth of Lake Laitaure. It is the most beautiful river delta in Scandinavia.
Flying over the valley or, weather permitting, climbing to the peak of Skierfe, a mountain in northern Sweden’s Sarek National Park, nets a fantastic view of the Rapa River delta.
The Rapa flows for over 40 miles before dipping into the Rapa Valley, where the delta begins—rock flour – finely ground stone carried by glacial melt – colours the water bright blue.
In autumn, when the birch trees turn gold and the blueberry bushes red, the azure of the Rapa seems even more vivid.
Coming from Sitojaure, it is possible to go up to Skierfe and continue to Aktse in one day.
SWEDEN SAREK NATIONAL PARK, LAPLAND Alaska of Europe Rapa River Delta Sweden
In Swedish Lapland, Sarek National Park is an untamed wilderness home to jagged peaks and deep valleys carved by surging rivers. Raw and captivating, this pristine nature is an authentic look at life within the Arctic Circle. Rapa River Delta Sweden
Visitors should get an arm workout as they pick up their jaw off the floor for the 20th time. You’ll be awe-struck by the towering peaks shaped by ancient glaciers. These flow to crystal-clear lakes home to glacial till that creates spectacular colors.
Hiking trails snake throughout, with many being advanced treks through rugged terrains and to challenging summits. Along the way, you may spot reindeer, arctic foxes, bears and migratory birds.
Rapid river knife works
Sarek National Park is one of the natural wilderness icons of our continent, often called the” Alaska of Europe”. The neighbouring national parks of Padjelanta,
Muddus and Stora Sjöfallet and the huge wetland nature reserve Sjaunja constitute the UNESCO Laponia World Heritage Site.
Established over a century ago, the national park is home to a rich array of wildlife across its mountains, valleys, rivers, and glaciers.
It boasts six of the country’s peaks, each which reach over 2,000 meters high, and nearly 100 glaciers. While it may be tempting to hike up mountains like Sarektjåkkå,
the country’s second highest, there are no marked trails or accommodation, so you’ll need to be prepared and experienced. [Rapa River Delta Sweden]
It was simutaneously established by the Swedish parliament alongside 8 other national parks in May
1909 as the country’s first conservation act.
The park is roughly circular in shape, and encompasses an area of around 760 mi² (1,970 km²). It is home to the second highest mountain in Sweden—Sarektjåkkå (6,854 ft; 2,089 m)—as well as several others of the country’s highest peaks.
However, there are few, if any, marked trails, and the long treks are grueling enough to deter many from attempting to summit most peaks.
The most noted features of the national park are six of Sweden’s thirteen peaks over 2,000 m (6,600 ft) located within the park’s boundaries.
Among these is the second highest mountain in Sweden, Sarektjåkkå, whilst the massif Áhkká is located just outside the park. The park has about 200 peaks over 1,800 m (5,900 ft), 82 of which have names. Sarek is also the name of a geographical area which the national park is part of. The Sarek mountain district includes a total of eight peaks over 2,000 m (6,600 ft). Due to the long trek, the mountains in the district are seldom climbed.