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Abisko National Park Facts

Abisko National Park Facts
Abisko National Park is a 30 square mile park located in Sweden's Norrbotten County. In 1909 Sweden passed its first laws on the conservation of nature. That same year Abisko National Park was established to preserve "an area with northern Nordic fell nature in its original condition and as a reminiscence for scientific research", as well as to serve as a tourist attraction. The national park was one of the first to be established in Sweden. The 270 mile long Kungsleden hiking trail passes through Abisko National Park. Abisko is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, with very little light pollution.
Interesting Abisko National Park Facts:
The Sami people have inhabited the region for thousands of years. The Sami people followed the reindeer herds and eventually evolved to become reindeer herders and evidence of this can still be seen in the park with the pitfalls, huts, and hearths they used to use.
There is a scientific research station near the park called the Abisko Scientific research Station that hosts scientists from around the world. They study climate change, among other things.
Visitors to Abisko National Park will find something to do all year round. Every season has something to offer.
Abisko National Park is known for its flowers on Mount Njulla, the Northern Lights, and its valley.
Kungsleden (King's Trail) is one of several nature paths or trails that pass through Abisko National Park.
Abisko National Park sits on a limestone-veined bedrock mountain. The valley in the park was created over time by inland ice sheets.
Mount Njulla is often referred to as 'flower mountain' due to its ability to grow rare plants. One of these is the blunt-leaved orchid.
The limestone in the mountain makes it possible for Lapland rosebay and mountain avens to grow in abundance on the mountain.
Although often difficult to see, there are predators living in the park. These include wolverines, bears, and lynxes.
Other wildlife and birds that can be found in Abisko National Park includes elk, reindeer, moose, golden eagles, gerfalcons, Arctic leaf warblers, and a variety of other birds.
There are several half day tours that visitors can take to see highlights in Abisko National Park including Karsa Waterfalls, Ridonjira Nature Path, and Nissonjakka's Suspension Bridge.
Full day tours in Abisko National Park allow visitors to see popular tourists spots such as the Paddus sacrificial site, Abiskojaure Lake, Karsavagge Valley, and Nissunjakka Canyon.
Short tours of half an hour or less in Abisko National Park include the 300 m walk to the Sami camp, or the short walk to Abiskoeatnu Canyon.
Visitors to Abisko National Park can enjoy dog sledding, Aurora Borealis tours (Northern Lights), and helicopter tours.
In the winter Mount Njulla is popular with tourists as a downhill skiing destination. Winter sports are popular in the park including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing.
Visitors to the park can camp, but there are several rules in place to protect the plants, animals, and ecology of Abisko National Park.


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