Abisko

Abisko is a village of a hundred inhabitants located on Nordkalottvägen (in the north of Sweden). This road, inaugurated in 1993 connects Kiruna to the Norwegian border. Before this date, only the railway line which is used for the transport of iron ore from Sweden towards Narvik in Norway was going through this area.

While coming from Kiruna, the landscape of plains changes slowly to become mountainous. One discovers the lake Tornesträk which appears inordinately long , then one arrives at Abisko. This village is famous for its Turiststation, an obliged halt for all the travellers. From there starts Kungsleden (royal Way), a route of excursion which goes through the most wilderness countries of Sweden over 500 km from north to south.

This way goes through the National park of Abisko where a rather rich flora and fauna are found. Almost all the photos below were taken in this park, along Kungsleden.

When continuing the road towards Norway, one goes along imposing mountains. In winter,avalanches are very frequent and it is better not to stop. One arrives at Riksgränsen (Limits of the Kingdom), a ski resort located at the border. The weather often changes while passing the border. The influence of the very close Atlantic is felt and the weather is very rainy and less cold. Paradoxically, Riksgränsen is the place more sprinkled of Sweden and Abisko located 30 km at the east holds the palm of the place where it rains the less in Sweden. That is explained by the fact that Abisko is sheltered by mountains.

After the border, the road goes down very quickly towards a fjord and joined Narvik.

	Lake Tornesträk Lake Tornesträk seen from the Nordkalottvägen with the first mountains at the bottom.
	Canyon in Abisko Kungsleden starts by following a river which passes in a kind of canyon.
	Canyon in Abisko Another sight of the Canyon.
	River Always the same river a little further.
	Waterfall Another waterfall.
	River In equilibrium on the top of a rock.
	Lapporten The lappish door (Lapporten). Its shape out of U is characteristic. One sees it better under another angle. The mountains culminate at an altitude ranging between 1000 and 1500m.
	Lapland A river in Lapland near Abisko.
	Birches In Scandinavia, the last trees you can find when going to north or gaining altitude are the birches. They are completely twisted by freezing and grow little.
	Lake of Lapland A small lake in Swedish Lapland. If you go to Scandinavia in summer, do not forget the insect repellant. The grounds are very marshy and thus favourable to their development.
	Grass, mosses and lichen The ground is covered with grass, mosses, lichens.
	Firns Even in June, there are still firns on the mountains at low altitude. Spring hardly starts. Moreover, there were several downpours of snow. The winter will come back in September.
	Abiskojaure Abiskojaure, another lake.
	Kungsleden Kungsleden. One often passes on boards to cross marshes. Red crosses are used by skiers to locate themselves in winter.
	Abiskojaure Abiskojaure.
	River Still the same river after Abiskojaure.
	Refuge of Abiskojaure The refuge of Abiskojaure (Abiskojaurestuggorna) where we spent the night.
	Refuge of Abiskojaure The refuge of Abiskojaure.
	Bathroom The bathroom of the refuge at the edge of the lake. It is better to be courageous!
	Abiskojaure Still Abiskojaure.
	Abiskojaure Still Abiskojaure.
	Herds of reindeers Herds of reindeers which lighted out when seeing us. Those were domestics.