Stora Sjöfallet/Stuor Muorkke is the most accessible of the national parks in Laponia. In the park you will find naturum Laponia, which is the visitor centre for the World Heritage Site Laponia’s Sámi communities, national parks and nature reserves. The naturum is adapted for accessibility and there are accessible trails in the area around the naturum.

The Seasons in Stora Sjöfallet/Stuor Muorkke National Park

From darkness to light, from cold to warmth. Here in the north you have the chance to experience the shifting of the seasons. The Sámi people are often called the people of eight seasons, because the year is divided into eight seasons according to changes in nature and the reindeer’s life cycle.

Early Spring-Winter

In March and April the sun begins to warm. Migratory birds return and in the mountain Sámi communities preparations begin for moving west to the summer grazing lands.

Spring

In May spring begins. The reindeer calves start to be born at the end of April and during May. This is a sensitive period and the reindeer must not be disturbed. The sun warms and the bare patches make the mountain slopes look mottled. The streams begin to open up and the ice becomes weak.

Early Summer

In June the snow has melted. The last ice breaks up and the spring flood rushes. The reindeer need peace and quiet to regain their strength. The Sámi communities repair reindeer fences and enclosures and gather the first juopmun, sorrel. Higher up the snow still remains. The first calf-marking begins.

Summer

It is July and the mosquitoes are here. The ground begins to dry and the vegetation starts to grow. Calf-marking is in full swing and the cloudberries begin to ripen. The Sámi camps fill with people, where you can buy fresh bread and smoked fish. July is the peak season for hiking tourism.

Late Summer

August is often a beautiful time for hiking. The mosquitoes decrease and the first yellow leaves appear. It is time for berry picking, fishing and gathering hay. The reindeer begin to move in search of mushrooms and feed well before winter. The first cold nights arrive.

Autumn

With autumn comes slightly colder air and nature turns red and orange. In the forest the lingonberries have ripened. In September comes the week called “lastaváldinvahkku” in Sámi – when the wind tries to tear the leaves from the trees. The mountain tops turn white. Ptarmigan calls can be heard again and they get their first white feathers. It is moose hunting and reindeer slaughter, and preparations for winter begin. During autumn the weather is usually fine with cold nights.

Autumn-Winter

The first snow arrives. The bear goes into hibernation and the mountain Sámi communities begin gathering the reindeer to divide them into winter groups. The reindeer are moved to the winter grazing lands and meat is prepared for the winter.

Winter

This is our longest season. Winter lasts from December well into March. There are short blue days and northern lights. The white snow lights up the landscape and the long nights.