Laponia, the Sami World Heritage Site in Lapland
Laponia in Norrbotten is one of the largest untouched natural areas in Europe and the home of a living reindeer herding culture. UNESCO lists it for both its nature and its culture. This page covers what the area contains, why it was inscribed, how it is managed and what visitors need to know.
What Laponia contains
The area covers about 9 400 square kilometres in the municipalities of Jokkmokk and Gällivare. UNESCO gives the area as 940 900 hectares, which is the same figure.
| Part | Type | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sarek | National park | High alpine massif without trails or huts |
| Padjelanta | National park | Open plateau with large lakes and a marked trail |
| Stora Sjöfallet | National park | Regulated lakes and the road to Ritsem |
| Muddus | National park | Old forest, mires and gorges in the east |
| Sjaunja | Nature reserve | One of the largest mire areas in western Europe |
| Stubba | Nature reserve | Forest and wetlands south of Sjaunja |
Together the parts run from the Norwegian border in the west to the forest land in the east. That gradient follows the route reindeer take between summer and winter grazing, which is part of the reason the area is treated as one unit.
Why UNESCO listed Laponia
UNESCO inscribed Laponia on the World Heritage List on 6 December 1996. It meets five of the ten criteria, three for nature and two for culture, which makes it a mixed site.
On the cultural side UNESCO points to the Sami way of life, with the seasonal movement of reindeer herds as an outstanding example of a living tradition. On the natural side the area shows ongoing geological processes, glacial landforms and intact ecosystems from high mountains to mire and forest.
Culture (iii)
A unique testimony to Sami culture and the seasonal herding of reindeer.
Culture (v)
An example of traditional land use that is still in practice.
Nature (vii)
Large-scale scenery of mountains, deltas, mires and lakes.
Nature (viii)
Clear traces of past and present geological and glacial processes.
Nature (ix)
Ecosystems still shaped by natural processes with little human impact.
Who runs Laponia
Since the 2010s the area has been managed by Laponiatjuottjudus, an organisation where Sami villages, the municipalities, the county administrative board and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency share responsibility. Sami delegates are in the majority, but every decision needs the consent of all parties.
Sources disagree on the start date. Laponiatjuottjudus says it took over from the county administrative board on 1 January 2013, while UNESCO gives 2011, the year the governing ordinance was adopted. In May 2026 the government extended the ordinance until 31 December 2031.
Nine Sami villages use land in Laponia according to the ordinance that governs the management.
Visiting Laponia
Access is free and no permit is needed. The right of public access applies, but the national park regulations of each part limit some activities.
- GatewaysStora Sjöfallet visitor centre Naturum Laponia and the road to Ritsem are the main entry points in the west.
- TrailsThe Padjelanta trail and the Kungsleden section past Saltoluokta are marked. Sarek has no marked trails.
- ReindeerKeep your distance from herds, especially during calving from April to June.
- RulesEach national park has its own regulations on camping, fishing and dogs. Check them before you go.
Visitor advice in several languages is published as regulations and advice by Laponiatjuottjudus. Read it together with our page on Sápmi and reindeer herding and the overview of Swedish national parks.
Frequently asked questions
What is Laponia?
A World Heritage Site in Norrbotten made up of four national parks and two nature reserves, listed for both nature and Sami culture.
How large is Laponia?
About 9 400 square kilometres, or 940 900 hectares according to UNESCO.
When was Laponia listed?
On 6 December 1996.
Which national parks are part of Laponia?
Sarek, Padjelanta, Stora Sjöfallet and Muddus. The nature reserves Sjaunja and Stubba are also included.
Who manages Laponia?
Laponiatjuottjudus, where Sami villages hold the board majority together with the municipalities and the state.
Do I need a permit to visit?
No. The right of public access applies, within the rules of each national park and reserve.
Where do I start a visit?
Naturum Laponia at Stora Sjöfallet is the main visitor centre in the west.
Sources
- whc.unesco.org: UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Laponian Area
- laponia.nu: Laponiatjuottjudus: about Laponia
- www.lansstyrelsen.se: County Administrative Board of Norrbotten: Laponia
- www.regeringen.se: Government press release: the Laponia ordinance is extended, May 2026
- laponia.nu: Laponiatjuottjudus: regulations and visitor advice
Facts checked on 6 November 2026.
English pages. Guide to the Swedish mountains, national parks, Sápmi and reindeer herding, Laponia World Heritage, mountain nature and fishing licences.
Fjallen.nu is an independent guide. Rules, opening hours, fees and trail status change between seasons and should be checked with whoever runs the trail, hut or facility. The editorial team is responsible for the content.