Is Laponia the world's last great wilderness still shaped by its native people?

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Spanning 9,400 square kilometres in northern Sweden, Laponia is a vast, rugged landscape of mountains, rivers, and lakes. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, it stands as the largest unmodified nature area on Earth that continues to be actively managed by the indigenous Sami people through reindeer herding.

Located within the Gällivare, Arjeplog, and Jokkmokk municipalities, Laponia represents a unique intersection of natural preservation and cultural continuity. While the region has enjoyed various forms of protection since the early 20th century, its 1996 UNESCO status recognizes both its pristine ecological value and its deep-rooted history as a home for the Sami. The geography is dramatic and varied, anchored by the region's highest peak, Sarektjåhkkå, which reaches an elevation of 2,089 metres.

The area is composed of a complex network of protected lands, with 95% of its territory designated as national parks or nature reserves. This includes the Muddus, Sarek, Padjelanta, and Stora Sjöfallet national parks, alongside the Sjaunja and Stubba nature reserves. The remaining 5% of the area encompasses sites such as Sulitelma, Tjuoltadalen, and parts of the Rapadalen valley. Despite its vast size, only specific portions of this landscape are utilized for reindeer pasture, reflecting a delicate balance between traditional land use and environmental conservation.

However, the future of this wilderness is not without tension. While the area is celebrated for its untouched character, it currently hosts three major hydropower stations and their associated basins. Furthermore, there are active plans to expand industrial infrastructure with the addition of 100 wind power stations within the heritage site boundaries. For visitors, the village of Porjus serves as the primary gateway to the region, recently establishing an information center to help navigate the complexities of this expansive, protected, and evolving landscape.

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