The Lapponian Gate

Björkliden

The Lapponian Gate, also known as Čuonjávággi, is the spectacular U-shaped valley that rises as a natural gateway in the mountain landscape between Abisko and Björkliden. Its distinct silhouette makes it one of the most famous landmarks in the Swedish mountains near the Narvik region.

Highlights

  • See the characteristic gate between the mountains of Nissuntjårro and Tjuonatjåkka
  • Experience Lapporten from a distance from Björkliden Ski Resort
  • Take in the views from Restaurang Lapporten with the mountains as a backdrop
  • Learn about the name Čuonjávággi, which means "Goose Valley" in Northern Sámi
  • Explore a high mountain landscape with valleys, lakes and vast natural areas
  • Departs from: Bjørkliden
  • Duration: 1 hours
Difficulty level
  • Easy

Description

The Lapponian Gate is a natural landmark in the mountains just outside Abisko National Park in northern Sweden. The valley is known for its clear U-shape, where the mountains Nissuntjårro and Tjuonatjåkka frame the landscape on either side. In the middle of the valley is Lake Čuonjájávri, 950 meters above sea level.

The Lapponian Gate is first and foremost a landmark you see from a distance. From Björkliden Ski Resort, and especially from the area around Restaurang Lapporten, the valley shape is clearly on the horizon. Here you get the classic experience of the Lapponian Gate without having to embark on a long and demanding mountain hike.

It is possible to walk towards the Lapponian Gate, but the trip is demanding. It is over 12 km each way and around 500 meters of elevation. Therefore, Lapporten is often experienced from a distance, as a strong nature motif in the landscape between Abisko, Björkliden, Torneträsk and Nuolja.

The name Lapporten means "The Gateway to Lapland" and is one of Sweden's most photographed landscapes. The Northern Sami name Čuonjávággi means "Goose Valley". The names point to a landscape where natural form, language and cultural history meet, and where the mountains have been clear points of orientation for generations.

Transport

Lapporten ligger i fjellområdet mellom Abisko og Björkliden. Björkliden kan nås med tog fra Narvik eller Kiruna, og med bil langs E10. Det er også mulig å reise med buss fra Narvik til Björkliden. Sjekk togavganger på www.sj.se og bussavganger på norrtag.se.

Additional information

The Lapponian Gate is located in the mountain area between Abisko and Björkliden, just outside Abisko National Park.
The Lapponian Gate is most popular to experience from a distance. Restaurang Lapporten at Björkliden Ski Resort is a recommended viewpoint.
There is parking at Björkliden Ski Resort.
The hike towards the Lapponian Gate is demanding and over 12 km each way and around 500 meters of elevation.
The valley is located between the mountains Nissuntjårro and Tjuonatjåkka.
Lake Čuonjájávri is located in the middle of the valley, 950 meters above sea level.
The terrain in the valley itself is easy to walk, but there is no marked path into the valley.
The Lapponian Gate is located in the Nissuntjårro Natura 2000 area. Show consideration for nature and stick to established trails where available.
Weather and visibility can change quickly in the mountains. Plan traffic according to the conditions.
If you are going to hike in the mountains in winter, you must consider the risk of avalanches and local conditions.
There are no toilets or other facilities at Lapporten.
The area is suitable for children and dogs when the Lapponian Gate is experienced from a distance from available viewpoints.

Map & Directions

72 km from Narvik city center

To experience Lapporten from a distance, travel to Björkliden Ski Resort. Park at the resort and head to the area of Restaurang Lapporten, where you get a view of the characteristic valley shape.
It is possible to walk towards Lapporten, but this is a demanding mountain hike. Route choices must be planned based on maps, weather, season and local conditions.