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Animals & nature

A landscape full of life. In Gällivare, nature is never far away.

Here you will find mountains, forests, bogs, rivers and thousands of lakes. Together, they create habitats for many of the animals and plants that belong to the Arctic part of Sweden.

You don't have to be a biologist or birdwatcher to appreciate the nature here. All you have to do is get out. Sometimes a walk is enough to discover something new.

Nature shapes the landscape

Gällivare is one of Sweden's largest municipalities by area.

Several different types of nature meet here:

  • Mountain areas
  • Mountain birch forest
  • Coniferous forest
  • Mislands
  • Lakes and watercourses
  • River landscape

This means that both plant and animal life are varied. From high mountain peaks to deep forests, there is plenty of room for nature to develop on its own terms.


Quiet places

From central Gällivare, you can reach several areas that offer quality silence. Within the municipality and Muddus National Park, there is perhaps even the quietest place you can reach within a day-trip distance.

Your next adventure

Mountain flora

In the mountains, summer is short but intense. When the snow melts, the mountain heaths bloom for a few months.

Here you can find:

  • Mountain sippa
  • Mountain bearberry
  • Mountain glime
  • Polar wool
  • Dwarf birch

Many plants are adapted to cope with long winters, strong winds and a short growing season. They may not be the largest flowers you will find, but they are built to survive where few other plants can.

The forest, home to many species

The large forests around Gällivare are some of the municipality's most important habitats.

Here live, among other things:

  • Moose
  • Fox
  • Hare
  • Squirrel
  • Marten
  • Lynx

The forest also changes with the seasons. In summer, it is full of sounds. In winter, it becomes considerably quieter.

Reindeer, part of the landscape

The animal that many people associate with Gällivare is the reindeer. The reindeer move across large areas throughout the year and are an important part of the Sámi culture and reindeer herding.

It is common to see reindeer:

  • Along roads
  • In the mountains
  • In the forest landscape
  • Near communities

If you encounter reindeer, it is important to show consideration and keep your distance.

Mountain birdlife

Gällivare is also home to many bird species.

In the mountains and forests, you may be lucky enough to see:

  • Ptarmigan
  • Willow ptarmigan
  • Golden eagle
  • Gyrfalcon
  • Siberian jay
  • Capercaillie

During spring and summer, the area is also filled with migratory birds returning after winter. For many, it is one of the clearest signals that a new season is on the way.

Allemänsrätt & reindeer knowledge

The right gives us a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy Sweden's amazing nature. By following these tips, we can together preserve the harmony between the reindeer, the Sámi and nature.

Do not disturb, do not destroy

Predators in Swedish Lapland

In the large forest and mountain areas, several of Sweden's large predators live.

Among others:

  • Bear
  • Wolverine
  • Lynx

Most visitors never see these animals. But they are a natural part of the ecosystem and contribute to the balance in nature.

Lakes, rivers and life below the surface

Water is found almost everywhere in Gällivare. The municipality is home to thousands of lakes, as well as several rivers and streams.

Here live, among other things:

  • Char
  • Trout
  • Grayfish
  • Whitefish
  • Pike
  • Perch

Many bodies of water are important both for outdoor activities and for the wildlife around them.

Fishing in Gällivare

Easy to get out, plenty of water to choose from. Fishing in Gällivare is not complicated. There is water everywhere, lakes, rivers, small ponds and mountain water. You don't have to be an expert. Whether you fish occasionally or often, there are plenty of places that work for a day trip.

What do you fish for?

Nature through the seasons

One of the great experiences in Gällivare is seeing how nature changes throughout the year.

  • Winter - snow, silence and tracks in the landscape.
  • Spring - migratory birds return and the light returns.
  • Summer - midnight sun, flowering mountains and green forests.
  • Autumn - clear days, colourful mountains and berry fields.

Each season has its own character.

Protected nature

Many areas in Gällivare are protected to preserve natural values ​​and biodiversity.

These include:

  • Laponia World Heritage Site
  • National parks
  • Nature reserves
  • Natura 2000 areas

The protection helps to preserve both wildlife, plant life and landscapes for the future.

Gällivare - month by month

Are you planning to visit Gällivare but are a little unsure about what time of year to visit? Here is a short guide to the months in Gällivare to help you plan your trip.

Read more here

Tips for those who want to experience nature

You don't have to go far into the mountains to experience animals and nature.

Start by:

  • Hiking a trail
  • Bring binoculars
  • Visit a nature reserve
  • Stop and listen

Often it's the small discoveries that become the greatest experiences.

Animals and nature are a big part of Gällivare.

Here you will find mountains, forests, lakes and a rich flora and fauna that changes with the seasons. You can see reindeer in the distance, hear the Siberian jay in the forest or discover mountain flowers under the midnight sun.

The best thing is that nature is always close by. And you don't have to go very far to experience it.