Sarek

To the west of Rapadal is Alkavare, where silver was still being worked in the late 17th century. Remains of silver mines are available to visit. The chapel was completed in 1788 and restored in 1960.

The best known valley in Sarek is Rapadal, on Lake Laidaure. Shooting and fishing are prohibited; sleigh dogs may be used from January to April, but otherwise dogs are banned. Through the Rapadal flows the Rapaälv, which receives melt-water from some 30 glaciers and deposits sediment in its delta on Lake Laidaure. There is a remarkable contrast between the barren world of the mountains and the rich plant and animal life of the valley.

The Sarek nature reserve was established in 1909 in order to preserve this characteristic mountain region in its unspoiled state. A mountain walk through the National Park takes more than a week, and should be undertaken only by experienced hill walkers, with proper equipment, a tent and adequate supplies of food. This is regarded as one of the most difficult walking areas in Scandinavia, and prospective visitors should beware of over-estimating their capabilities.