From old-growth forest to glaciers – and everything in between.
The name Stuor Muorkke means "the great portage", the land between two bodies of water. In the old days, before the road and hydroelectric power stations were built, boats were the main means of transport. People had to carry both the boat and their loads between the lakes that separated the northern and southern sides. The magnificent Waterfall Stora Sjöfallet/Stuormuorkkegårttje that once separated the two lakes gave the place its name.
Today, the lakes are regulated by the Suorva Dam for hydroelectric power generation. As a result, the great waterfall is considerably smaller than it once was, as most of the water is diverted through an underground power station rather than flowing over the waterfall itself.
The park is easily accessible via the "Road to the West", which connects the E45 with Ritsem. Visitors to Stora Sjöfallet are greeted by the striking mountain Nieras. A popular hiking destination in the area is Ippátjåhkkå, known as Soldalen meaning "the Sun Valley". Another of the park’s beautiful sights is Áhkká, a 2,011-metre-high mountain located south of Akkajaure and Ritsem/Ritjem.
Stora Sjöfallet is also home to Naturum Laponia, a beautifully situated visitor centre at Viedásnjárgga, downstream from the falls.
