Lapporten

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About Lapporten

Lapporten, the Gate of Lapland, called Čuonjávággi in sámi, is a U-shaped valley between the mountains Tjuonatjåkka and Nissunčohkka, about 12 km southeast of Abisko. It was carved by the glaciers of the last ice age, which left the slopes straight and the valley floor broad. Seen from afar, it looks like an open gate in the mountain line, and it is a symbol of Swedish Lapland.

For the sámi, the valley was a passage for reindeer between summer and winter grazing areas. Today it is Abisko's most famous image: it appears from the shore of lake Torneträsk, from the E10 road, from the train and from the top of mount Nuolja. Its shape changes with the seasons — snow until late spring, green in summer, and yellow and red hues in the birches in September.

Good viewpoints are on the shore of Torneträsk, near Abisko tourist station and at Abisko Östra, and along the path to the Aurora Sky Station. Experienced hikers cross the valley on day or multi-day mountain trails, requiring mountain preparation.

In winter, on clear nights, the northern lights sometimes appear over Lapporten — an image many photographers seek.