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Wonder
Njupeskär
In short
Although some discussions continue, the tallest waterfall in Sweden most likely is Njupeskär. This magnificent natural landmark is the main tourist attraction in Fulufjället National Park.
39.8%
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Height
Tallest single drop
Stream
Map of the site
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In detail
Geology
Waterfall has formed on the rim of Fulufjället – an impressive sandstone plateau in Scandinavian mountains near the border of Norway. Several lakes are located on the plateau and Njupeskär is formed by a stream that flows from Storrörsjön and Lissrörsjön lakes. This stream, Njupån, is short: some kilometers further down it joins the Fuluälven stream.
The power of Njupån stream has eroded the bedrock, the 1,300 – 900 million years old sandstone and diabase, and river below the falls has formed an impressive, dark canyon.
Height of falls
The information about the height of falls is contradicting. Earlier sources mention that the total height is 93 m and the tallest plunge is 70 m tall. Lately more and more often appear other figures: total height of falls is 125 m and the tallest plunge (in different sources different) is 70, 78, 93 or 95 m.
The last plunge is the most impressive one by far. Water falls almost vertically, hitting the cliff in the upper third of this plunge. Above this plunge are two other, much lower steps and sections of steep rapids.
Year-long beauty
In winter Njupeskär freezes over, and the clear glacial water forms a beautiful blue ice column. It is a desired destination for ice climbers.
In spring the melting water fills the canyon with a thundering noise, the earth is trembling. Visitors should be careful – avalanches happen sometimes.
Very special time is in the midsummer, when for a few days early in the morning (between 3:00 and 5:00) the rising sun shines on the waterfall. The sight is beautiful – see it here: Rolfsbild.
Fulufjället National Park
Waterfall is popular visitor attraction for some 150 years and in the 1960s there was established smaller protected area around the falls. In 2002 the Fulufjället National Park was founded – it includes the pristine nature of Fulufjället, but the best known tourist attraction still is Njupeskär.
Visitors arrive with cars, leaving them at Naturum (visitor’s center) and walk some kilometres through pristine forest. Canyon is rich with flora – eternal fog sustains a comparatively high diversity of mosses, lichens and plants.
Some kilometres to the south, near the upper rim of Fulufjället are found four stone settings – possible cairns from the Iron Age. The beauty of this site was important to prehistoric people as well.
The tallest in Sweden?
There are no strict standards delineating what is waterfall and what is not. Often very steep (but not vertical) sections of mountain streams are considered to be waterfalls. If such landmarks are counted, there are some taller waterfalls in Sweden, e.g. some streams in Norra Storfjället, Västerbotten. But to be frank – such "waterfalls" are visually much less appealing than "true", vertical waterfalls.
Most likely some cliffs in Sweden have also very tall waterfalls, formed by smaller perennial trickles – some of these could be taller than Njupeskär. Nevertheless Njupeskär is the tallest "conclusive" waterfall in Sweden.
Linked articles
Wonders of Sweden
Sweden is a prosperous country with a rich natural and cultural heritage. The most interesting landmarks are megaliths, runestones, prehistoric settlements as well as several historic towns and cities including the beautiful Old Stockholm and Visby.
Waterfalls
Some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.
Wonders of Europe
The heritage of Europe is diverse and endlessly interesting. Incomparably rich is the wealth of European historical architecture, but this part of the world has exciting natural heritage and archaeological heritage as well.
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