Exploring the Wilds of Swedish Lappland: A Guide to Its Unique Flora and Fauna

Introduction

Swedish Lappland, a region of breathtaking beauty and harsh climates, is home to a unique array of flora and fauna and Sweden’s tallest peak, Kebnekaise. This guide will explore the distinctive animals and plants of the region, highlighting those that are unique, dangerous, or potentially life-saving in an emergency.

Unique Animals of Swedish Lappland

1. Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus, Ren – Swedish): Perhaps the most iconic animal of Lappland, reindeer are well-adapted to the cold and are integral to the local culture and economy.
2. Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus, Arktisk räv – Swedish): Known for its thick, white winter coat, the Arctic fox is a master of camouflage and survival in extreme conditions.
3. Brown Bear (Ursus arctos, Brunbjörn – Swedish): One of the largest predators in the region, brown bears are often seen foraging for berries and fish during the warmer months.
4. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos, Kungsörn – Swedish): With its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight, the golden eagle is a powerful predator in the Arctic skies.
5. Wolf (Canis lupus, Varg – Swedish): Wolves are apex predators in Lappland, known for their complex social structures and hunting prowess. They play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling the populations of other species.
6. Wolverine (Gulo gulo, Järv – Swedish): Despite its small size, the wolverine is a formidable and elusive predator, known for its strength and ferocity.

Dangerous Plants in Swedish Lappland

1. Wolf’s Bane (Aconitum, Stormhatt – Swedish): This plant is highly toxic and can cause severe poisoning if ingested. It is best recognized by its tall spikes of blue or purple flowers.
2. Cowbane (Cicuta virosa, Sprängört – Swedish): Also known as water hemlock, this plant is extremely poisonous and can be fatal if consumed. It typically grows in wet areas and has small white flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters.
3. Common Yew (Taxus baccata, Idegran – Swedish): This evergreen tree is highly toxic, with all parts except the flesh of the berries containing deadly toxins. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause severe poisoning and even death.

Edible Plants in an Emergency

1. Bilberry/European Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus, Blåbär – Swedish): These small, dark blue berries are safe to eat and are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. They can be found in forests and heathlands. Nutritional values per 100g: 57 kcal, 14.5g carbohydrates, 2.4g fiber, 0.7g protein, 10mg vitamin C. Edible parts: Berries. Season: July to September.
2. Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum, Kråkbär – Swedish): Another berry that is safe to consume, crowberries are black and grow on low-lying shrubs in the tundra. Nutritional values per 100g: 50 kcal, 11g carbohydrates, 2.8g fiber, 0.5g protein, 5mg vitamin C. Edible parts: Berries. Season: August to October.
3. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium, Mjölkört – Swedish): The young shoots and leaves of fireweed can be eaten raw or cooked. It is easily recognizable by its tall spikes of pink flowers. Nutritional values per 100g: 103 kcal, 19g carbohydrates, 11g fiber, 4.7g protein, 6.6mg vitamin C, 429mg calcium. Edible parts: Young shoots, leaves, flowers. Season: Shoots in spring, leaves and flowers in summer.
4. Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea): These bright red berries are tart but edible and are often used in jams and sauces. They grow in forests and heathlands. Nutritional values per 100g: 54 kcal, 14g carbohydrates, 2.5g fiber, 0.8g protein, 10mg vitamin C. Edible parts: Berries. Season: August to October.
5. Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus): These amber-colored berries are highly prized for their unique flavor and high vitamin content. They grow in boggy areas and are often used in desserts and preserves. Nutritional values per 100g: 50 kcal, 10g carbohydrates, 6g fiber, 0.8g protein, 80mg vitamin C. Edible parts: Berries. Season: July to September.

Flora of Swedish Lappland

While this guide provides information on the historical uses of various plants in Swedish Lappland, it is important to note that I do not recommend using any of these following plants for medicinal or nutritional purposes without proper knowledge and guidance. Many plants can be toxic or harmful if misidentified or improperly prepared.

1. Mountain Avens (Dryas octopetala, Fjällsippa – Swedish): This low-growing bush creates carpets of tiny oak-like leaves and large white flowers. It is common in high-altitude areas rich in lime. Uses: Often used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties.
2. Alpine Gentian (Gentiana nivalis, Fjällgentiana – Swedish): A low-growing herb with bright blue flowers that bloom in July and August. It thrives in lime-rich soils. Uses: Known for its bitter compounds, it is sometimes used in herbal remedies to aid digestion.
3. Moss Campion (Silene acaulis, Smällglim – Swedish): This perennial herb forms tight tufts and blooms with pink flowers in July and August. It is common throughout the mountain range. Uses: While not commonly used, it has been noted for its potential in traditional medicine for treating respiratory issues.
4. Lapland Rosebay (Rhododendron lapponicum, Lapsk alpros – Swedish): A low-growing bush with reddish-violet flowers that blooms in June. It prefers lime-rich soils. Uses: Primarily ornamental, but also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Glacier Buttercup (Ranunculus glacialis, Isranunkel – Swedish): A perennial herb with white flowers that turn pink and then brownish-red. It grows near lasting patches of snow. Uses: Historically used in traditional remedies, though it should be noted that some buttercup species can be toxic.

Survival Recommendations

If you find yourself stranded without communication in Swedish Lappland, here are some essential survival tips to help you stay safe:

1. Stay Calm and Assess Your Situation: Panic can lead to poor decision-making. Take a moment to assess your surroundings, your supplies, and your immediate needs.
2. Find or Create Shelter: Protect yourself from the elements by finding or creating a shelter. Use natural materials like branches, leaves, and snow to build a makeshift shelter. Look for natural formations like caves or dense tree cover.
3. Stay Warm: Hypothermia is a significant risk in Lappland’s cold climate. Layer your clothing, keep dry, and use any available materials to insulate yourself from the cold ground. Wear good hiking shoes with water-repelling ability, such as these.
4. Signal for Help: Use any means available to signal for help. This could include creating smoke signals, using a mirror to reflect sunlight, or arranging rocks or branches in a visible pattern.
5. Find Water: Water is essential for survival. Look for streams, rivers, or lakes. If you can’t find a natural water source, collect rainwater or melt snow (but avoid eating snow directly as it can lower your body temperature).
6. Forage for Food: Familiarize yourself with the edible plants listed above. Berries like bilberries, crowberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries can provide essential nutrients. Fireweed shoots and leaves are also edible.
7. Avoid Dangerous Plants: Be cautious of toxic plants like wolf’s bane, cowbane, and common yew. If you’re unsure about a plant, it’s best to avoid it.
8. Be Aware of Wildlife: While most animals will avoid humans, it’s important to be cautious. Store food securely to avoid attracting animals like bears and wolves. If you encounter a bear, stay calm, make yourself appear larger, and slowly back away. Do not run.
9. Stay Visible: Make yourself as visible as possible to rescuers. Stay in open areas, use bright clothing or materials, and create large signals that can be seen from the air.
10. Stay Put: Unless you are certain of your location and the direction to safety, it’s often best to stay put and wait for rescuers. Moving around can waste energy and make it harder for rescuers to find you.
11. Keep a Positive Mindset: Survival situations can be mentally challenging. Stay positive, keep your mind occupied with tasks, and remember that rescue is likely on the way.

To avoid ending up stranded in the first place, always plan your trip thoroughly. Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time, carry a reliable means of communication, and pack essential survival gear including a map, compass, first aid kit, and extra food and water. Check weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions. Traveling with a companion can also increase safety, as can staying on marked trails and avoiding risky areas.

Conclusion

Swedish Lappland’s flora and fauna are a testament to nature’s resilience and adaptability. From the iconic reindeer to the dangerous wolf’s bane, understanding the region’s biodiversity is crucial for both appreciation and survival. Lappland can be both amazing and dangerous due to its unique combination of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and challenging environmental conditions.

While the region offers edible plants like bilberries and cloudberries, it also harbors toxic species such as cowbane and common yew. Whether you’re exploring the tundra or the forests, this guide will help you navigate the unique and sometimes perilous natural landscape of Swedish Lappland. Always be prepared, respect the environment, and enjoy the incredible natural beauty this region has to offer.