Muddus National Park - Old forest and Muddusfallet
Walk 16 km through old-growth forest, past waterfalls, over rocky trails, and into the heart of Muddus National Park.
In front of the waterfall there was a small cliff where you could walk out and get (kind of cool) pictures..
First Impressions
After spending the night at the parking area, we were ready to take on the hike to the waterfall. My dad and I started walking on the rocky, root‑filled trail, aiming to see the waterfalls and enjoy the forest. We ended up hiking about 16 km, with some unexpected detours, plenty of mosquitoes, and quiet moments under the tall trees.
Hiking Through Roots & Rocks
We started at the Skájdde car park, following the trail that’s officially around 13 km but ended up closer to 16 km on our watches - our little detours added some extra steps. The path was tricky underfoot, full of stones and roots that tested our balance and made us slow down.
We kept a relaxed pace - not a race, but an immersion - and the weather was kind to us, though the mosquitoes made us grateful for bug spray. Every step required attention.
Chasing Waterfalls - Highlights of the Trail
About halfway, we reached a smaller waterfall - Askasjåhkå (on Sami language). A hidden gem before ''the main event''. Then came the star of the hike: Muddusfallet, the big waterfall that gives the park its name. Unfortunately, the trail we took didn’t let us see it from up close, only from afar. But we could see that the waterfall had two parts: the upper part that fell into (something like) an upper pond, and then continued streaming down the second part. If we had taken another trail or walked further, we might have been able to stand at the top of it and look down - but that might be for next time. Instead, we sat across from the waterfall, watching it straight ahead and taking in the view as it was, which I will not complain about! It was a beautiful place.
Afterwards, we made our way back to Skájdde. We filled up our water bottles with the fresh water from the well. And in the evening, when the hunger came, we lit a fire by the fireplace, grilled some halloumi burgers. Out of nowhere, a reindeer appeared, but it soon continued its journey through the forest.
Facts about Muddus National Park
📍 Location: Swedish Lapland, starting at Skájdde parking
📜 Established: 1942
🌲 Known for: Old-growth forest, waterfalls, bogs, and wildlife
🅿️ Parking: Medium-sized lot at Skájdde, free, overnight allowed
🐕 Dogs: Not allowed from 1st of May to 31st of December; Leashed dogs only allowed from 1st of January to 30th of April
🏠 Facilities: Visitor center with toilets, fresh water well, firewood, and grill spots
🥾 Distance for our chosen trail: About 16 km (round trip) including detours to waterfalls
Good to know & tips
🥾 The trail is rough - lots of roots and stones. Pro tip is to wear sturdy shoes
🦟 Good to bring bug spray - mosquitoes and knott are persistent
📸 There is a small rock platform at Muddusfallet that offers great (but dizzying) views and photo opportunities - but be careful
🦌 In the evening, a reindeer walked past us - this is Sámi land, rich in culture and reindeer
Read more about Muddus National Park here.
Photos
The early morning offered sun and the day was looking promising.
Information about Muddus National Park.
Map of the trails that are in the park.
Me and dad ready to head out to chase waterfalls.
The first waterfall - Askasjåhkå.
A happy dad 🌞
A deep cliff with a river running through it. This part came quite early on the trail with some steep parts.
The Muddus waterfall.
When we got back we treated ourselves with some grilled food, and banana with chocolate.
