Everyone knows that Scandinavia is a harsh region with special, rather harsh climatic conditions. However, at the same time, the region is distinguished by a certain beauty, and therefore attracts many tourists from all over the world. One of the countries worthy of our attention is Sweden. This prosperous European country receives thousands of visitors annually. The nature of Sweden deserves a special story. We will talk about it in today's article.
Climate
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, a temperate climate has formed in Sweden. However, it should be noted immediately that this is characteristic only of the southern and southwestern regions of the country. For example, in Stockholm, the average January temperature is -3 ° C, in July this figure is 18.5 ° C.
If we talk about the northern, eastern and western regions of the state, then winters are already colder there. Summer is cool enough and not too long. A small part of the north of the country is located in the region of the Arctic Circle. Therefore, the already subarctic climate dictates its conditions there . Here the average temperature in winter is around -15 ° C. It goes without saying that the snow does not melt here for six months.
Distinctive features
In general, the nature of Sweden is such that it borders beautiful green fields, picturesque and alluring islands of the south, the harsh and gloomy tundra of northern Lapland, hills and western cliffs covered with forests. At the same time, the majestic shores of the calm Gulf of Bothnia and simply a gigantic system of lakes with a great many wild animals will not leave anyone indifferent.
Now let's stop at the most beautiful places in the country, having studied them as detailed as possible.
Mount Oreskutan
This mountain is located in the central province of the state called Jamtland. It rises above sea level by 1420 meters, 1048 of which are above the surface of Lake Are. Translated from the Old Norse language, the name of the mountain is translated as "tip".
This peak in the summer is densely covered with green grass. Rare plant species grow here, various birds nest. You can watch all this beauty without prejudice to nature along specially created trails for walking.
The nature of Sweden is such that in winter this mountain, due to 100% humidity, transforms into a practically monolithic glacier, abundantly covered with snow. Due to this, many tourists here prefer to spend their time skiing. The top of the rocky system is crowned by a restaurant called Bistrologiskist, from which you can observe a picturesque panorama of the surrounding horizon.
State Guard: Ristafallet Falls
This miracle of nature is located on the river, bearing the interesting name Indalsalven. The waterfall can be reached on the E14 highway. Its height above sea level is 355 m. This powerful stream of water is divided by a forest into northern and southern parts. Interestingly, the southern part of the waterfall is not visible from the northern, and vice versa. Water falls from a height of 14 m. Slightly higher and lower from the waterfall you can meet fishermen catching grayling or trout.
Due to the fact that a special and even humid climate has formed near the water mass falling down, here you can find a specific ecosystem that is under state protection. Rare species of lichens grow in this zone and animals listed in the Red Book live. It is worth saying that here the nature of Sweden has never been affected by humans.
If desired, the waterfall can be seen in one film called "Roni, the daughter of a robber." She was shot on a novel written by Astrid Lindgren.
The largest waterfall in the country
This body of water is called Tenforsen. It is located 22 km from the Ore resort and has a total height of 38 m. The fall height is 32 m. The amount of water in the waterfall varies depending on the season. In the past century, more than once the state debate raised the question of how to start using this natural heritage as a source of electrical energy. However, the Swedish people still oppose this undertaking.
Around the waterfall grows 21 species of the rarest and endangered lichens. They can not be found anywhere else on the European continent.
From February to April, tourists have access to visit the cave, located directly under the waterfall.
Abisko
This is the name of the national park, spread in the Lapland province. It is in close proximity to the border with Norway. The territory of the park starts from Lake Turnetresk and lies 15 km to the south-west. The total area of this land, protected at the legislative level, is about 77 km 2 . The foundation date of the park is 1909.
It is here that the nature of Sweden, the photo of which is given below, has been preserved in its original form. However, its resources are used for scientific purposes. In 1935, the Abisko research station merged with the Swedish Academy of Sciences. In summer, you can enjoy the white nights in the park, and in the winter - the northern lights.
Hello from space
Lake Siljan is another asset that Sweden's nature boasts. In short, this reservoir is a huge crater formed after a meteorite fell 370 million years ago. Over the years, this depression was covered with a thick layer of limestone. The lake has an area that allows it to occupy the seventh line in the ranking of Sweden's largest lakes.
Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it has many islands, the longest of which is no more than 7.5 km.
Animal world
The nature of Sweden, the description of which includes not only flora but also fauna, is diverse. For example, in order to meet a squirrel, it is not at all necessary to go to the forest, since it can also be seen in the city.
There are many brown bears in the forests, which, despite their clubfoot, move very quickly. Another animal similar to a bear is wolverine. This hunter has a powerful jaw and large teeth. He has practically no enemies. It moves quickly and silently, but lives only ten years.
In addition, the nature of Sweden is rich in hares, moose, foxes, muskrats and American minks.