When you arrive at Ráhpaäno suorgudahka and look out over the delta surrounded by cliffs 600 m high, it is easy to become breathless. It is not strange that many of the places around it are considered sacred. There are many old sacrificial sites around Lake Lájtávrre. It is said that nine bears were shot at the stone called Áktsegállo. That is why the dwelling site down by the lake is called Aktse, which means “nine” in Sámi.
The scenic delta, shimmering turquoise, meandering below the mountains Skierffe and Tjahkkelij, is one of the most photographed places in the whole of Laponia and represents the essence of Sarek, but in fact the Lake Lájtávrre Delta, or Ráhpaäno suorgudahka as it is called in Sámi, lies outside Sarek and forms the gateway to Ráhpavuobme, the Rapa Valley.
The River Ráhpaädno is the main artery of Sarek. It transports sludge from about 30 glaciers and everything is dumped in Lake Lájtávrre. It is the fastest-growing delta in Sweden. The river divides into countless lagoons, and courses that make their way across the landscape, constantly changing. One day you can walk in a place with dry shoes, and the next day you need a boat at the same place.
This type of land is excellent for haymaking. It was the main reason why some Sámi settled at Aktse and became non-nomadic farmers in the beginning of the 19th century. The farmstead lies near the tourist cabins at Aktse and is still used by the Läntha family.
Today the delta is most popular as foraging land for moose, and as moose hunting grounds for the locals.
Did you know…
Avalanches from the steep mountain sides affect the water, so that the fish in Lájtávrre sometimes disappear for years. The river water becomes so full of sludge that fish cannot live in it.
Did you know…
Sjávnja/Sjuanja and Lájtávrredeltat have been identified as valuable wetlands protected under the Ramsar Convention, an international convention to protect wetlands. The commitment means that the ecological character of the area must not deteriorate.
