Northern Sweden

We decided to drive through Sweden on our return trip to Trondheim.  Here's the route that we took.

When we crossed the border into Sweden (no border patrol, by the way), we entered Sweden's northernmost province, Lappland.  The Sami people have a significant presence in Lappland and it was evidenced by road signs written in Swedish and Northern Sami (Davvisámegiella).  Soon after crossing the border we entered Abisko National Park.

The Sami "lavvu" are similar to Native American's "tipi"

There were dozens of backpackers relaxing, buying supplies and maps at park headquarters

Lapporten "The Lapponian Gate" (Tjuonavagge in Northern Sami). The road meanders along a huge lake 

Not long after leaving the park, we came to Kiruna, a pristine mining town wholly dependent on mining iron ore in the vicinity.  Perhaps the most interesting fact about Kiruna is that the entire town of 18,000 inhabitants must move to accommodate expansion of the mining operations upon which the town depends.   

Russian-influenced church architecture?

Open city parkland at the edge of town

Monument to the iron ore miners in the background

We had a delightful lunch here.  We sat outside on the patio.

Why did I take this photo?

That's why.  Although I think they are manufactured in Europe, now.

After lunch we headed south along Sweden's inland highway.  We stopped at this fast-food place to buy coffee.  I think this is in the town of Gallivare, also dependent upon the mining industry.  The town has a very American feel to it -- USA 1963 -- we saw more than a few 1950s/60s American hot rods and pony cars.

I didn't take any photos of the hot rods, but apparently there is a hot rod meet in Galivare each summer for example:

From Kiruna south the landscape changed from mountains to broad forested plains dotted with lake after lake after lake.  Minnesota?

This reindeer was not startled at all!

Gave me the "stink eye" (Is this the stink eye, Jim Lucci?)