Stora Sjöfallet, Waterfall system in Jokkmokk Municipality, Sweden.
Stora Sjöfallet lies in the Stora Lule River between Kårtjejaure (415 m) and Langas (375 m), a 40 m drop in Jokkmokk Municipality. The photograph shows water spilling over dark, rounded rock ledges in several channels: a broad foamy cascade on the left, a smoother sheet sliding down a sloping rock face on the right, and a large wet rock mass between them. Only the Hermelin and Widmark falls still carry water.
Hydroelectric dam construction in the early 20th century significantly reduced the waterfall's natural flow. The area gained protection as a national park in 1909 to preserve this northern landscape.
The five former falls were named after men linked to Lapland's development: Samuel Gustaf Hermelin, Lars Levi Læstadius, Gustaf von Düben, Carl Anton Pettersson and Henrik Adolf Widmark. Hermelin's fall, the top level, was the main attraction. Today only the Hermelin and Widmark falls still carry a little water.
The area is accessible by road from Porjus and connects to hiking trails that explore the surrounding landscape. Visiting between March and September offers the most favorable conditions for walking and observing the waterfall.
The waterfall once had five named levels, each honouring a figure in Lapland's development: Hermelin, Læstadius, von Düben, Pettersson and Widmark. Hermelin's fall, the top level, was the main attraction. Today only the Hermelin and Widmark falls still carry a little water.
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