Location and surroundings
The mountain belongs to the Fennoscandian Shield, part of the Scandinavian Mountains, specifically within the Northern Scandes, the Central Border Highlands, and the Nasa Mountain. Located in Sweden within Norrbotten County and the municipality of Arjeplogs kommun, Fierras ranks as the highest of 45 named peaks in the Nasa Mountain. The surrounding landscape is characterized by high northern terrain shared between Norway and Sweden.
Neighbouring peaks
Fierras is surrounded by several peaks and passes in the region. The nearest features include:
- Vastra Fierras (peak), 1,428 m, 2.5 km W
- Vastra Fierras (peak), 1,578 m, 4.6 km SW
- Gupakte (peak), 692 m, 8.1 km N
- Dåresåive (peak), 1,198 m, 9.0 km SW
- Tjapka (peak), 644 m, 9.4 km E
- Gava (peak), 1,100 m, 10.1 km SW
- Tjågnores (peak), 1,000 m, 11.1 km SE
- Suombertjakke (peak), 1,000 m, 11.4 km NE
The view from the summit
From the summit of Fierras, several prominent peaks within a 25 km radius are visible on clear days. The highest peaks within this distance include Strájtastjåhkkå at 1,400 m located 15.8 km NW, Toppfjellet at 1,369 m situated 18.8 km NW, and Gavakčåkka at 1,360 m lying 17.7 km NW. Observers can also spot Vis'kesčårro at 1,293 m at a distance of 24.6 km NW, Lingafjellet at 1,260 m positioned 20.4 km NW, and Visskistjåhkkå at 1,259 m located 20.1 km NW.
The range
Fierras is part of the Nasa Mountain range, which spans Norway and Sweden. The range itself is part of the wider Central Border Highlands, Northern Scandes, Scandinavian Mountains, and the Fennoscandian Shield. The high point of the range is the Nasa Mountain. Containing 45 named peaks in total, Fierras holds the rank of the highest peak among them.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for Fierras are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 to 2020 monthly means, adjusted to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the summit is warmest in July at about 6 °C and coldest in January at about -14 °C. Months with a mean above freezing at the summit are June, July, and August. Precipitation in the surrounding area is about 950 mm a year, with July being the wettest month at about 140 mm and February the driest at about 50 mm. Typical weather hazards in this northern environment include sudden temperature drops, strong winds, and low visibility during storms.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Fierras aligns with the months that experience a mean temperature above freezing at the summit, namely June, July, and August. Additionally, visitors often look to drier winter or summer periods to avoid heavy precipitation months such as July, keeping in mind that February is the driest month with about 50 mm of precipitation. Early summer and mid-summer offer the most accessible conditions for travel in this alpine terrain.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Fierras features northern alpine terrain typical of the Northern Scandes. Vegetation is sparse at higher elevations, consisting mainly of hardy lichens, mosses, and dwarf shrubs adapted to short growing seasons and cold winters. Wildlife in the region includes species typical of Scandinavian mountain habitats, such as reindeer managed by local Sami communities, small rodents, and various migratory birds that frequent the high plateaus during the summer months.
Guides and organised ascents
For climbs in demanding northern terrain, visitors often turn to established organizations and guiding companies in Sweden. The national mountain guide association is the Swedish Mountain Guide Association (Svenska Bergsguideorganisationen (SBO)), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the Swedish Climbing Federation (Svenska Klätterförbundet). Established guiding companies operating in the country include the STF Kebnekaise Mountain Station guide office located in Kebnekaise (Kiruna municipality). Guided ascents typically depend on factors such as duration, group size, equipment needs, and whether overnight stays are included.
Safety and preparation
This elevation and terrain demand proper preparation, including robust navigation skills, windproof and waterproof clothing, and sturdy footwear. Mountain weather can change rapidly, making maps and compasses essential tools. In the event of an emergency, the single emergency number for mountain rescue in Sweden is 112, which reaches emergency services over any available network.
Interesting facts
Fierras is notable for being the highest of 45 named peaks in the Nasa Mountain range. The mountain is situated within Arjeplogs kommun and Norrbotten County in Sweden. Its summit reaches precisely 1,600 metres, positioning it prominently among the surrounding peaks near the international border area.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Fierras? The mountain reaches an elevation of 1,600 metres.
Where is Fierras located? It is located in Sweden, specifically within Norrbotten County and Arjeplogs kommun.
What range does Fierras belong to? It belongs to the Nasa Mountain range, which spans Norway and Sweden.
What are the nearest peaks to Fierras? The nearest peaks include Vastra Fierras at 1,428 m located 2.5 km west, and another peak of Vastra Fierras at 1,578 m located 4.6 km southwest.
Is there water on the way to Fierras? Natural water sources like streams and snowmelt exist in the area during warmer months, but visitors should carry 1.5 to 3 litres of water and treat natural sources before drinking.
What is the mobile phone coverage like? Coverage in the hills is generally patchy and depends on the operator, but the emergency number 112 reaches services over any available network.