Helicopter tourism surges in Swedish mountains as authorities seek controls

Helicopter traffic is increasing in the Swedish mountains, with long queues forming at the mountain station near Kebnekaise, SVT reports. The Norrbotten County Administrative Board says the situation is becoming increasingly unsustainable and is calling for regulation.

“There will be increased noise, so of course it affects wildlife in the mountains,” said Susanne Friberg, head of the board’s community affairs department.

During the summer, many hikers take helicopters to and from the Kebnekaise mountain station. The flight takes less than 10 minutes, while the hike takes between five and seven hours.

“I like flying by helicopter. It is fun and there is a great view here. Then I think we will get home today instead of tomorrow,” said Zakarias, who was among those waiting to fly from Kebnekaise to Nikkaluokta.

Figures compiled by SVT show that the average turnover of five companies operating helicopter flights in the Swedish mountain region rose by 73 percent between 2019 and 2025. For one of the companies, the increase was measured through 2024.

“This is Kebnekaise in a nutshell. Helicopters,” said Anna Östberg, acting director of sports at the STF Kebnekaise mountain station.

Higher levels of helicopter tourism also mean more noise. Several reindeer herding communities have expressed concern that the noise frightens and stresses reindeer, particularly during the calving period.

The Norrbotten County Administrative Board also wants helicopter traffic in the mountain region to be regulated. Three years ago, it asked the government to investigate restrictions on heliskiing, in which people are flown into the mountains by helicopter before skiing down.

“Of course, we want this investigation to begin. We have an interest in finding out where the process stands,” Friberg said.

No investigation has begun. Responsible minister Andreas Carlson of the Christian Democrats told SVT that the request is being considered.

“There are partly conflicting interests to take into account and an unclear legal situation. The government intends to return to the issue,” Carlson wrote.