Research Stations

Abisko Scientific Research Station

Located in northern Sweden

The Abisko Scientific Research Station is a leading facility for Arctic research, focusing on ecological, geological, and meteorological studies. The station provides essential infrastructure for long-term environmental monitoring and research in the Arctic region.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive ecological research facilities
  • Long-term climate monitoring equipment
  • Advanced geological research tools
  • Year-round meteorological observations
Abisko Scientific Research Station

Tarfala Research Station

Located in the Kebnekaise Mountains

The Tarfala Research Station specializes in glaciological research and high-alpine environmental monitoring. The station plays a crucial role in studying climate change impacts on glaciers and mountain environments.

Key Features

  • Specialized glaciological research equipment
  • High-altitude monitoring systems
  • Climate change impact assessment tools
  • Mountain environment research facilities
Tarfala Research Station

Svea Station

Located in the Svalbard archipelago

Svea Station serves as a base for temporary expeditions and supports various research activities in the Svalbard region. The station facilitates studies related to biology, geology, and meteorology in the high Arctic environment.

Key Features

  • Temporary expedition support facilities
  • Biological research equipment
  • Geological sampling tools
  • Meteorological monitoring systems
Svea Station

Wasa Station

Located in the Antarctic region

Wasa Station, while located in Antarctica, plays a vital role in polar comparisons and environmental studies. The station enables researchers to study similarities and differences between Arctic and Antarctic environments, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of polar regions.

Key Features

  • Polar comparison research facilities
  • Environmental monitoring equipment
  • Climate study infrastructure
  • Cross-polar research capabilities
Wasa Station

Policy

Government Ministry Research Institute Arctic Council

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Strategy for the Arctic Region

Strategy for the Arctic Region

2016

Icebreakers

Sweden maintains a fleet of icebreakers that are crucial for maintaining year-round maritime operations in the Baltic Sea and Arctic waters. These vessels play vital roles in research, monitoring, and maintaining safe navigation in ice-covered waters.

Atle Frej Ymer Ale Oden
Image Atle Frej Ymer Ale Oden
Date of Launch 21 October, 1974 1974 late 1976 1982 1989
Introduction Atle is the first Atle-class icebreaker to be delivered from the Wärtsilä Helsinki Shipyard. She was then crewed by personnel from the Swedish Navy and on 24 October she set sail for Stockholm. Frej is the third Atle-class icebreaker, named after the Norse god Freyr. On 20 September 1975 she was delivered to the Swedish Navy and departed the Wärtsilä Helsinki Shipyard bound for Stockholm. Ymer is the fifth and last icebreaker in the Atle-class. She was delivered to the Swedish Navy and departed the Wärtsilä Helsinki Shipyard bound for Stockholm, where she arrived on 3 November. Ale is a Swedish icebreaker operated by the Swedish Maritime Administration. Commissioned in 1987, it is designed to navigate and break through thick ice in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia, ensuring safe passage for vessels during winter months. Oden is a powerful Swedish icebreaker and research vessel, launched in 1989 at the Götaverken shipyard in Gothenburg. It is renowned for being one of the world's most capable non-nuclear icebreakers, operated by the Swedish Maritime Administration and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat.
Dimensions (m) 104.7 × 23.8 × 8.3 104.7 × 23.8 × 8.3 104.7 × 23.8 × 8.3 104.7 × 23.8 × 8.3 108 × 31 × 8.5
Gross Tonnage 7,800 7,800 7,800 7,800 9,605
Installed Power 5 × Wärtsilä-Pielstick 12PC2-5V-400 5 × Wärtsilä-Pielstick 12PC2-5V-400 5 × Wärtsilä-Pielstick 12PC2-5V-400 5 × Wärtsilä-Pielstick 12PC2-5V-400 4 × Wärtsilä Vasa 16V32 (4 × 3,460 kW)
Propulsion Diesel-electric Diesel-electric Diesel-electric Diesel-electric Diesel-electric
Power Source Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel
Operating Depth (m) As a surface vessel, Atle operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine. As a surface vessel, Frej operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine. As a surface vessel, Ymer operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine. As a surface vessel, Ale operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine. As a surface vessel, Oden operates on the water's surface and does not have a specified operating depth like a submarine.
Accommodation 44 persons 44 persons 44 persons 44 persons 60 persons

Scientific Expedition

Expeditions by Year

Sweden has a rich history of Arctic exploration and continues to conduct significant scientific expeditions in the region. These expeditions contribute valuable data to our understanding of Arctic ecosystems, climate change, and environmental impacts.

For more information about Swedish Arctic expeditions, visit the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, which offers a comprehensive view of research activities and findings.

2016-2020 2013-2014 2011 2002 1991 1987 1980 1878-1880 1872-1873 1858

Event Timeline

1858
1872
1878
1980
1987
1991
1996
2002
2007
2008
2011
2013
2015
2016
2018
2019
1858

First Swedish Arctic Expedition

One of the earliest organized Swedish Arctic expeditions, documenting the region's flora, fauna, and geography.

Source: Wråkberg, U. (2019). Acta Borealia
1872

Nordenskiöld's First Polar Expedition

Led by polar explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld, this expedition gathered data on glaciology and mapped uncharted areas.

Source: The Arctic Voyages of Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld, 1858–1879
1878

Nordenskiöld's Vega Expedition

The first expedition to navigate the Northeast Passage, paving the way for Sweden's future in polar exploration.

Source: ARCUS
1980

Ymer-80 Expedition

Sweden's largest Arctic expedition, studying climate and ecosystems, which informed environmental research.

Source: Doel, R. E., Friedman, R. M., Lajus, J., Sörlin, S., & Wråkberg, U. (2014). Journal of Historical Geography
1987

SWEDARP & Research Stations

SWEDARP organizes Sweden's national Antarctic expeditions, complementing Arctic research by studying both polar environments. Sweden also operates research stations in the Arctic (Svalbard) and Antarctica, supporting long-term climate and geology research.

Source: SWEDARP Source: SWEDISH NATIONAL POLAR RESEARCH SECRETARIAT
1991

Oden Icebreaker Expeditions & Scandinavian Greenhouse Project

Supports scientific research in the Arctic, contributing to climate research and Arctic sea ice studies. The Scandinavian Greenhouse Project provided critical data on Arctic carbon flux, informing models of greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: Oden Source: ResearchGate
1996

Participation in the Arctic Council

Sweden is a founding member of the Arctic Council, advocating for sustainable development, environmental protection, and indigenous rights.

Source: Arctic Council
2002

Swedish-Russian Tundra Ecology Expedition

Key study on Arctic tundra ecology and its response to climate change, with implications for biodiversity.

Source: Callaghan, T., Velichko, A., & Borisova, O. (2011). Geography, Environment, Sustainability
2007

Participation in International Polar Year

Sweden played a key role in this global scientific collaboration focusing on environmental and climate change research.

Source: Polar Shifts
2008

IPY Kinnvika Project

Contributed to climate data through the International Polar Year, focusing on Svalbard's glacial environments.

Source: Pettersson, R., et al. (2009). AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
2011

SWERUS-C3 Expedition & Arctic Strategy

Studied methane release and the Arctic carbon cycle, providing crucial data for understanding greenhouse gas cycles. Sweden also prioritized climate change mitigation, international cooperation, and peace in its Arctic Strategy.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters Source: Government Office of Sweden
2013

SWEDARCTIC Expedition & Arctic Challenge Exercises

Focused on the impact of climate change on Arctic ice and ecosystems, coordinated by the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. Sweden also began hosting joint military exercises with Finland and Norway, strengthening defense cooperation in the Arctic.

Source: SWEDISH NATIONAL POLAR RESEARCH PROGRAMMES Source: NATO
2015

Arctic Ocean Acidification Study

Studied the effects of ocean acidification on biodiversity, highlighting climate change's impact on marine life.

Source: Reiersen, L.-O., Vorkamp, K., & Kallenborn, R. (2024). Environmental Science and Ecotechnology
2016

Swedish Arctic Expedition

Contributed to Arctic research, focusing on climate change, glaciology, and environmental monitoring, involving several Arctic research stations.

Source: Swedish Polar Research Secretariat
2018

East Greenland Glacial Fjord Studies

Contributed to understanding glacier-marine interactions and the impacts of glacial melt on marine environments.

Source: Weather and Climate Dynamics
2019

NORDEFCO Chairmanship

Sweden led the Nordic Defence Cooperation, focusing on Arctic security, joint military exercises, and air defense collaboration.

Source: NORDEFCO