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Harsprånget Power Station

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

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The Harsprånget hydroelectric power station is located on the Lule River in northern Sweden, approximately 35 kilometers north of Jokkmokk. It stands as the largest hydroelectric facility in Sweden and is a landmark of national engineering expertise. Construction originally began in 1919 but was halted due to economic instability, eventually being completed between 1945 and 1951. With an installed capacity of 977 megawatts, the station generates approximately 2 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, which is vital for powering Sweden's heavy industry. The plant features a vertical drop of 107 meters, and its powerhouse is located deep underground, blasted directly into the bedrock. Harsprånget was a pioneering project for the development of High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology to transport energy to the industrial south. Operated by Vattenfall, the facility remains a cornerstone of Sweden's renewable energy infrastructure.

Location: Sweden
Top sights: Ananasse · Harsprångsfallet

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-13	-12	-8	-2	5	11	14	12	6	-1	-7	-10
Rain mm	44	37	33	40	71	89	117	96	76	56	53	50

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Harsprånget hydroelectric power station on the Lule River is Sweden's largest hydroelectric plant and a symbol of the expansion of Swedish electricity supply. It plays a crucial role in providing renewable energy for industry and households in northern Sweden and beyond.

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Visiting

The power station itself is not usually accessible to the public, but there is a viewpoint and information boards near the dam. From the road, the impressive concrete structure and water masses can be seen well, especially during high water.

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Where to view it

The best viewpoint is the bridge over the Lule River below the dam, offering a direct view of the hydroelectric plant and the outflow. From higher points on the north bank, a panoramic view of the entire power station and surrounding taiga unfolds.

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Local products

In the region around Harsprånget, there are no direct consumer goods from the plant, but the area is rich in wild berries, mushrooms, and fish. Visitors can buy local products in nearby villages, such as lingonberry jam and smoked salmon.

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Active season

The power station operates year-round, with peak electricity production during the snowmelt in late spring and early summer. The water volume is greatest then, and the turbines run at full capacity, offering an impressive spectacle.

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Nearby

A visit to Harsprånget can be well combined with a tour through Lapland and a visit to the nearby Stora Sjöfallet National Park. The town of Jokkmokk with its Sami museum and winter market is also suitable for a combined trip.