Sulitjelma (Norway)

Sulitjelma (Norwegian), Sulisjielmmá (Lule Sami), or Sulitelma (Swedish) is a village in Fauske Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. Sulitjelma is situated in a lush inland valley at an elevation of 140 metres (460 ft) above sea level. It is located on the shore of Langvatnet lake, about 35 kilometres (22 mi) southeast of the town of Fauske. The lakes Lomivatnet, Kjelvatnet, and Muorkkejávrre are located to the east and south of the village. The 0.53-square-kilometre (130-acre) village has a population (2023) of 399 and a population density of 753 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,950/sq mi). Sultitjelma is virtually surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Sulitjelma is at the southern terminus of the Nordkalottruta hiking trail. There is a road connection to the town of Fauske, which is located 44 kilometres (27 mi) west. Winters in Sulitjelma have reliable snow cover and are on average 2 °C (3.6 °F) colder than in the town of Fauske. The village is the birthplace of academic Geir Lundestad. Sulitjelma Church and Sulitjelma Chapel are both located in the village. There are many old mines in the area.