Explore Norway’s National Parks with GoTravelDaily

Norwegians love nothing better than to explore their own country, and it’s not difficult to see why – they live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. When it comes to exploration, moreover, the mountains of central Norway’s inner north – just before the country’s geographical bulge begins to narrow and head north toward the Arctic – are simply magnificent.

Jotunheimen National Park

The name here says it all – in Norsk, ‘Jotunheimen’ means ‘Home of the Giants’. This is Norway’s most precipitous corner, an upland succession of dramatic peaks and valleys with 275 different summits over 2000m high. A seemingly endless skein of hiking trails traverse the park, following narrow ridgelines, skirting crystalline lakes, and approaching towering glaciers. The hiking ranks among Europe’s best, from peerless Besseggen, arguably Norway’s most spectacular hike, to the Hurrungane range that leads to Norway’s highest mountain hut, Fannaråki, atop the peak of Fannaråken (2068m). You can go even higher on Galdhøpiggen (2469m), climbing to the summit of Norway’s highest mountain; down below, at the still-significant altitude of 1850m, you can also ski in summer at the Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Centre.

Rondane National Park

‘Palace piled upon palace’ is how Norway’s favourite writer, Henrik Ibsen, once described Rondane. This is Norway’s first national park and remains one of the most beautiful in the country. From a distance, the rough-hewn ramparts of Rondane fill the skyline with drama and rare beauty. Up close, some of Norway’s most celebrated hiking trails wind through lichen-covered, high-altitude meadows inhabited by Norway’s last wild reindeer herds, and between stirring glaciers. Hiking, in July and August only, is the sole way to access the park’s inner reaches, along some of Norway’s finest alpine hiking trails. The mountain hut at Rondvassbu, a 6.2km (1½-hour) hike up from the main access road, serves as the starting point for many memorable hikes to summits whose names evoke the magic of high-altitude Norwegian fairy tales: Storronden, Vinjeronden, Trolltinden, and Rondslottet; at 2178m, the latter is the highest point in the park.

Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park

Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park offers a varied landscape distinct from other Norwegian parks that rely on seemingly endless mountain ranges. This region features mountains like dragon-back Snøhetta (2286m) – which can be climbed in six hours from Snøheim – along with haunting, moor-like slopes and highland plains that shelter some of Norway’s most charismatic creatures. The primeval musk ox is the biggest prize, with sightings almost guaranteed on one of the musk-ox safaris. Moose or elk are also commonly seen, while the park protects wild reindeer, Arctic foxes, and the elusive wolverine. Birders particularly treasure Fokstumyra Marshes, which boasts 87 nesting species and a total of 162 bird species.

Femundsmarka National Park

Very few foreign visitors make it to Femundsmarka, yet Norwegians know it well – members of Norway’s peak hiking association regularly vote it among the country’s top hiking destinations. The 3½-hour, 10.5km-return hike up Mt Elgåhogna (1403m) is one of the park’s best, but wildlife watching is also a highlight – be on the lookout for reindeer and musk ox, which are commonly spotted. If you are lucky enough to see a brown bear, Eurasian lynx, or even a wolf, you’ve truly hit the jackpot.

Breheimen National Park

With Norway’s hiking season concentrated into just two months, July and August, many of the region’s parks and trails can become crowded with visitors. Breheimen, however, stands out. Having opened to visitors in 2009 and protected by the larger Jotunheimen and other parks nearby, Breheimen is a beautiful, well-kept secret that will appeal to those who enjoy more challenging wilderness experiences. Trails here are lightly marked and not heavily trafficked, and none of the mountain huts are staffed – making this a wilderness expedition for experienced hikers.

Reinheimen National Park

Opened to the public in 2006, Reinheimen is named after the herds of wild reindeer that inhabit its high valleys. Although it only covers 1969 square kilometres, its variety is one of its distinguishing features. The park’s western reaches are framed by mountains and steep ravines, while the eastern high Alpine plateau can feel like a lost mountain world. In addition to reindeer, this park is home to wolverines, and golden eagles are commonly seen soaring above.

Trollheimen National Park

Trollheimen represents another quintessentially Norwegian destination where otherwise inaccessible high mountains and isolated upland lakes become reachable for those willing to embark on foot. The glacier-fed rivers of these regions are also ideal for white-water rafting, particularly the Driva River near Oppdal, the main access town for Trollheimen.

Getting There

Oslo serves as Norway’s main international gateway. The country’s excellent network of trains and buses can connect you to most of these national parks, although a private vehicle is often the best option for reaching the trailheads.

For general information on Norway, visit www.visitnorway.com. For invaluable advice on hiking in Norway and destination-specific details, try the Norwegian Trekking Association’s website at https://english.dnt.no/.

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