National Parks in Norway

Norway is home to forty-seven national parks, spread across its mainland and the Svalbard archipelago. The national parks of Norway are subject to strict regulations, prohibiting most motorized vehicles but allowing freedom of movement for activities such as walking, skiing, and camping, as long as the natural environment is respected. The management of these areas is overseen by the Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management and local authorities, keeping roads, accommodations, and information centers outside the park boundaries.

The first Norwegian national park was established in 1962, followed by others in subsequent years, with Sør-Spitsbergen being the largest and Gutulia the smallest. Additionally, Norway has marine parks and marine areas within the parks of Svalbard. Although the national parks cover a significant area of the country, representing 7% of the mainland and 24% of Svalbard, there has been a noted decline in natural areas away from densely populated zones between 1900 and 2003.

List of National Parks in Norway

Rondane National Park

Located in Innlandet, this national park, established in 1962, covers an area of 963 square kilometers. Rondane impresses with its alpine plateaus, crystal-clear lakes, and charming mountain cabins.

Børgefjell National Park

In Trøndelag and Nordland, this park established in 1963 covers 1447 square kilometers. Børgefjell surprises with its rugged mountains, extensive valleys, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Gutulia National Park

In Innlandet, Gutulia, established in 1962, spans only 23 square kilometers. This small park enchants with its tranquil and pristine atmosphere, offering a perfect escape for those seeking the peace of nature.

Ånderdalen National Park

Located in Troms og Finnmark, this park was established in 1970 and covers 125 square kilometers. Ånderdalen offers lush forests, winding rivers, and a variety of trails ideal for hiking and bird watching.

Stabbursdalen National Park

Situated in Troms og Finnmark, Stabbursdalen National Park was established in 1970 and covers 747 square kilometers. This park surprises with its arctic tundra landscapes, winding rivers, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, serving as a vital refuge for species like the arctic fox and reindeer.

Øvre Pasvik National Park

Located in Sør-Varanger kommune, Troms og Finnmark, Øvre Pasvik National Park was established in 1971 and covers an area of 25,605 square kilometers. This park captivates with its extensive boreal forests, swamps, and rivers, providing important habitats for species such as the brown bear and the grey wolf.

Øvre Dividal National Park

Situated in Målselv, Troms og Finnmark, this national park was established in 1971 and covers 770 square kilometers. Øvre Dividal impresses with its deep valleys, towering mountains, and dense birch and pine forests, offering a tranquil refuge for wildlife and nature lovers.

Rago National Park

Located in Sørfold, Nordland, Rago National Park was established in 1971 and covers an area of 167 square kilometers. Rago surprises with its mighty landscapes of rugged mountains, deep canyons, and crystal-clear rivers, creating a unique and pristine natural environment.

Femundsmarka National Park

Situated in Engerdal and Røros, Innlandet, this national park was established in 1971 and covers an area of 597 square kilometers. Femundsmarka impresses with its extensive pine forests, clear lakes, and mountain landscapes, offering a tranquil refuge for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.

Forlandet National Park

Located in Svalbard, this national park was established in 1973 and spans 4647 square kilometers. Forlandet captivates with its mighty arctic landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and a rich wildlife adapted to the harsh Arctic environment.

Sør-Spitsbergen National Park

In Svalbard, Sør-Spitsbergen National Park was established in 1973 and covers an area of 13,286 square kilometers. This park impresses with its glacial landscapes, rugged mountains, and a rich history of Arctic exploration, offering a unique experience in the far north of the world.

Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park

Also located in Svalbard, Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park was established in 1973 and covers an area of 9914 square kilometers. With its mighty Arctic landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, and fjords, this park offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife observation and Arctic exploration.

Øvre Anárjohka National Park

Located in Karasjok and Kautokeino, Troms og Finnmark, this national park was established in December 1975 and covers 1409 square kilometers. Øvre Anárjohka surprises with its tundra landscapes, wild rivers, and rugged mountains, offering a remote and pristine natural environment.

Hardangervidda National Park

Situated in Viken, Vestfold, and Telemark, Hardangervidda National Park was established on April 16, 1981. With an impressive area of 34226 square kilometers, this park is home to Europe’s largest mountain plateau, offering tundra landscapes, clear lakes, and rich wildlife.

Reisa National Park

Located in Troms og Finnmark, this national park covers 806 square kilometers and is home to the spectacular Reisa canyon. With towering cliffs, waterfalls, and tundra landscapes, Reisa offers a unique Arctic nature experience.

Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park

Located in Nordland, this park established in 1989 covers 2102 square kilometers. From the heights of Saltfjellet Mountain to the Svartisen glaciers, this park offers a variety of landscapes, including mountains, fjords, and vast plateaus.

Forollhogna National Park

Located in Innlandet and Trøndelag, Forollhogna National Park was established in 2001 and covers an area of 1062 square kilometers. This park impresses with its extensive mountain areas, alpine meadows, and forests, providing vital habitat for species like reindeer and brown bears.

Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park

Situated in Innlandet, Møre og Romsdal, and Trøndelag, this park was established on May 3, 2002, and covers an area of 18307 square kilometers. Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella captivates with its vast plateaus, rugged peaks, and rich wildlife, including the iconic presence of the Arctic reindeer.

Dovre National Park

In Innlandet, Dovre National Park was established in 2003 and covers 289 square kilometers. This park is known for its dramatic mountainous landscape, including the mighty Snøhetta Mountain, and its importance as a habitat for the musk ox population.

Nordenskiöld Land National Park

Located in Svalbard, Nordenskiöld Land National Park was established in 2003 and covers an area of 1362 square kilometers. This park is home to unique Arctic landscapes, impressive glaciers, and rich wildlife adapted to the harsh Arctic conditions.

Møysalen National Park

In Nordland, Møysalen National Park was established in 2003 and covers an area of 51 square kilometers. This park impresses with its rugged mountains, deep fjords, and a diversity of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Sassen–Bünsow Land National Park

Situated in Svalbard, Sassen–Bünsow Land National Park was established in 2003 and covers an area of 1230.57 square kilometers. This park impresses with its pristine Arctic landscape, majestic glaciers, and a rich diversity of wildlife adapted to the harsh conditions of the Arctic.

Nordre Isfjorden National Park

Also in Svalbard, Nordre Isfjorden National Park was established in 2003 and covers an area of 2954 square kilometers. This park is known for its impressive fjords, glaciers, and the rich history of polar exploration, being a unique place for observing Arctic wildlife.

Junkerdal National Park

Located in Nordland, Junkerdal National Park was established in 2004 and covers an area of 682 square kilometers. This park captivates with its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, offering opportunities for hiking and nature observation.

Skarvan and Roltdalen National Park

In Trøndelag, Skarvan and Roltdalen National Park was established in 2004 and spans 4414 square kilometers. This park impresses with its vast forests, mountainous landscapes, and clear rivers, being a vital refuge for wildlife and a natural jewel for visitors.

Blåfjella–Skjækerfjella National Park

Also in Trøndelag, this national park was established in 2004 and covers 1924 square kilometers. Blåfjella–Skjækerfjella surprises with its untouched mountain landscapes, wild rivers, and diverse ecosystems, offering unique opportunities for adventure and nature exploration.

Lierne National Park

Located in Trøndelag, this national park was established in 2004 and covers an area of 333 square kilometers. Lierne enchants with its landscapes of forests, lakes, and mountains, offering opportunities for wildlife observation and hiking.

Indre Wijdefjorden National Park

Situated in Svalbard, this park was established in 2005 and spans 1127 square kilometers. Indre Wijdefjorden is known for its impressive Arctic landscape, including steep fjords, glaciers, and rich wildlife.

Folgefonna National Park

In Vestland, this national park, established in 2005 and expanded in 2022, covers an area of 548.038 square kilometers. Folgefonna impresses with its towering glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and alpine landscapes, offering unique opportunities for hiking and skiing.

Varangerhalvøya National Park

Located in Troms og Finnmark, Varangerhalvøya National Park was established in 2006 and covers an area of 1804 square kilometers. This park impresses with its stunning coastal landscapes, fjords, plateaus, and a rich diversity of seabirds and Arctic wildlife.

Reinheimen National Park

Situated in Innlandet and Møre og Romsdal, Reinheimen National Park was established in 2006 and spans 1974 square kilometers. This park captivates with its majestic mountains, deep valleys, shimmering glaciers, and rich wildlife, being a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

Seiland National Park

In Troms og Finnmark, Seiland National Park was established in 2006 and covers an area of 3163 square kilometers. This park surprises with its mighty Arctic landscapes, glaciers, fjords, and rich cultural history, offering unique opportunities for exploration and wildlife observation.

Hallingskarvet National Park

Located in Vestland, Hallingskarvet National Park was established on December 29, 2006, and covers an area of 451.619 square kilometers. This park impresses with its mountainous landscapes, deep canyons, stunning waterfalls, and rich diversity of flora and fauna, being a popular destination for outdoor activities and hiking.

Breheimen National Park

Located in Innlandet and Vestland, Breheimen National Park was established in 2009 and covers an area of 1671 square kilometers. This park impresses with its mighty mountains, glaciers, deep valleys, and rich diversity of flora and fauna, offering opportunities for hiking and nature observation.

Lomsdal–Visten National Park

In Nordland, Lomsdal–Visten National Park was established in 2009 and spans 1102 square kilometers. This park captivates with its wild landscapes, ancient forests, clear rivers, and rich diversity of wildlife, being a vital refuge for endangered species like the wolverine.

Ytre Hvaler National Park

Situated in Viken, Ytre Hvaler National Park was established on June 26, 2009, and covers an area of 354.841 square kilometers. This park surprises with its coastal landscapes, islands, reefs, and rich marine life, being a popular destination for bird watching and aquatic activities.

Sjunkhatten National Park

In Nordland, Sjunkhatten National Park was established in 2010 and covers an area of 417.305 square kilometers. This park impresses with its mountainous landscapes, green valleys, rivers, and lakes, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife observation.

Langsua National Park

Located in Innlandet, Langsua National Park was established in 2011 and spans 537.1 square kilometers. This park captivates with its vast mountain landscapes, scenic lakes, pristine forests, and rich diversity of flora and fauna, being an ideal destination for adventure and tranquility in nature.

Rohkunborri National Park

In Troms og Finnmark, Rohkunborri National Park was established in 2011 and covers an area of 571.33 square kilometers. This park impresses with its Arctic landscapes, rugged mountains, tundra, and rich wildlife adapted to the harsh Arctic conditions.

Làhku National Park

Situated in Nordland, this national park was established in 2012 and covers an area of 188 square kilometers. Làhku offers a variety of landscapes, including rugged mountains, lush forests, and picturesque rivers, creating a natural refuge for wildlife and nature lovers.

Fulufjellet National Park

Located in Innlandet, this park covers 410.23 square kilometers and was established in 2012. Fulufjellet impresses with its vast forests, majestic mountains, and Norway’s highest waterfall, Njupeskär, offering a diverse and fascinating natural environment.

Færder National Park

In Telemark and Vestfold, this national park was established in 2012 and covers an area of 415.09 square kilometers. Færder enchants with its impressive cliffs, pristine beaches, and rich marine life, being an ideal destination for bird watching and outdoor recreation.

Jomfruland National Park

Located in Vestfold and Telemark, this national park established in 2016 covers 117 square kilometers. Jomfruland offers beautiful sandy beaches, dune areas, and a diversity of migratory birds, creating a unique and charming coastal refuge.

Raet National Park

In Agder, this national park was established in 2016 and covers 427.20 square kilometers. Raet impresses with its rocky shoreline, sand dunes, and extensive coastal forests, being an ideal destination for observing marine life and coastal exploration.

Lofotodden National Park

Situated in Nordland, this national park was established in 2018 and covers 99 square kilometers. Lofotodden offers impressive landscapes with steep cliffs, pristine beaches, and rich marine life, being a perfect destination for exploration and hiking in the Lofoten Islands.

What Will We Find in Norway’s National Parks?

Traveling to Norway is a truly extraordinary experience. The nature of this country, with its impressive landscapes and fjords, is simply incomparable. From long nights to short days, through the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, Norway offers a natural spectacle that captivates the senses.

Venturing into this remote land, one feels completely immersed in the surrounding nature. Every aspect of the Norwegian landscape is remarkable and captivating. From mighty waterfalls to towering mountains, shimmering glaciers, and frozen lakes, every corner of Norway is a revelation.

Although the entire country could be considered a large natural park full of unparalleled beauty, there are some national parks that stand out for their uniqueness and beauty, such as Jostedalsbreen National Park and Jotunheimen National Park, to name a few.