Explore the Incredible National Parks of Norway
Norway is home to some of Europe’s most spectacular national parks, protecting vast wilderness areas that include towering mountains, deep valleys, ancient forests, glaciers, waterfalls, Arctic tundra, and crystal-clear lakes. These protected landscapes offer visitors the opportunity to experience nature at its purest while preserving Norway’s unique wildlife, geological heritage, and outdoor traditions for future generations.
Whether you are an avid hiker, wildlife enthusiast, photographer, camper, or simply someone who appreciates breathtaking scenery, Norway’s national parks offer unforgettable experiences throughout the year. From the rugged mountain peaks of Southern Norway to the remote Arctic wilderness of the north, each park has its own unique character and natural beauty.
This guide explores Norway’s national parks, highlighting their landscapes, wildlife, activities, and why they should be part of every travel itinerary.
Why Visit Norway’s National Parks?
Norway has established more than 40 national parks to protect its extraordinary natural heritage. These parks cover mountains, glaciers, forests, coastal areas, and Arctic landscapes, providing safe habitats for wildlife while allowing visitors to enjoy responsible outdoor recreation.
The national parks are perfect for:
- Hiking
- Wildlife watching
- Landscape photography
- Camping
- Fishing
- Mountain climbing
- Glacier exploration
- Birdwatching
- Scenic road trips
- Winter adventures
Thanks to Norway’s excellent trail network and the traditional Right to Roam (Allemannsretten), many parks are easily accessible for visitors of all experience levels.
Jotunheimen National Park – Home of Norway’s Highest Mountains
Jotunheimen National Park is one of Norway’s most famous protected areas and is often called the “Home of the Giants.” It contains the country’s highest mountain peaks, including Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind, surrounded by glaciers, alpine lakes, and dramatic valleys.
Popular activities include:
- Mountain hiking
- Summit climbing
- Glacier hiking
- Fishing
- Camping
- Photography
The park offers hundreds of kilometers of marked hiking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced mountaineers.
Rondane National Park – Norway’s First National Park
Established in 1962, Rondane National Park was Norway’s first national park.
The landscape features:
- Rounded mountain peaks
- Alpine plateaus
- Wide valleys
- Clear rivers
- Mountain lakes
Rondane is particularly famous for its population of wild reindeer, making it one of the best places in Norway to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
Hardangervidda National Park – Europe’s Largest Mountain Plateau
Hardangervidda National Park protects Europe’s largest mountain plateau, covering more than 3,400 square kilometers.
Visitors can experience:
- Endless open landscapes
- Large lakes
- Rivers
- Tundra
- Snowfields
- Wild reindeer
The plateau is popular for hiking, cycling, fishing, and cross-country skiing. During summer, colorful wildflowers cover parts of the landscape, while winter transforms the plateau into a snowy wilderness.
Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park
Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is one of Norway’s best destinations for wildlife enthusiasts.
The park is famous for:
- Musk oxen
- Wild reindeer
- Arctic foxes
- Golden eagles
Visitors can join guided musk ox safaris or hike through spectacular mountain scenery featuring rivers, valleys, and alpine landscapes.
Femundsmarka National Park
Located near the Swedish border, Femundsmarka National Park offers peaceful forests, pristine lakes, and remote wilderness.
The park is ideal for:
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Backpacking
- Wildlife photography
- Wild camping
Its untouched landscapes attract visitors looking for solitude and authentic wilderness experiences.
Breheimen National Park
Breheimen National Park lies between the famous glaciers of Jostedalsbreen and Reinheimen.
Its landscapes include:
- Glaciers
- Waterfalls
- Mountain rivers
- Alpine meadows
- Rugged peaks
The park is an excellent destination for hiking, glacier viewing, and nature photography.
Reinheimen National Park
Reinheimen protects one of Southern Norway’s largest mountain wilderness areas.
Visitors enjoy:
- Remote hiking trails
- Deep valleys
- Rivers
- High mountain peaks
- Wild reindeer habitats
Its relatively low visitor numbers make Reinheimen ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Jostedalsbreen National Park
Jostedalsbreen National Park protects mainland Europe’s largest glacier.
Visitors can explore:
- Glacier arms
- Ice formations
- Mountain valleys
- Waterfalls
- Glacial lakes
Guided glacier walks are among Norway’s most popular outdoor experiences and offer visitors a close look at these ancient rivers of ice.
Folgefonna National Park
Centered around the impressive Folgefonna Glacier, this national park combines glaciers, fjords, forests, and mountain landscapes.
Popular activities include:
- Glacier hiking
- Summer skiing
- Scenic hiking
- Photography
- Boat trips nearby
The nearby Hardanger region is also famous for its fruit orchards and spectacular fjord scenery.
National Parks in Northern Norway
Northern Norway features several remarkable national parks that showcase Arctic landscapes and untouched wilderness.
Highlights include:
- Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park
- Reisa National Park
- Øvre Dividal National Park
- Ånderdalen National Park
Visitors can experience:
- Midnight Sun
- Northern Lights
- Arctic wildlife
- Glaciers
- Mountain plateaus
- Ancient forests
These remote parks offer unforgettable adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
Wildlife in Norway’s National Parks
Norway’s national parks protect many native animal species.
Depending on the region, visitors may encounter:
- Moose
- Wild reindeer
- Musk oxen
- Arctic foxes
- Red foxes
- Wolverines
- Lynx
- Golden eagles
- White-tailed eagles
- Ptarmigan
Many parks are internationally important habitats for rare alpine plants and bird species.
Always observe wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing animals.
Hiking in Norway’s National Parks
Hiking is the most popular activity in Norway’s national parks.
Visitors can choose from:
- Easy nature trails
- Family walks
- Day hikes
- Mountain ascents
- Multi-day treks
Most trails are clearly marked with the famous red “T” symbols maintained by the Norwegian Trekking Association.
Before hiking:
- Check weather forecasts.
- Wear suitable footwear.
- Bring sufficient food and water.
- Carry a map or GPS.
- Inform someone of your route.
Camping in National Parks
Camping is permitted in many parts of Norway’s national parks under the Right to Roam, provided visitors follow responsible camping practices.
Remember to:
- Camp away from houses and cabins.
- Leave no trace.
- Respect wildlife.
- Use camping stoves during dry periods.
- Take all rubbish home.
Responsible camping helps preserve these fragile environments.
Photography Opportunities
Norway’s national parks provide endless photographic inspiration.
Popular subjects include:
- Mountain landscapes
- Glaciers
- Waterfalls
- Wildflowers
- Wildlife
- Lakes
- Autumn colors
- Snow-covered peaks
- Northern Lights
Golden Hour and Blue Hour provide particularly beautiful lighting conditions.
Best Time to Visit Norway’s National Parks
Each season offers different experiences.
Spring
- Waterfalls at peak flow
- Fresh greenery
- Blooming alpine flowers
Summer
- Long daylight hours
- Open hiking trails
- Camping
- Wildlife activity
Autumn
- Brilliant fall colors
- Crisp mountain air
- Fewer visitors
Winter
- Snow-covered mountains
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Northern Lights in northern regions
Choose your travel season based on the activities you wish to enjoy.
Sustainable Tourism in Norway’s National Parks
Norway is committed to protecting its protected landscapes through sustainable tourism.
Visitors can help by:
- Staying on marked trails.
- Respecting wildlife.
- Avoiding litter.
- Supporting local businesses.
- Following park regulations.
- Leaving natural features untouched.
These simple actions ensure Norway’s national parks remain pristine for future generations.
Why Norway’s National Parks Should Be on Every Traveler’s Bucket List
Norway’s national parks showcase the country’s extraordinary natural diversity, from towering mountain peaks and vast glaciers to quiet forests, Arctic tundra, and crystal-clear lakes. They offer visitors an opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and experience some of Europe’s last great wilderness areas.
Whether you are climbing Norway’s highest mountains in Jotunheimen, photographing wild reindeer in Rondane, exploring glaciers in Jostedalsbreen, paddling through the lakes of Femundsmarka, or discovering the Arctic landscapes of Northern Norway, every national park offers its own unforgettable adventure.
For hikers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, campers, anglers, and nature lovers, Norway’s national parks are among the country’s greatest treasures. They provide endless opportunities for exploration while protecting the landscapes and wildlife that make Norway one of the world’s most remarkable destinations for outdoor travel.
