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Fulufjellet Overview

Fulufjellet National Park, known as Fulufjellet nasjonalpark in Norwegian, is a protected area located in Innlandet County, Norway, near the border with Sweden.

The park covers 82 square miles (213 square kilometers) and is an extension of Sweden’s Fulufjället National Park, creating a cross-border conservation area. Established in 2012, the park preserves a pristine alpine plateau with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and dense boreal forests, offering a rugged yet stunning landscape characterized by rolling mountains, deep valleys, and extensive wetlands.

The park’s terrain consists primarily of a high plateau with Fulufjellet Mountain as its dominant feature. The landscape is marked by expansive heathlands, old-growth coniferous forests, and peat bogs. The park’s most notable water feature is the Njupeskär Waterfall, located on the Swedish side but accessible from the Norwegian park.

At 410 feet (125 meters) high, it is Sweden’s tallest waterfall and a spectacular sight. The region is also home to many lakes, rivers, and wetlands that contribute to the area’s unique ecosystem.

Fulufjellet National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, with a variety of wildlife species adapted to the harsh Nordic climate. Among the mammals found here, visitors may encounter moose, red foxes, and lynx, while the elusive wolverine and even the occasional brown bear roam the remote sections of the park.

The park’s highlands and forests provide excellent habitats for birds, including golden eagles, Siberian jays, and the black-throated diver. The mix of wetlands and open tundra makes it an important nesting area for several species of migratory birds, especially during the summer months.

One of the most famous aspects of Fulufjellet National Park is the Old Tjikko, a Norway spruce located on the Swedish side of the Fulufjället plateau. Estimated to be over 9,560 years old, it is one of the oldest known trees in the world. Though outside the Norwegian section of the park, its presence highlights the ancient and undisturbed nature of the Fulufjellet region.

Visitors to Fulufjellet National Park can explore its pristine wilderness through hiking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife observation. The park features numerous marked trails, including routes leading to panoramic viewpoints over the Swedish border and the surrounding valleys. During winter, the area transforms into a snowy paradise, with excellent opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing.

Anglers can enjoy fishing in the park’s rivers and lakes, where trout and Arctic char thrive in the cold, clear waters. Unlike many other national parks in Norway, Fulufjellet does not have extensive infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience.

The conservation of Fulufjellet National Park focuses on preserving its fragile alpine and boreal ecosystems. Climate change poses challenges, especially in terms of changing precipitation patterns and potential impacts on the delicate wetland habitats.

However, the park benefits from Norway and Sweden’s collaborative management efforts, ensuring the protection of its unique landscapes and wildlife. By limiting human impact and maintaining strict conservation policies, the park continues to thrive as a haven for Nordic biodiversity.

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Park Map

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Fulufjellet National Park Highlights

Popular

ulufjellet National Park, located in Norway, is known for its rugged landscapes, dense forests, and high plateaus. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including large mammals and elusive predators that thrive in the boreal environment. Below are some of the most popular species found in the park.

Eurasian Lynx
A stealthy predator, the Eurasian lynx is the largest feline species in Europe. It is known for its thick fur, tufted ears, and exceptional hunting skills. Preferring dense forests, the lynx preys primarily on deer, hares, and smaller mammals.

Brown Bear
These powerful omnivores are among the most iconic species in Fulufjellet. Brown bears can weigh up to 600 kilograms and are known for their strength and intelligence. They feed on berries, fish, small mammals, and carrion, hibernating during the harsh Nordic winters.

Gray Wolf
The gray wolf is a highly social predator that moves in packs, hunting large prey like moose and deer. Despite being elusive, wolves play a crucial role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance.

Moose
As the largest land mammal in Norway, the moose is a common sight in Fulufjellet’s forests and wetlands. They have long legs suited for traversing deep snow and marshy terrain. Moose primarily graze on leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants.

Red Fox
A highly adaptable species, the red fox thrives in a variety of habitats, including forests, tundra, and farmlands. It is known for its intelligence, keen hunting instincts, and thick red fur.

Wolverine
A solitary and fierce carnivore, the wolverine has a reputation for being an aggressive scavenger. It can take down prey much larger than itself and is well adapted to Norway’s harsh winters.

Roe Deer
Smaller than the moose, roe deer are agile and fast, often spotted in meadows and forest edges. Their diet consists of leaves, grasses, and shrubs.

European Otter
These semi-aquatic mammals are often found near rivers and lakes, where they hunt for fish and amphibians. The European otter is an excellent swimmer with a streamlined body and webbed feet.

Reindeer
Reindeer are well adapted to the cold climate of Norway. They migrate seasonally and have thick fur to withstand freezing temperatures. They graze on lichens, mosses, and grasses.

Mountain Hare
This species changes its coat color seasonally, turning white in winter to blend with the snow. Mountain hares are swift runners and rely on camouflage to evade predators.

Birds

Fulufjellet National Park is home to a diverse array of bird species, including majestic birds of prey and hardy alpine dwellers. The park’s mix of forests, rivers, and mountain slopes provides a rich habitat for these birds.

Golden Eagle
A top predator in the park, the golden eagle is known for its powerful build and keen eyesight. It preys on hares, ptarmigans, and even young deer. These birds prefer remote, mountainous areas for nesting.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl has striking orange eyes and powerful talons. It hunts mainly at night, feeding on small mammals and birds.

Western Capercaillie
This large, woodland grouse is famous for its elaborate courtship displays. Males are significantly larger than females and have dark, iridescent plumage.

Black Woodpecker
The largest woodpecker in Europe, the black woodpecker is recognized by its all-black body and bright red crown. It drills large holes in trees in search of insects.

Eurasian Three-Toed Woodpecker
A specialist of boreal forests, this woodpecker prefers old, dead trees where it finds larvae and insects. Its unique three-toed foot structure helps it cling to bark efficiently.

Willow Ptarmigan
Well adapted to cold climates, the willow ptarmigan changes its plumage with the seasons—white in winter and brown in summer. It inhabits tundra and alpine environments.

Common Raven
An intelligent and resourceful bird, the common raven is often seen soaring above the park. It is an opportunistic feeder, scavenging on carrion and hunting small animals.

Northern Goshawk
This powerful raptor is a skilled hunter of birds and mammals. With its fast, agile flight, the northern goshawk dominates the forest canopy.

Eurasian Jay
A colorful member of the crow family, the Eurasian jay is known for its striking blue wing feathers and its ability to mimic sounds. It plays a crucial role in dispersing tree seeds, particularly acorns.

Osprey
A skilled fish hunter, the osprey is commonly found near rivers and lakes within the park. It hovers above the water before diving feet-first to catch its prey.

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