Norway National Parks

The largest national park in Norway is Sør-Spitsbergen National Park (Sør-Spitsbergen nasjonalpark), located on the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago. Covering an expansive area of approximately 13,286 square kilometers (about 5,134 square miles), Sør-Spitsbergen National Park encompasses a significant portion of the southern region of Spitsbergen.

This remote and rugged wilderness is characterized by dramatic fjords, glaciers, mountains, and Arctic tundra, offering stunning vistas and a unique polar environment. Sør-Spitsbergen National Park is renowned for its pristine natural landscapes and rich biodiversity, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and a variety of seabirds and marine mammals.

As Norway’s largest national park, Sør-Spitsbergen is not only a vital sanctuary for Arctic wildlife but also a significant area for scientific research and environmental conservation in the high Arctic region.

The smallest national park in Norway is Øvre Pasvik National Park (Øvre Pasvik nasjonalpark), located in the southeastern part of the country, near the border with Russia and Finland. Covering an area of approximately 119 square kilometers (about 46 square miles), Øvre Pasvik National Park is relatively small compared to other national parks in Norway.

Despite its size, the park is significant for its unique boreal forest ecosystems, pristine wilderness, and cultural heritage. Øvre Pasvik National Park is known for its old-growth forests, extensive wetlands, and diverse wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, and a variety of bird species. The park also contains traces of Sami cultural heritage, with evidence of ancient settlements and traditional land use practices.

As Norway’s smallest national park, Øvre Pasvik provides opportunities for nature-based recreation, hiking, birdwatching, and wilderness experiences in a remote and tranquil setting.

The first national park established in Norway was Setesdal Vesthei Ryfylkeheiane National Park (Setesdal Vesthei Ryfylkeheiane nasjonalpark). It was designated as a national park on December 15, 2006. This park is located in the counties of Agder and Rogaland, in southern Norway.

It covers an area of approximately 1,310 square kilometers (about 505 square miles) and encompasses vast expanses of mountainous terrain, including plateaus, valleys, lakes, and rivers. Setesdal Vesthei Ryfylkeheiane National Park is known for its wild and rugged landscapes, as well as its rich biodiversity, including populations of reindeer, wolverines, golden eagles, and other species adapted to the alpine environment.

The establishment of this national park was a significant step in Norway’s conservation efforts, aimed at preserving the country’s natural heritage and promoting sustainable land management practices.

One of the most popular national parks in Norway is Jotunheimen National Park. Known for its rugged mountain ranges, this park encompasses the highest peaks in Northern Europe, including Galdhøpiggen, the highest peak in Norway at 8,100 feet (2,469 meters).

Hikers and climbers flock to Jotunheimen for its dramatic landscapes of glaciers, deep valleys, and shimmering lakes. The park is also a hub for wildlife enthusiasts, where they can spot species such as wild reindeer, arctic foxes, and golden eagles.

Its combination of scenic beauty and adventure activities makes it a top destination for both locals and international visitors.

Norway has set aside approximately 10% of its total land area for national parks, covering about 14,300 square miles (37,000 square kilometers). The country is home to 47 national parks, which protect a variety of ecosystems, ranging from high alpine environments to coastal areas. These parks are crucial in safeguarding Norway’s biodiversity and natural beauty, which are central to its national identity.

In addition to its national parks, Norway boasts a range of other protected areas, including nature reserves and marine protected areas.

One prominent example is the Saltfjellet-Svartisen Protected Landscape Area, which includes one of Norway’s largest glaciers, Svartisen.

Furthermore, the Oksøy-Ryvingen Marine Protected Area helps preserve marine biodiversity along Norway’s coastlines. These areas contribute to the conservation of Norway’s diverse flora and fauna, as well as its rich marine ecosystems.

Norway is renowned for its fjords, with Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord being UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These deep, glacially carved valleys, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, are some of Norway’s most iconic natural attractions.

The Lofoten Islands, with their dramatic peaks rising from the sea, and the Northern Lights in regions like Tromsø, also attract thousands of visitors each year. Norway’s stunning coastal landscapes, mountains, and wildlife offer diverse experiences beyond its national parks.

While Norway does not have a vast array of species endemic to the country alone, certain species such as the Norwegian lemming (Lemmus lemmus) are native to the region.

The lemming plays a vital role in the ecosystem, as it is a key prey species for many arctic predators. Other unique species include the Svalbard reindeer, found only on the Svalbard archipelago.

The main international gateway to Norway is Oslo Gardermoen Airport (IATA code: OSL), located about 22 miles (35 kilometers) from the capital, Oslo. Gardermoen is the busiest airport in Norway and a major hub for both domestic and international travel.

The following international airlines fly into Norway:

• Air France
• British Airways
• Emirates
• Finnair
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• Norwegian Air Shuttle
• Qatar Airways
• Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
• Turkish Airlines

Norway’s national parks are primarily managed by the Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet) in cooperation with local municipalities.

The agency is responsible for the preservation of natural environments, ensuring that Norway’s natural resources and ecosystems are sustainably managed.

For more information, visit their website at www.miljodirektoratet.no.