Øvre Dividal National Park

Øvre Dividal Overview

Øvre Dividal National Park, known as Øvre Dividal nasjonalpark in Norwegian, is a remote and rugged wilderness area located in Troms County in northern Norway.

Covering an expansive 750 square miles (1,250 square kilometers), the park is characterized by its untouched boreal forests, dramatic mountain peaks, and deep river valleys. Situated near the Swedish border, it is one of the least disturbed national parks in Norway, offering a pristine and remote environment where nature thrives with minimal human interference.

The landscape of Øvre Dividal National Park is diverse, ranging from lush valleys with birch and pine forests to vast plateaus and towering mountains. The park is defined by the presence of the Divielva River, which carves through the landscape, providing a vital water source for the rich biodiversity found within its borders.

Majestic mountains such as Rohkunborri and the Skaktardalen valley add to the dramatic scenery. In the higher elevations, the terrain consists of alpine tundra, where mosses and lichens dominate the rocky slopes. Glacially carved valleys and wide, open spaces contribute to the park’s striking natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude.

The park is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, many of which are adapted to the harsh Arctic and sub-Arctic conditions. One of the most notable inhabitants is the elusive wolverine, a powerful predator that roams the rugged landscape. Other key mammals include moose, reindeer, red foxes, and lynx.

The park is also an important refuge for bird species, with golden eagles and gyrfalcons soaring through the skies. Various species of owls and songbirds make their homes in the lower-altitude forests, taking advantage of the region’s rich insect populations. The park’s rivers and streams support populations of trout and other freshwater fish, contributing to the overall ecosystem’s vitality.

One of the park’s most popular attractions is its extensive hiking network, which allows visitors to experience its remote beauty firsthand. The Nordkalottruta, a long-distance hiking trail, passes through Øvre Dividal, offering an opportunity for adventurers to explore the pristine wilderness. The park is a favorite among backcountry hikers, with its vast landscapes providing unparalleled opportunities for solitude and immersion in nature.

Wildlife observation is another key activity, with lucky visitors catching glimpses of rare and elusive species. In winter, the park becomes a snow-covered wonderland, ideal for cross-country skiing and winter trekking.

As a protected area, Øvre Dividal National Park faces several conservation challenges, particularly related to climate change and human activity in surrounding areas. The warming climate poses a threat to the region’s delicate tundra ecosystems, impacting both vegetation and wildlife migration patterns.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving the park’s unique biodiversity while ensuring minimal human impact. The park’s remote nature has helped maintain its pristine condition, but ongoing monitoring and sustainable tourism practices are crucial for its long-term protection. Norway’s conservation strategies aim to balance human enjoyment of the park with the need to safeguard its untouched wilderness for future generations.

Park Map

Øvre Dividal National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Øvre Dividal National Park is home to a diverse range of bird species, many of which are well-adapted to its Arctic and boreal landscapes. From majestic birds of prey to elusive forest dwellers, the park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most powerful birds of prey in the region, the golden eagle soars above the mountains, scanning for hares and small mammals to hunt.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The world’s largest falcon, the gyrfalcon is a fierce predator that thrives in Arctic environments, preying on ptarmigans and other birds.

Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)
Unlike most owls, the northern hawk owl is active during the day. It has keen eyesight and hunts small mammals from perches in the forest.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
With its distinctive facial disk and piercing yellow eyes, the great grey owl is a rare but striking sight in the park’s dense woodlands.

Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus)
This large raptor migrates from the Arctic tundra to Norway’s forests and open areas in search of small rodents.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
A master of camouflage, the willow ptarmigan changes color with the seasons, blending seamlessly into its surroundings to avoid predators.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a formidable nocturnal hunter, preying on mammals and birds.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Highly intelligent and adaptable, the common raven is often seen soaring above the park’s wilderness or scavenging for food.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
These large, graceful swans breed in the park’s wetlands and lakes, known for their loud, trumpet-like calls.

Black-throated Loon (Gavia arctica)
A striking waterbird with a haunting call, the black-throated loon nests on remote lakes in the park’s wilderness.

Øvre Dividal National Park provides a crucial refuge for these species, offering vast landscapes and undisturbed habitats that support Arctic and boreal wildlife.

Øvre Dividal National Park, located in the Troms og Finnmark region of northern Norway, is a vast and remote wilderness known for its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and pristine rivers. The park is home to a variety of Arctic and subarctic species that have adapted to its harsh climate, making it an important habitat for some of Scandinavia’s most iconic wildlife.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
One of the largest predators in the park, the brown bear roams the forests and valleys in search of food. While sightings are rare due to their elusive nature, these powerful animals play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A fierce and solitary predator, the wolverine is known for its incredible strength and resilience. It primarily scavenges but is also capable of hunting small mammals and birds.

Lynx (Lynx lynx)
The Eurasian lynx is a stealthy predator with keen eyesight and impressive agility. It primarily preys on hares and small deer, using its sharp claws and powerful limbs to ambush its targets.

Moose (Alces alces)
The largest land mammal in Norway, the moose thrives in the park’s forests and wetlands. With their impressive antlers and long legs, they are well-adapted to traversing deep snow and rugged terrain.

Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
Perfectly adapted to the harsh winters, the Arctic fox has a thick coat that changes color with the seasons. Once endangered in Norway, conservation efforts are helping to stabilize its population.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Sami communities have traditionally herded reindeer in the region for centuries. Wild reindeer also roam the park, migrating across its vast tundras in search of food.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
More common than the Arctic fox, the red fox is a highly adaptable species that thrives in various environments, from dense forests to open meadows.

Muskox (Ovibos moschatus)
Although not native to the park, muskoxen have been reintroduced to parts of Norway, and individuals occasionally wander into Øvre Dividal’s remote areas.

European Beaver (Castor fiber)
These industrious rodents shape the landscape by building dams and creating wetland habitats that benefit a wide range of species.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
The otter is an excellent swimmer, often found in the park’s rivers and streams hunting for fish and amphibians.