Skarvan and Roltdalen National Park

Skarvan and Roltdalen Overview

Skarvan and Roltdalen National Park, known locally as Skarvan og Roltdalen nasjonalpark, is located in Trøndelag County in central Norway. The park spans an area of 164 square miles (426 square kilometers) and is characterized by vast rolling valleys, rugged mountains, and ancient forests.

It was established in 2004 to protect one of the last remaining large wilderness areas in the region. The park lies east of the city of Trondheim and encompasses parts of the municipalities of Selbu, Tydal, Meråker, and Stjørdal. This landscape is deeply influenced by glacial activity, resulting in striking landforms, including rounded peaks and expansive valleys shaped over thousands of years.

The terrain within Skarvan and Roltdalen National Park varies significantly, with the Skarvan mountain range forming a dramatic centerpiece. The highest point in the park is Fongen Mountain, which stands at 5,124 feet (1,562 meters) above sea level.

This rugged peak contrasts with the vast rolling valleys of Roltdalen, where wetlands, rivers, and dense forests create a rich mosaic of habitats. The park is home to some of the oldest pine forests in Norway, with towering trees that have stood for centuries.

Birch woodlands dominate the lower elevations, while higher elevations transition to alpine tundra, where vegetation consists of mosses, lichens, and low-lying shrubs adapted to the harsh climate.

Skarvan and Roltdalen National Park supports a diverse range of wildlife, with several iconic Nordic species making their home within its boundaries. Visitors may encounter moose, red deer, and roe deer grazing in the valleys, while elusive predators such as wolverines and lynxes roam the more remote sections of the park. The park is also home to smaller mammals, including foxes, hares, and martens.

Bird enthusiasts will find the area rich in avian diversity, with species such as golden eagles, rough-legged buzzards, and the northern goshawk often spotted soaring over the mountains. The wetlands and rivers attract waterfowl, including common loons, whooper swans, and various species of ducks. During the summer months, the forests and meadows fill with the songs of warblers, thrushes, and woodpeckers.

One of the most popular features of Skarvan and Roltdalen National Park is its extensive network of hiking trails, which allow visitors to explore its unspoiled wilderness. The historic trail known as the Stjørdalsruta crosses through the park, following an ancient route once used by pilgrims traveling to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

The park is also popular for backcountry skiing in winter, offering a pristine and remote setting for experienced adventurers. Camping is allowed throughout the park, making it an excellent destination for those seeking solitude in nature. The rivers and lakes provide opportunities for fishing, with trout being a common catch.

Conservation efforts in Skarvan and Roltdalen National Park focus on preserving its pristine landscapes and protecting vulnerable wildlife populations. The park’s management aims to maintain the delicate balance between human activity and nature, ensuring that traditional grazing rights for local farmers and reindeer herders continue while safeguarding the environment.

While challenges such as climate change and increased tourism pressure present ongoing concerns, strict regulations and sustainable visitor practices help mitigate potential impacts. The park remains a crucial refuge for Norway’s natural heritage, offering a rare glimpse into an untouched and wild Scandinavian landscape.

Park Map

Skarvan and Roltdalen National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Skarvan and Roltdalen National Park, located in central Norway, is a vast and pristine wilderness characterized by ancient forests, mountainous terrain, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of mammals that thrive in its boreal landscape, offering visitors a chance to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats.

Eurasian Elk (Alces alces)
Also known as the moose, the Eurasian elk is the largest land mammal in Norway. These solitary animals are commonly seen grazing in wetlands and forested areas of the park, particularly in the early mornings and evenings.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This elusive and powerful predator is one of Europe’s most iconic wild cats. The Eurasian lynx is known for its tufted ears, sharp eyesight, and stealthy hunting techniques, preying primarily on roe deer and small mammals in the park’s dense woodlands.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A rare and highly elusive carnivore, the wolverine is known for its immense strength and endurance. This species roams the park’s rugged terrain, scavenging carrion and hunting small prey, though sightings are infrequent due to their secretive nature.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
A highly adaptable species, the red fox is frequently spotted throughout Skarvan and Roltdalen. With its striking reddish fur and bushy tail, this intelligent predator feeds on rodents, birds, and berries found within the park.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
One of the largest predators in Europe, the brown bear occasionally roams the outskirts of the park. These majestic animals primarily feed on berries, insects, and small mammals and tend to avoid human encounters.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
A common sight in the park’s forested areas, roe deer are small and agile herbivores that graze on leaves, shoots, and grass. Their reddish-brown summer coat turns grayish in winter, offering excellent camouflage.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
The wild reindeer of Norway are a symbol of the Arctic tundra. In Skarvan and Roltdalen, these animals migrate across open landscapes, foraging for lichens and mosses during the harsh winters.

European Badger (Meles meles)
A nocturnal and burrowing mammal, the European badger digs extensive tunnel systems called setts. It feeds on a varied diet of insects, small animals, and plant matter within the park.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
This semi-aquatic mammal thrives in the park’s rivers and lakes. With its sleek body and webbed feet, the European otter is an excellent swimmer, preying on fish and amphibians in freshwater environments.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)
An expert in camouflage, the mountain hare changes color with the seasons—sporting a brown coat in summer and a white one in winter. These fast and agile creatures are commonly seen darting through the undergrowth.

Birds

The diverse landscapes of Skarvan and Roltdalen National Park provide an important habitat for a wide variety of bird species. From large birds of prey to smaller forest dwellers, the park is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of Europe’s most formidable birds of prey, the golden eagle soars above the park’s mountains and valleys, hunting hares, birds, and even small deer. Its keen eyesight and powerful talons make it a top predator.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
Also known as the sea eagle, this massive raptor is Norway’s largest bird of prey. It is commonly seen near rivers and lakes, where it feeds on fish and waterfowl.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
This impressive owl, with its large orange eyes and distinctive ear tufts, is a nocturnal predator found in the park’s forested regions. It preys on mammals, birds, and even other owls.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
A powerful and agile hunter, the northern goshawk is frequently spotted gliding through the park’s woodlands. It hunts a variety of prey, including birds, squirrels, and rabbits.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
One of the most intelligent birds in the world, the common raven thrives in Skarvan and Roltdalen. Known for its problem-solving skills and complex vocalizations, this large black bird often scavenges for food.

Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix)
A striking game bird, the black grouse is famous for its elaborate courtship displays, where males perform energetic “lekking” dances to attract females. It inhabits forest edges and open meadows.

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
The largest species of grouse in Europe, the capercaillie is an impressive bird that dwells in the coniferous forests of the park. Males are known for their dramatic mating displays and deep, booming calls.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
These majestic swans migrate to the park’s lakes and wetlands during the breeding season. Known for their loud, trumpet-like calls, they form strong lifelong pair bonds.

Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)
A distinctive woodpecker with a greenish body and grey head, this bird is commonly found in the park’s old-growth forests, where it feeds on insects hidden beneath tree bark.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
Perfectly adapted to the cold, the willow ptarmigan changes its plumage with the seasons—sporting white feathers in winter and brown ones in summer. It blends seamlessly into its surroundings to evade predators.