The land of the midnight sun is also the land with outstanding beauty. Norway has been known for its majestic natural allure packaged with various wild adventures. It’s a massive park in and of itself. This country holds 47 national parks filled with distinct and enthralling terrains – hills, mountains, valleys, coastal fjords, and many more.According to World Atlas, Norway is the most mountainous country in all the Scandinavian regions. Eighty-five percent of its national parks are mountainous landforms – plateaus, hills, ravines, and glaciers. These national parks were created for recreational activities and to conserve and protect their natural beauty.These parks have been visited and explored for over 10,000 years, and you won’t want to miss your turn. If you think of Norway as beautiful, these national parks will prove you right. Here is a list of must-visit national parks in Norway:
9 Hardangervidda National Park
Hardangervidda is Norway’s largest national park, encompassing an area of 10,000 square kilometers. With its large open spaces, plateau landform, and natural waters, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and cycling, popular activities at this destination. Hardangervidda is also home to the largest population of reindeer.
If you are a fan of skiing, this area is the best during the icy season. Its majestic landscape provides an ideal location for winter sports. This park offers you all-inclusive adventures from the peaks of Hårteigen, Måbødalen Valley, and waterfalls of Vøringsfossen.
8 Jotunheimen National Park
The name Jotunheimen, which translates to “Home of the Giants,†was based on the old Norse myth that jotner, or trolls, once inhabited the area. It is now the busiest park in the country, earning recognition as the most popular national park. The park has over 250 mountains, its highest peak reaching 2,468 meters. These mountains, spanning roughly 3,500 square kilometers, are perfect for rigorous activities like hiking, climbing, biking, and skiing.
Its famous mountain is the Bessegen ridge, where you will feel like you are touching the sky and walking over it. Located in Jotunheimen are two of Norway’s highest mountains, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. These mountains provide multiple routes to choose from based on skillset and personal preference, catering to all types of travelers. Beginners can choose to venture into shorter courses, while more advanced adventurers can opt for trails that extend several days.
7 Folgefonna National Park
Unlike other parks, Folgefonna is known for its glacier, the furthest glacier in the south and the third largest in Norway. Jostedalsbreen National Park offers exciting ice adventures, even during summer. Enjoy snowshoe and blue ice hiking, ice climbing, glacier kayaking, and glacier skiing, where you can stay overnight.
The park is also known for its Folgefonn Center, which provides all the information you should know about the park’s biodiversity and climate. The park also has magnificent natural sights to offer from the center, including the oft-visited Furebergfossen waterfalls and a panoramic view from the glacial peaks.
6 Jostedalsbeen National Park
If the third largest glacier is not enough, you can always opt to visit the largest glacier in all of Europe’s mainland at Josteldalsbreen National Park. Thanks to its enormous glacier, there are endless hiking opportunities. A common belief is that if the ice of this park melts, it can provide Norway with water for 100 years.
This ark is known for its glaciers and its green valleys from the peak of its mountains. These lush greens balance the atmosphere of the area for people who prefer to explore off the glaciers.
5 Femundsmarka National Park
If you are not a fan of ice and glaciers, you’re in luck. Femundsmarka National Park has none. Instead, it has the most beautiful natural scenery, from trails to marshes. Its endless lakes provide various aquatic activities. Paddling through its waters will make you feel like you are floating in the sky.
Femundsmarka is the most beautiful place for peaceful and relaxing adventures. Its forests and soul-soothing ambiance will keep you coming back over and over.
4 Rondane National Park
Rondane consists of tall peaks and natural sights. This park is known to lull travelers with the silence of trees and its tranquil waters. It has ten peaks over 2000 meters high where you can hike and bask in their majestic views.
Aside from forests and rolling valleys, you can easily find wild reindeer during the adventure, which perfectly adds to the photo-perfect scenery.
3 Sor-Spitsbergen National Park
Unlike Rondane, this park has a view of the endless white sea. With its location far north, Sor-Spitsbergen consists of ice and glaciers that are worth visiting. Although the white sea stretches far more than the eyes can see, some vegetated areas accent the park.
2 Dovrefjell-sunndalsfjella National Park
This ancient landscape is rich with various fauna and flora, one of the most compelling reasons to visit the park. It is home to animals such as indigenous mountain reindeer, wolverines, and the famous musk oxen.
As part of the park’s preservation and to protect the animals and the visitors, every person must be familiar with the Musk Ox Code of Conduct before venturing into this area.
1 Forlandet National Park
Other national parks in Norway may have pristine lakes and waterfalls, but Forlandet National Park offers stunning beaches that are like no other. They also provide magnificent views, such as their sea cliffs. If you are lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of stone seals, guillemots, and walruses.