At a Glance
Quick OverviewNorway protects its most spectacular landscapes across 47 national parks—40 on the mainland and 7 in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. From the glaciated peaks of Jotunheimen to the Arctic wilderness of Northeast Svalbard, these parks showcase the extraordinary diversity of Norwegian nature: mountains, glaciers, fjords, forests, tundra, and some of Europe’s last truly wild places.
Thanks to Norway’s “allemannsretten” (right to roam), these parks are freely accessible to all. There are no entrance fees, no permits needed for hiking, and wild camping is welcomed throughout. It’s democracy applied to nature—and it makes Norway one of the world’s great outdoor destinations.
National Parks Overview
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total parks | 47 (40 mainland, 7 Svalbard) |
| Combined area | ~85,000 km² |
| Largest (mainland) | Hardangervidda (3,422 km²) |
| Largest (Svalbard) | Northeast Svalbard (18,769 km²) |
| First established | Rondane (1962) |
| Most recent | Raet (2016) |
Park Categories
Mountain Parks: Jotunheimen, Rondane, Dovrefjell, Hardangervidda Glacier Parks: Jostedalsbreen, Folgefonna, Svartisen Coastal Parks: Ytre Hvaler, Raet, Færder Arctic Parks: Svalbard parks, Varangerhalvøya Forest Parks: Øvre Pasvik, Femundsmarka, Gutulia
Top 10 National Parks
1. Jotunheimen National Park
Norway’s Premier Mountain Destination
Jotunheimen (“Home of the Giants”) contains Norway’s highest peaks, including Galdhøpiggen (2,469m) and Glittertind (2,465m). The park offers world-class hiking with over 200 peaks above 2,000 metres.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,151 km² |
| Established | 1980 |
| Highlights | Besseggen Ridge, Galdhøpiggen |
| Best Time | Late June - September |
| Access | From Gjendesheim, Spiterstulen, Lom |
Must-Do:
- Besseggen Ridge (13.5 km, Norway’s most popular hike)
- Galdhøpiggen summit (glacier crossing, guides required)
- Hurrungane mountain traverse
Accommodation:
- DNT cabins throughout
- Gjendesheim, Memurubu, Spiterstulen lodges
2. Hardangervidda National Park
Europe’s Largest Mountain Plateau
Hardangervidda is Norway’s largest national park—a vast, high plateau that seems to stretch forever. It’s home to Europe’s largest wild reindeer herd and offers remote hiking experiences.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 3,422 km² |
| Established | 1981 |
| Highlights | Trolltunga (adjacent), wild reindeer |
| Best Time | July - September |
| Access | From Finse, Kinsarvik, Eidfjord |
Must-Do:
- Multi-day hut-to-hut hiking
- Reindeer watching (especially autumn)
- Finse to Aurland traverse
Unique Features:
- High plateau averaging 1,100-1,400m
- Over 10,000 wild reindeer
- Historic resistance sites (WWII)
3. Jostedalsbreen National Park
Mainland Europe’s Largest Glacier
Jostedalsbreen protects the glacier of the same name—487 km² of ice that spawns numerous outlet glaciers accessible for hiking and glacier walking.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,310 km² |
| Established | 1991 |
| Highlights | Nigardsbreen, Briksdalsbreen glaciers |
| Best Time | June - September |
| Access | From Jostedal, Olden, Luster |
Must-Do:
- Guided glacier walk on Nigardsbreen
- Hike to Briksdalsbreen glacier face
- Kayaking in glacial lakes
Important:
- All glacier walks require guides
- Ice conditions change—book ahead
- Dramatic glacial recession visible
4. Rondane National Park
Norway’s First National Park
Established in 1962, Rondane was Norway’s first national park. Its rounded mountain peaks and easier terrain make it accessible whilst still offering genuine wilderness.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 963 km² |
| Established | 1962 |
| Highlights | Rondslottet, Storronden peaks |
| Best Time | June - September |
| Access | From Otta, Folldal, Ringebu |
Must-Do:
- Summit Rondslottet (2,178m)
- Peer Gynt trail
- Multi-day cabin hikes
Character:
- More gentle than Jotunheimen
- Less crowded
- Classic Norwegian mountain landscape
5. Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park
Home of the Musk Ox
Dovrefjell is famous as the only place in Norway—and one of few in Europe—where you can see wild musk oxen. These Ice Age survivors roam the tundra-like plateau.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,693 km² |
| Established | 2002 |
| Highlights | Musk ox safari, Snøhetta peak |
| Best Time | June - September (musk ox year-round) |
| Access | From Oppdal, Dombås, Hjerkinn |
Must-Do:
- Musk ox safari (guided recommended)
- Snøhetta summit (2,286m)
- Viewpoint architecture at Tverrfjellet
Wildlife:
- 300+ musk oxen
- Wild reindeer
- Arctic fox (rare)
6. Folgefonna National Park
Accessible Glacier Adventure
Folgefonna contains Norway’s third-largest glacier and offers the most accessible glacier experience, with summer skiing and easy glacier walks.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 545 km² |
| Established | 2005 |
| Highlights | Summer skiing, glacier hiking |
| Best Time | May - September |
| Access | From Jondal, Rosendal, Odda |
Must-Do:
- Summer ski at Fonna Glacier Ski Resort
- Guided glacier walk
- Bondhusvatnet lake hike
7. Lofoten (Not a National Park, But…)
Protected Through Other Means
Whilst Lofoten lacks national park status, significant areas are protected as nature reserves and landscapes. The hiking is world-class.
Protected Areas:
- Røstlandet nature reserve
- Numerous landscape protection areas
- Marine protection zones
Must-Do:
- Reinebringen (iconic view)
- Ryten (Kvalvika Beach views)
- Countless peaks and beaches
8. Svalbard National Parks
Arctic Wilderness
Svalbard hosts seven national parks covering vast Arctic wilderness. These parks protect polar bears, walrus, and some of the world’s most pristine Arctic environments.
| Park | Area | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Svalbard | 18,769 km² | Largest in Norway |
| Sør-Spitsbergen | 13,286 km² | Hornsund |
| Forlandet | 4,647 km² | Seabirds, walrus |
| Nordenskiöld Land | 1,362 km² | Glaciers, birds |
| Others | Various | Unique Arctic ecosystems |
Important:
- Polar bear danger—firearms required outside settlements
- Expedition cruises offer best access
- Permits needed for some activities
9. Varangerhalvøya National Park
Arctic Norway’s Easternmost Wilderness
Norway’s youngest mainland park (2006) protects the Varanger Peninsula’s Arctic tundra, dramatic coastline, and rich birdlife.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,804 km² |
| Established | 2006 |
| Highlights | Birdwatching, midnight sun |
| Best Time | June - August |
| Access | From Vardø, Båtsfjord, Vadsø |
Must-Do:
- Arctic birdwatching
- Coastal hiking
- Midnight sun experiences
10. Femundsmarka National Park
Wilderness Lakes and Forests
Femundsmarka offers a different Norwegian experience—vast forests, countless lakes, and canoeing opportunities rarely found elsewhere.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Area | 573 km² |
| Established | 1971 |
| Highlights | Canoeing, fishing, wilderness |
| Best Time | June - September |
| Access | From Røros, Femunden |
Must-Do:
- Multi-day canoe trips
- Fishing (permit required)
- Cabin-to-cabin hiking
Complete List of Norwegian National Parks
Mainland Parks (40)
| Region | Parks |
|---|---|
| Southern Norway | Hardangervidda, Folgefonna, Hallingskarvet, Jotunheimen, Breheimen, Jostedalsbreen |
| Central Norway | Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella, Rondane, Reinheimen, Langsua, Dovre |
| Western Norway | Stølsheimen, Nærøyfjord (UNESCO), Ålfotbreen |
| Northern Norway | Saltfjellet-Svartisen, Junkerdal, Rago, Møysalen, Lofotodden |
| Arctic Norway | Reisa, Øvre Dividal, Seiland, Varangerhalvøya, Stabbursdalen, Øvre Pasvik |
| Coastal | Ytre Hvaler, Raet, Færder |
| Inland | Femundsmarka, Gutulia, Fulufjellet, Lierne, Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella |
| Other | Forollhogna, Trollheimen, Skarvan og Roltdalen, Børgefjell |
Svalbard Parks (7)
- Northeast Svalbard (18,769 km²)
- Sør-Spitsbergen (13,286 km²)
- Forlandet (4,647 km²)
- Nordvest-Spitsbergen (3,683 km²)
- Nordenskiöld Land (1,362 km²)
- Indre Wijdefjord (1,127 km²)
- Sassen-Bünsow Land (1,230 km²)
Planning Your Visit
Best Times by Park Type
| Park Type | Best Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain | Late June - Sept | Snow clears mid-June |
| Glacier | June - Sept | Guided walks available |
| Coastal | May - October | Milder weather |
| Arctic | June - August | Midnight sun |
| Forest | June - September | Bugs early summer |
| Svalbard | June - August | 24-hour daylight |
What to Bring
Essential Gear:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Waterproof layers
- Warm clothing (temperatures drop at altitude)
- Map and compass/GPS
- Water and food
- First aid kit
DNT Cabin Stays:
- Sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
- DNT membership (for discounts)
- Cash (limited card facilities)
- Your own food (unstaffed cabins)
DNT Cabin System
The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) maintains an extensive cabin network across national parks.
Cabin Types:
- Staffed: Meals provided, book ahead
- Self-service: Stocked with food, pay on honour system
- Unstaffed: Basic shelter, bring everything
DNT Membership Benefits:
- Reduced cabin rates
- Key access to locked cabins
- Supporting trail maintenance
- Maps and guidebooks
Wildlife in Norwegian Parks
Common Species
| Animal | Best Parks | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Reindeer | Hardangervidda, Rondane | Year-round |
| Musk ox | Dovrefjell | Year-round |
| Elk (moose) | Forest parks | May - October |
| Arctic fox | Dovrefjell, Svalbard | Year-round |
| Polar bear | Svalbard only | Year-round |
| Seabirds | Coastal parks, Svalbard | May - July |
Wildlife Guidelines
- Keep distance (especially musk ox, reindeer)
- Never feed wildlife
- Stay on trails to avoid disturbance
- Use binoculars/telephoto lenses
- Be quiet when observing
- In Svalbard, follow polar bear safety
Conservation and Rules
Leave No Trace
All national parks require:
- Pack out all rubbish
- Use existing campsites when possible
- Keep 150m from cabins when wild camping
- Respect wildlife
- No motorised vehicles without permission
- Fishing requires permit (saltwater free)
Protected Status
Norwegian national parks have strict protections:
- No mining or industrial activity
- Limited construction
- Hunting by permit only
- Native species protected
- Scientific research regulated
Getting to the Parks
By Public Transport
Many parks are accessible without a car:
- Jotunheimen: Bus to Gjendesheim
- Rondane: Bus to Otta, then local transport
- Hardangervidda: Train to Finse
- Jostedalsbreen: Bus from Bergen/Sogndal
By Car
For full flexibility, car hire is recommended:
- Access remote trailheads
- Visit multiple parks
- Carry camping gear
- Flexible schedule
Organised Tours
Many operators offer guided national park experiences:
- DNT guided hikes
- Private trekking companies
- Glacier guide services
- Wildlife safaris
Practical Information
Costs
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Park entrance | Free |
| DNT staffed cabin (member) | NOK 370-500/night (~£28-40) |
| DNT self-service (member) | NOK 250-350/night (~£20-28) |
| Guided glacier walk | NOK 600-1000 (~£48-80) |
| Musk ox safari | NOK 500-800 (~£40-65) |
Safety
- Always inform someone of your route
- Check weather forecasts (yr.no)
- Carry emergency supplies
- Know your limits
- Download offline maps
- Carry charged phone
Resources
- nasjonalparker.no: Official park website
- ut.no: Trail database
- yr.no: Weather forecasts
- dnt.no: Trekking association
- Visit Norway: Tourism info
Final Thoughts
Norway’s national parks represent some of Europe’s last great wilderness areas. From the dramatic peaks of Jotunheimen to the Arctic tundra of Svalbard, these protected landscapes offer hiking, wildlife, and natural beauty on a scale that’s increasingly rare in our developed world.
The combination of free access, the right to roam, and an excellent cabin system makes Norwegian national parks remarkably democratic—available to anyone willing to lace up hiking boots and head into the mountains. Whether you spend a day on Besseggen or a week crossing Hardangervidda, these parks deliver experiences that justify Norway’s reputation as one of the world’s great outdoor nations.
For official park information, visit Norwegian National Parks and Visit Norway Nature.