Norway’s Best National Parks

From the south’s deeply riven, sapphire-blue fjords to the reindeer-bobbled, glacier-capped wilderness of the Arctic north, nature in Norway is off the scale. Whether you want to trek into vast forests during the never-ending days of the Midnight Sun, ski lonely heights in the depth of winter, or ascend spiky granite mountains that look like the figment of a child’s imagination, Norway delivers.

You can barely touch a map of Norway without dipping into a national park, of which there are a staggering 47. And what national parks! Here’s where the national spirit of friluftsliv (a love of outdoor living) truly shines. You’ll soon want to lace up your hiking boots, strap on your skis, hop on a bike, or grab a kayak to join the locals in their outdoor pursuits.

Tips for Exploring Norway’s National Parks

When it comes to camping, Norway’s national parks are a dream come true. Wild camping is permitted almost everywhere, provided you adhere to a few common-sense rules: be discreet, carry your own gear, take out your rubbish, and never stay more than two nights in one spot. However, be prepared for the climate; sub-zero winter camping is an endeavor requiring careful planning.

If you prefer a touch more comfort, the extensive network of hiking and ski-touring trails connects to 550 cabins managed by Den Norske Turistforening (DNT). These cabins offer overnight shelter and a warm space for your sleeping bag, with many providing simple provisions. Some cabins are staffed in summer; in winter, you’ll need to retrieve the key and let yourself in. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan ahead for your stay.

Jotunheimen National Park

The name, meaning ‘Home of Giants’, gives away the grandeur of this magnificent national park. Jotunheimen promises extraordinary experiences amidst a divine landscape of glaciers, phenomenally blue lakes, crashing waterfalls, and towering mountains. Among these wonders stand Norway’s two highest peaks: Galdhøpiggen (2469m) and Glittertind (2465m).

This wild country is accessible thanks to 50 marked hiking trails, including some of Norway’s most epic hikes—like the Besseggen ridge and ascents to Falketind and Galdhøpiggen—offering breathtaking views. Moreover, you can connect to via ferrata cables, go river rafting, ride horses through stunning terrain, and in winter, enjoy pristine backcountry skiing.

Stabbursdalen National Park

If you’re looking for an off-the-grid experience, Stabbursdalen National Park is a hidden gem. Nestled in the far north, this remote park offers an authentic taste of the Arctic. Known for housing the northernmost pine forest in the world, it encompasses wild, barren mountains, open plateaux, narrow ravines, and clear rivers along with waterfalls spilling from the salmon-rich Stabburselva River.

Here, you might go days without encountering another soul. With no proper roads cutting across the 747-sq-km park and only a few marked trails, the spirit of genuine back-to-nature exploration thrives. Come to camp, escape civilization, and spend time with wildlife such as elk and elusive creatures like wolverines and Eurasian lynxes.

Rondane National Park

One of Europe’s last refuges for wild reindeer, Rondane National Park is perfect for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds. This park features a Norwegian ‘big five’ wildlife ensemble of bears, lynx, moose, musk ox, and wolves. Established in 1962, it was Norway’s first national park, encompassing 963-sq-km of wilderness, with the Rondane massif’s rugged peaks being a revered destination for Alpine hiking.

The mesmerizing blue light within the park, particularly under the snowy winter blanket, has inspired many artists and writers. Waymarked ‘T’ trails lead hikers deep into the landscape, connecting trekkers’ huts for both challenging and leisurely hikes. Favorable summits include Rondslottet and Storronden, while easier trails take you to breathtaking viewpoints like Ulafossen falls and Sohlbergplassen.

Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park

The call of the empty, frozen north resounds in the vast 2102-sq-km Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes. This is the ultimate destination in Norway for glacier hiking within the Arctic Circle, featuring the 379-sq-km Svartisen ice cap, the second-largest glacier in the country, adorned with crevassed, surreal blue ice.

Alternatively, venture east through lush birch forests and high moorlands towards the Swedish border. Although the wildlife, such as wolverines, lynxes, elks, and Arctic foxes, tend to hide, their presence remains ever felt. With unpredictable weather and long distances, this region is best suited for experienced explorers willing to camp or stay overnight.

Femundsmarka National Park

Often overshadowed by more popular parks, the 573-sq-km Femundsmarka remains a serene, untamed wilderness. It’s ideal for paddling on calm waterways and embarking on soul-searching hikes away from bustling tourist areas. Accommodation options include simple huts or more comfortable DNT cabins scattered throughout the park.

Femundsmarka presents a harmonious blend of barren mountains, enchanting old-growth silver pine forests, and tranquil lakes. Adventurers can walk, canoe, and fish without disruption, while keeping an eye out for wildlife, including reindeer, moose, and elusive predators like brown bears, lynxes, and wolves.

Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

Known for its stunning landscapes, Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park spans 1830-sq-km, becoming a favored retreat for Norway’s largest herd of musk oxen. Join guided summer safaris to witness the majestic musk oxen and a range of diverse wildlife including reindeer, wolverines, Arctic foxes, and golden eagles.

Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella features breathtaking Alpine landscapes with high peaks and numerous trails to explore. The summit of Snøhetta, reaching 2286m, calls to hikers looking for panoramic views over the entire area. Moreover, guided hikes are available for those seeking companionship on their adventure.

Lofotodden National Park

The Lofoten Islands, resembling a dragon’s tail branching from mainland Norway, host the enchanting island of Moskenesøya, designated as a national park in 2019. The rugged granite mountains, sweeping sandy beaches, and vibrant fishing villages create a stunning backdrop you must experience to believe.

This Arctic paradise shines bright under the Midnight Sun or dances with colors during the Northern Lights in winter. Hiking is a major allure, but relaxation on a pristine beach backed by stunning mountains is equally compelling. Explore hidden treasures like Bunes and Kvalvika, remote coastal retreats you can reach through serene trails.

Hardangervidda National Park

Covering an expansive 3422 sq km, Hardangervidda is Norway’s largest national park, showcasing wild plateaux, deeply carved valleys, glacier-filled mountains, and myriad lakes. Due to its harsh climate and heavy snowfall, hiking is best from July to August. The iconic trek from Finse to Vøringsfoss falls, a stunning drop of 145m, remains a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.

In addition to hiking, fishing, and berry foraging attract visitors during warmer months. During winter, the park transforms into a prime area for cross-country skiing and ski touring. Conversely, if you prefer something less adventurous, take the scenic Route 7, which meanders through the park’s stunning landscapes.

Jostedalsbreen National Park

Famous for its glaciers, Jostedalsbreen National Park is a prime destination in the Western Fjords, featuring the 60km-long Jostedalsbreen, the largest ice cap in mainland Europe. The glacier, separating two of the longest fjords—Sognefjord and Nordfjord—offers breathtaking views of shapely mountain peaks and ice-blue waters.

While many flock to popular sites like Briksdalsbreen, don’t overlook lesser-known gems such as Kjenndalsbreen, where you can escape the crowds and enjoy kayaking and picnicking at the pristine turquoise Lovatnet Lake.

Sør-Spitsbergen National Park, Svalbard

The Svalbard archipelago, hosting more polar bears than people, serves as the last bastion before reaching the North Pole. In this stunning wild terrain, you’ll encounter rugged mountains and, in winter, bone-chilling cold. Summer hikes alongside guided snowmobile and dog-sled expeditions allow adventurers to delve deep into the wilderness, with eco-friendly options available through providers like Basecamp Explorer.

In the southern region of Spitsbergen, this national park showcases a frozen wilderness where bird reserves protect species such as barnacle geese and common eiders, alongside wildlife including reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, and, of course, polar bears. The terrain is largely covered by an ice cap, making it equally captivating in both the Midnight Sun and Polar Night when the Northern Lights illuminate the night sky.

Folgefonna National Park

Bordering the southern shores of Hardanger Fjord, Folgefonna National Park is famed for glacier hiking and summer skiing. The beautiful Folgefonn icecap, Norway’s third largest, forms a wild spectacle of soaring mountains, cascading falls, deep valleys, and vibrant green lakes.

Best explored between May and September due to its harsh climate, the park invites you to experience adventurous pursuits like hiking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing with guides. Its walking trails connect through the park, featuring four self-service cabins along the way, with the historic fjord-to-fjord trail across Folgefonna glacier being a favorite for those seeking a two-day hiking experience.