A land of outstanding beauty, Norway’s wild and untamed landscapes are simply spectacular. In this sparsely populated part of the world, the air is fresh, the environment is clean and you really feel at one with all of the pristine wilderness around you. The most iconic images of Norway all involve the stunning fjords that scar the scenery and make for such picturesque and beautiful views. The deep waters that weave their way between the landmasses and the rocky mountains that dominate its shores only add to the perfect scenes on show.
Exploring these incredible settings is to really immerse yourself in nature, away from the world. With such an abundance of natural wonders on display, here are the most beautiful national parks in Norway for you to discover and delight in.
10. Breheimen National Park
A land of ever-changing scenery, the various landscapes in Breheimen National Park seamlessly intertwine and mix before you emerge in a completely different world. Named after the mountain range that dominates the park, there are a plethora of delightful sights for visitors to enjoy.
The snow-capped mountains give way to forest coated valleys which in turn trundle down to icy cold rivers that run into the deep lakes hidden amidst the scenery. With hiking, skiing and mountaineering on offer, the diverse attractions will leave you with a new sense of appreciation for the pristine environment all around you.
Located high up in the mountains, glaciers lie in wait for adventurous explorers to discover them all over again, recapturing that sense of awe and astonishment at the gigantic expanses of ice.
9. Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park
© Michael Migos / DreamstimeEstablished to preserve and protect the pristine alpine ecosystem of this wild and untouched area, the national park is a wonderful place to get lost amidst the abundance of natural sights on show. The sprawling mountains make for delightful trekking and, alone in the wild, you will feel a sense of peace and tranquillity come over you.
Walking through this rich and ancient landscape, you will hardly fail to notice the abundance of fauna and flora that dots the park. Lucky visitors may also catch a glimpse of some of the animals such as the reindeer, musk oxen and wolverines that call the park their home. Two of the main draws of Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella are the highest peak in the park, Snohetta, and the beautiful Amotan Waterfall.
While the former’s lofty peak towers at over 2200 meters in height, it is the heady heights of Amotan that are the standout feature of the park. Plunging down over 150 meters, this lovely waterfall is mesmerising in its beauty.
8. Sor-Spitsbergen National Park
© Krzysztof Grabiec / DreamstimeLocated far north of the mainland of Norway in the Svalbard archipelago, this huge national park consists mainly of sprawling, interminable ice caps and glaciers that stretch as far the eye can see. This sea of white is incredible to behold and it is this untouched beauty that makes Sor-Spitsbergen National Park so worth visiting despite its remote location.
Sparsely vegetated areas, tundra and wetlands punctuate the almost endless white wilderness and give the landscape some variation. Only the hardiest of animals and birds eke out a living here yet despite that, the area is home to numerous types of birds who flock above the desolate scenery. Huge ice covered mountains and cliffs rise dramatically amidst all this, forming a stunning backdrop to this incredible landscape.
7. Hardangervidda National Park
The largest national park in the country; it is fair to say that Hardangervidda has a correspondingly diverse array of attractions and activities to stun and delight any visitor to the park.
Hiking, cycling or horseback riding through the wilderness of the gigantic mountain plateau that dominates the area makes you feel like you are stepping back in time as you are unlikely to meet many people on your travels.
Huge herds of reindeer make their way between the rivers and lakes that dot this expansive landscape that varies from barren rock to grassy wetlands. Canoeing or kayaking along its waterways is a fantastic experience as looking out over the expanse you can see the herds of reindeer off in the distance.
6. Rondane National Park
© F. Joergensen / DreamstimeIf you are a lover of lofty peaks, indomitable mountains and sprawling plateaus then look no further as Rondane has these in abundance as well as many other natural sights to enjoy. With ten peaks in the park towering over 2000 meters in height, the national park is perfect for hikers wanting to lose themselves among the mountains and take in the stunning scenery on show.
Interspersed between these peaks are a series of rolling valleys, small canyons and low-lying forest and scrubland. The highest mountain, Rondeslottet, is barren, rocky and unwelcoming to behold which is in actual fact what makes it so scenic. Wild reindeer maraud around the park and only add to the picturesque scenery on display. Well worth a visit, the wealth of things to do and see in Rondane National Park make it a delightful place to explore and get lost in.
5. Forlandet National Park
© Lillian Tveit / DreamstimeWow. The landscapes of Forlandet National Park are bewitching in their beauty. Located right on the west coast of the Svalbard archipelago, the park comprises huge swathes of sea as well as the entirety of Prins Karls Forland Island.
Its striking features are awe-inspiring and you will find yourself lost in thought trying to take in every last detail of this magnificent natural realm. The huge alpine mountains and colossal glaciers dominate Forlandet and sweeping beaches stretch away from them into the distance.
Home to the northernmost populations of stone seals and guillemots, they and the walruses who bask on the beaches are amazing to behold in their natural environment. Taking a boat trip around the sea cliffs that tower imposingly above you makes for an unforgettable experience in this wild and beautiful national park.
4. Femundsmarka National Park
© Dachux21 / DreamstimeThe picturesque sprawling wilderness of Femundsmarka National Park is just begging to be explored. Untouched and untamed, its stunning scenery gives off a feeling of serenity as you traipse your way along the beautiful trails and paths that weave their way among the marshes and lakes that dominate the park.
The sparse forests in Femundsmarka add variety to the endless lakes and waterways that so stunningly reflect the clouds and sky above. Slowly paddling along the waterways will soothe your soul and make you want to return time and time again to bask in its peaceful ambiance. Low-lying hills and mountains form a lovely backdrop to the glittering bodies of water and the lonely birds flying overhead complete the incredible scene.
3. Jostedalsbreen National Park
© V. Khomyakov / DreamstimeHome to the largest glacier in mainland Europe, this natural park is breathtakingly beautiful to behold. Gazing over the incredible panoramas that lie before you, your heart will ache with the beauty of the scenery such is the splendor on show.
The rocky grey mountains lie impressively between the clear blue skies above and the deep blue waters below, while the blindingly bright white snow mesmerizingly reflects in the crystal clear lakes and rivers.
Lush green valleys slope away from the peaks and pinnacles, adding color and life to the picturesque scenes. Hiking through the diverse landscapes will never cease to amaze even regular visitors to the park such are the endless array of awe-inspiring views to enjoy each and every time.
2. Folgefonna National Park
Located on a peninsula from which it draws its name, Folgefonna National Park has a number of incredible natural wonders that will entice and delight visitors. Three huge glaciers dominate the park’s features and they can impressively reach up to 400 meters in thickness.
As always, the scenic mountains that are so characteristic of Norway protrude and pop up from amidst the ice, reaching towards the heavens and dominating the skyline. In summer, the park becomes a sea of colors as verdant green grasses, flora and fauna spring to life in the sloping valleys that stretch towards the bare and rocky mountains.
Delightful rivers rush between the mountains, hurtling and tumbling their way down to the sea and adding their spray to this wet and wild landscape.
1. Jotunheimen National Park
The glacier scarred terrain of Jotunheimen National Park is fascinating to explore and with over 250 peaks reaching above 1900 meters in height; you will have your hands full trying to take in all that there is to do and see. The highest peaks in the park, Galdhopiggen and Glittertind, are just two of the park’s striking features that are arrestingly beautiful with their snow-capped pinnacles glinting in the sun.
Turquoise lakes fill the ravines left behind by the slow-moving glaciers all those eons again and they only add to the picturesque scenery on show. Waterfalls and rivers also weave their way down the steep and barren mountainsides, their trickling waters ringing out like music in the still and peaceful surroundings.
With a plethora of unbelievable sights just waiting to be discovered, head along the winding paths to find the ultimate view. One of the most popular national parks in Norway, the undoubted highlight of Jotunheimen is the view from Besseggen ridge; breathtakingly beautiful it will leave long-lasting memories such is its natural splendor.
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