🐾 Norway's best national parks for wildlife watching
Norway's national parks are not just beautiful natural places – they're also the perfect place to see some amazing animals in their natural habitat. If you've ever found yourself dreaming of seeing moose, reindeer, arctic foxes or even musk oxen, then you're in luck! This article is your very own guide to the country's best natural areas.
📖 In this article, you'll discover:
- Which national parks in Norway are considered the best for animal watching.
- What types of animals can be found in each park.
- Tips for choosing routes and preparing for the trip.
🏞️ 1. Welcome to the awe-inspiring Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park!
You'll be amazed by the unique population of musk oxen that call this park home. These amazing creatures are the perfect living symbol of the Ice Age and you won't want to miss them! And that's not all! This amazing place is also home to reindeer, arctic foxes, lemmings and birds of prey, including golden eagles!
📍 Best routes:
The incredible Moskusstien (Musk Ox Trail) is an amazing 10-kilometre route where you'll have an awesome chance of seeing the amazing musk oxen!
The amazing Snohetta viewpoint is an incredible viewing platform where you can observe animals in their natural habitat.
📆 Best season: June–September.
🥾 Tip: Make sure you keep a distance of at least 200 metres from the musk oxen – it's so much fun to watch them!
🌲 2. Welcome to the awe-inspiring Hardangervidda National Park!
The largest highland plateau in Europe! And it's absolutely teeming with wild reindeer! Wow, there are so many lemmings, hares and arctic foxes here!
📍 Best routes:
The route from Eidfjord to Hardangervidda is absolutely stunning, with breathtaking views and the chance to meet reindeer.
Rallarvegen — an absolutely amazing cycling route, and the perfect spot for spotting some incredible wildlife!
📆 Best season: July–September.
🥾 Here's a great tip: bring binoculars, as reindeer usually keep their distance.
🏔️ 3. Welcome to the awe-inspiring Jotunheimen National Park!
The park is absolutely amazing! It's famous for its stunning mountains and diverse fauna. Here, you can encounter moose, reindeer, stoats, weasels and many species of birds, including eagle owls and golden eagles.
📍 Best routes:
The Besseggen Ridge is an absolutely stunning route, and the best part is that you might even get to spot some wildlife!
The route at the foot of Galdhøpiggen is an absolute gem! It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching and reindeer spotting.
📆 Best season: July–August.
🥾 Tip: The weather is changeable, so make sure you're dressed warmly and in layers.
🌳 4. Welcome to the stunning Rondane National Park!
Welcome to Norway's oldest and most stunning national park! Here, nature lovers can indulge in the incredible sight of reindeer, moose, and arctic foxes roaming freely. The park is also home to a diverse array of birds, including majestic golden eagles and sleek falcons, making it a true paradise for birdwatchers.
📍 Best routes:
The Rondshusbu to Rondvassbu route is an absolute gem! It's got stunning mountain trails and you're bound to spot loads of wildlife.
The incredible circular route around Mount Rondanesletta is an absolute must! It's the perfect way to catch a glimpse of reindeer on the open plateaus.
📆 Best season: June–September.
🥾 Tip: Observe quietly and without sudden movements so as not to scare the animals away.
🦅 5. Femunsmark National Park – an absolute gem of a place!
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime – this is the perfect park for watching moose, beavers and many species of birds! You'll be thrilled to hear that badgers and foxes are often seen in the forests and on the shores of Lake Femunden!
📍 Best routes:
The shores of Lake Femunden are absolutely teeming with wildlife, making it the perfect spot to spot moose and birds.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you set off on an unforgettable journey from Elgod to the Roa River, the perfect spot to spot beavers in their natural habitat!
📆 Best season: June–August.
🥾 Tip: Don't forget your mosquito repellent!
🦊 6. Reisa National Park
Reisa National Park, located in the north of the country, is a true treasure trove of rare animals, including lynxes, arctic foxes, wolverines, and moose.
📍 Best routes:
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you follow in the footsteps of the Reisaelva River's wild inhabitants! Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic moose and the predators that call this beautiful landscape home.
Reisadalen Valley — a stunning route that's a bird watcher's paradise!
📆 Best season: July–September.
🥾 Tip: To observe predators, it is best to hire a guide who knows their habits, which will make your experience so much more enjoyable!
🐾 Here's a great tip for choosing the right park and route!
- For an incredible encounter with moose, look no further than Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella – it's absolutely amazing!
- You'll be thrilled to know that Hardangerfjord and Røgnkjærhavna are the perfect place to spot reindeer!
- For an amazing encounter with moose, look no further than Jotunheimen or Femunsmarka – they're simply the best!
- For those who are passionate about rare predators and arctic foxes, the Reisa or Dovrefjell region is an absolute must-see!
🚀 Your ultimate guide to preparing for your trip!
- Make sure you study the routes and maps of the parks in advance to get the most out of your adventure!
- Get ready for an adventure in the great outdoors! Make sure you pack clothes for all kinds of weather and get ready for a fun-filled journey!
- Wear your most comfortable, waterproof shoes and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
- Get out there and capture the beauty of the natural world around you with binoculars and cameras with telephoto lenses!
- And don't forget to keep a safe distance from animals.
I'm sure you'll just love the unique opportunities for wildlife watching that Norway's national parks have to offer! Hey, why not plan your trip in advance? Pick a park based on the animals you're excited to see, and get ready for the experience of a lifetime where you'll get to interact with some of the cutest creatures in one of Europe's most stunning spots!