Reindeer safari in Forollhogna National Park

Text: Frederik Amundsen

Forollhogna National Park is home to the most productive herd of wild reindeer in Norway, known for its large males. On a safari you get up close to the sub arctic-dwelling animal.

The park stretches accross the following municipalities: Tynset, Tolga and Os (in the county of Hedmark), and Holtålen, Midtre Gauldal and Rennebu (in the county of Sør-Trøndelag).

Stein Kaasin is one of two mountain rangers here, and he takes groups of people into the mountains. He knows the area as the back of his hand, and he knows where the reindeer are most likely to be.

Guided tour

Kaasin, from Turskredder'n, takes us for a safari in the southern parts of Forollhogna National Park. The day before, there where thousands of animals just where we start off of our trip. Kaasin tells about the area, the seasons and the animals. We see the tracks of the animals, but there are none in sight. After a while we sit down at the mountain plain for coffee.

- There is no need to rush. We measure time differently up here from what you are used to in the city. We like to share our values and way of looking at life with our guests, and when we don’t see animals we sit down to talk about them instead, says Kaasin.

The coffee tastes good in the sharp air, watching the endless plains. And as we listen to Kaasin’s stories, a group of hunters walk by. They point at the ridge of a mountain far away. We were just too late this time. The herd as turned around, walking north again, and had we had time, we would have followed them by car.

Mountain pastures

The national park is good for hiking and hunting, and reindeer safaris. There are several mountain pastures and villages and the area is easily accessible for outdoor activities. There are 100 active pastures in the area, especially in Midtre Gauldal, Os and Tolga you will find such activity.

How to get here

Fly into Røros and drive southwards to Tolga and Vingelen, where you have good access to the Forollhogna National Park. Arriving from south, you drive through the Østerdalen Valley, through Alvdal and Tynset before you reach Tolga and Vingelen.

Where to stay

Staying at a farm in the mountain village of Vingelen is strongly recommended. Arrange your stay through Røros Reiseliv.