Bergåsen Nature Reserve (Snåsa)

Discover Bergsåsen Nature Reserve – a Botanical Treasure in Snåsa

Bergsåsen is a striking limestone ridge located in the heart of Snåsa, surrounded by cultural heritage sites and renowned for its exceptional and diverse orchid flora. This chalk-rich area is a paradise for plant enthusiasts – here you'll find no fewer than 16 species of orchids, including the magnificent Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) and the intriguing Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera). The limestone bedrock, formed on an ancient seabed some 450–500 million years ago, provides the perfect foundation for a truly unique ecosystem.

Nature Reserve – Rare Flora and Fauna

Bergsåsen’s rich vegetation has long been recognised beyond the borders of Snåsa. The first known botanical survey was carried out by Bishop Johan Ernst Gunnerus during a visit in 1779. The chalky soil is one of the main reasons for the area’s unusually rich plant life.

Large parts of Bergsåsen consist of calcareous pine forest, where pine trees grow directly on the limestone with little to no humus cover.

In the undergrowth, many chalk-loving plant species thrive. In May and June, vast patches of Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) and Mountain Avens (Dryas octopetala) are in full bloom – the latter is more commonly found in alpine areas and is rare in lowland habitats like this.

With 16 orchid species recorded, Bergsåsen is one of Norway’s most orchid-rich areas. Among these are the elegant Lady’s Slipper and the clever Fly Orchid, both of which are rare and remarkable in their own right.

You'll also find a number of warmth-loving shrubs here, including Hazel (Corylus avellana), Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster integerrimus), Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula), Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus), and Daphne Mezereum (Daphne mezereum).

A Landscape with a Long Botanical History

Botanists have been studying this area since the 18th century, and it was formally protected as a nature reserve and plant conservation area in 1977 to preserve its rare and delicate flora.

Nature Trail and "trimtrapp"

From Snåsa town centre, you can follow a marked nature trail that takes you through beautiful terrain rich with flora and history. After about 500 metres from the car park, you'll reach the popular fitness staircase (trimtrapp) with 330 steps leading to a scenic viewpoint. At the top,you’ll find a gapahuk (traditional Norwegian shelter), and fantastic panoramic views – a perfect spot for a break with your lunch and camera.

Important Guidelines for Visitors

• All vegetation is protected – please do not pick flowers.
• Heimsjøen, the nearby tarn, is a drinking water source – swimming and fishing are prohibited.
• Fires are strictly forbidden, including small coffee fires.
• Please take all rubbish with you.
• Want a souvenir? Bring your camera – not the flowers.

The Orchids: Lady’s Slipper and Fly Orchid

The Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) has six petals – five are dark brown, while the sixth forms a distinctive, lemon-yellow pouch. The plant produces no nectar, instead luring solitary bees with its scent and shape. Once inside the slippery pouch, the bee cannot escape the way it came in. It must crawl out a specific exit, passing both stigma and stamens – and thus the flower ensures pollination.

The Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera) is sometimes called Norway’s most cunning plant. Its flower mimics the appearance and scent of a particular female wasp. Male wasps, emerging weeks before the females, are tricked into attempting to mate with the flower. As they flit from one deceptive bloom to the next, pollination is achieved.

Orchids and Old Beliefs

Orchids are perennial plants with root tubers – one older, shrivelled tuber and one plump, nutrient-rich new one. In folklore, these two tubers were thought to represent opposing forces – good and evil.

In one old game, the tubers were named Adam and Eve before being tossed into a pond. The darker tuber (Eve, who had "sinned more") would sink, while the lighter one would float. In another tradition, the sinking root was called the "devil", and the floating one the "angel".

Due to their shape, orchid roots were also associated with male virility, and were widely used as aphrodisiacs. In some regions, people believed that placing the root under a loved one’s pillow would make them fall in love. A local Snåsa tradition claims: “You could make someone fond of you by sneaking a piece of orchid root into their drink.”