Two people hiking Mount Kattanakken in Jostedalsbreen national park, Fjord Norway
Two people hiking Mount Kattanakken in Jostedalsbreen national park, Fjord Norway
A woman taking photos of a lake and trees in autumn colours in the Rondane national park, Eastern Norway. Snowclad mountains in the background.
A woman hugging a tree in the Finnskogen forest, Eastern Norway
Reindeer in Forollhogna national park outside of Røros in Trøndelag, Norway
People hiking in the Rago National Park in Salten, Northern Norway
Man fishing Ørret in Valdres
People skiing on Jostedalsbreen glacier
Glacier hike on Nigardsbreen in Fjord Norway
A couple is biking at the Hardangervidda mountain plateau
Vippefyret at Verdens Ende, "The World's End", in Færder national park in Vestfold, Eastern Norway
Varangerhalvøya National Park in Northern Norway
Guided glacier walk in the Svalbard Islands, Norway
A person holding a cellphone in Langsua national park, Eastern Norway

NATIONAL PARKS

Visit with care

The freedom to roam.

On nature's own terms.

Norway's national parks are our most important natural treasures.

You are welcome to visit, but remember that you need to show extra consideration in these protected areas.

While hiking spectacular trails, like Kattanakkjen in Jostedalsbreen National Park ...

… or while seeking out autumn adventures, for example in Rondane National Park.

When you visit one of Norway's 47 national parks, you should leave no other trace behind than your gentle footsteps.

And a big hug.

The national parks are home to many rare plants, wild reindeer, birds, and other wildlife species.

If you encounter any wild animals, always back away slowly, and don't make any noises or gestures that may agitate them.

Norway is home to some truly unique wildlife.

If you want to get close, join a guided safari to experience the rare and intriguing musk ox in Dovrefjell.

You'll need to keep a safe distance of at least 200 metres at all times.

Always stick to the marked trails, like this one in remote Rago National Park in Salten, Northern Norway.

Here, you are guaranteed to experience solitude and being at one with nature!

Many national parks and surrounding regions also offer great fishing opportunities.

Remember to buy a fishing licence!

The big patch of white you see in the middle of the map of Norway is Jostedalsbreen National Park.

It's mostly covered by the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest glacier in continental Europe.

Try summer skiing, hiking, and ice climbing, or join a guide and explore the blue ice in one of the park's amazing glacial arms.

Rent a bike and enjoy adventures on two wheels inside the massive Hardangervidda National Park.

Make sure to plan well before you go. Most national parks only permit bikes on designated trails.

You'll also find many fascinating natural attractions close to the parks.

Just outside Hardangervidda National Park, you can visit Vøringsfossen, one of the country's most impressive waterfalls.

Do you dare to cross the bridge suspended above it?

For more aquatic adventures, visit one of Norway's four marine national parks, one of which is Færder National Park in Færder, Eastern Norway.

For some truly remote and wild experiences, explore the Arctic landscape of Varangerhalvøya National Park.

Go salmon fishing, cross-country skiing, or hiking, and admire the beauty of the elevated land that stretches for miles and miles.

Want something even more remote?

Feel like a true polar explorer in one of Svalbard's seven Arctic national parks.

Always go with a guide. This is the kingdom of the polar bear!

Explore nature, but remember that you are not always able to make calls from these remote areas.

Remember to bring an old-fashioned map and follow the mountain safety code when venturing into the wild.

Norway’s national parks

Norway has 47 national parks, and more than 3,000 protected areas. Seven of the parks are located on the Svalbard Islands.

National parks are found both on land and sea.

The parks exist to ensure the preservation of different types of nature for future generations.

Read more about Norway's national parks.

The mountain safety code

1. Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.

2. Adapt your planned route according to your abilities and the conditions.

3. Check the weather forecast at Yr.no and avalanche warnings at Varsom.no.

4. Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.

5. Bring the necessary equipment, so you can assist yourself and others.

6. Choose safe routes. Recognise avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.

7. Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.

8. Don’t be ashamed to stop and go back.

9.Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

Read the mountain code with supplementary comments.

Where nature comes first

The area you are entering is home to nature and its creatures. Consideration for animals and plants come first. Explore large and rare ecosystems, unspoilt nature, watch wild animals from a safe and respectful distance, and enjoy the tranquil scenery.

National parks are found throughout Norway. You can often find one relatively close to where you are.

Nearly 85 percent of Norway’s national parks are in the mountains, from gently rolling high plateaus to sharp peaks, ravines, and glaciers. Four national parks are defined as marine, which means that 98 percent of their conserved area is underwater.

The right to roam

Outdoor activities are an important part of our national identity. The right to roam (allemannsretten, in Norwegian) has been enshrined in the Norwegian Outdoor Recreation Act since 1957. It stipulates that everyone can freely explore Norwegian nature. You are free to walk almost anywhere in the Norwegian countryside, as long as you follow a few basic rules.

Theright to roam also applies to most national parks, although certain areas in some parks may have restricted access when species are nesting and breeding, or stricter rules for camping, fishing, hiking, etc. It' therefore a good idea to familiarise yourself with local rules before visiting. You can read more on Norway's official website for national parks.

Family on four sitting by the campfire beside the tent in Oppdal, Trøndelag
The right to roam

How to act in nature

The main rules are simple: Be considerate and respectful. Make sure to not leave rubbish behind and to show respect for nature and people. Leave the places you visit as you would want to find them. Try to leave as small a footprint as possible. By following these rules, you can freely explore, and enjoy many memorable experiences and activities. Exploring national parks helps enhance awareness of the importance of conservation. Let the animals themselves show you how to act in nature, so that you can become an expert! 

Two moose out in nature during summer in Norway
How to behave in nature

The most popular national parks

  • Besøkssenter-Jomfruland-Nasjonalpark-2-Foto_Salt-Lofoten-AS_1000x750
    Jomfruland National Park
    Vippefyret Verdens Ende
    Færder National Park
    Folgefonna National Park - Kvinnherad
    Folgefonna National Park - Kvinnherad
    Jotunheimen Nasjonalpark
    Jotunheimen National Park
    Langrennstur
    Hardangervidda National park from Geilo and the North East side
    Forollhogna
    Forollhogna National Park
    Femundsmarka National Park
    Femundsmarka National Park
    Rondane IMG_7012
    Rondane National Park

The great outdoors

Woman hiking between the red rocks at Leka island in Trøndelag
UNESCO Geoparks in Norway
Three people hiking on the Nigardsbreen glacier in Fjord Norway
Glaciers
A man next to Rjukandefossen waterfall in Hemsedal, Eastern Norway
Waterfalls
  • Friends celebrating in knitted sweaters
    Friluftsliv: Our love for the outdoors
    Go on a wildlife safari and see whales off the coast of Tromsø in Northern Norway
    Must-see nature attractions
    Girl hiking in the Melfjellet mountain in Helgeland
    Hiking
    Woman enjoying the autumn view of Hydalen in Hemsedal
    Stay safe in the mountains
    Oda Ramsdal hiking the length of Norway
    Hike the length of Norway
    A woman hiking and looking at the Gjendevatnet lake
    The most beautiful lakes

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Blazerbu - Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Standard Room - Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
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    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!