A guide to Norway’s best national parks

Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Norway, as it is home to the highest peaks in the country.

Jotunheimen, which translates to “Home of the Giants,” has more than 250 mountains over 2000 meters, including the highest one in Norway: Galdhøpiggen. This mountain towers above all others with its 2469 meter peak.

There is more to do than just hiking, especially if you are here on an active family vacation. Visit Klimapark 2469 and the ice tunnels or take the entire family to the high rope park, right beneath Galdhøppingen.

Another highlight of Jotumheimen is the Besseggen Ridge. This is one of Norway’s most famous hiking trails, giving you guaranteed breathtaking views of the emerald-green Gjende lake and the blue Bessvatnet lake. Did you know you can go for a fun boat ride over the lake? 

Insider tip: the Besseggen hike is quite challening and can be crowded. Why not go on a shorter hike in the area? Hike Besseggen’s younger sibling instead! This one lends itself perfectly for a day-hike. Note that this hike can be closed to preserve the wildlife in the area.

Hardangervidda National Park

Hardangervidda is Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau and is also the largest national park in Norway. The park lies between Oslo and Bergen. 

This national park has vast wilderness and is known for its varied landscape, from lush valleys to barren-like plateaus, the further east you go, the more mellow the mountains get. It’s also a popular destination for cross-country skiing in winter and hiking in summer, with numerous trails crisscrossing the plateau, such as the Hardangervidda Trail.

You can find one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls along the National Scenic Routes that goes along the park: the Vøringsfossen waterfall. Watch as 182 meters of waters fall down from the plateau into the valley.

Hårteigen mountain is another distinctive landmark in the park, and for good reason, the mountain pops up out of nowhere. 

Jostedalsbreen National Park

One word: Glaciers! Jostedalsbreen National Park, located in Western Norway, is home to the Jostedalsbreen glacier. This is the largest glacier on mainland Europe, sprawling across 480 square kilometers and has many glacial arms. 

The Nigardsbreen Glacier, a prominent arm of the Jostedalsbreen, is located within the park and is one of the most accessible glaciers in the area. You can take a boat across a glacial lake to get closer to the glacier and then hike up to touch the ancient ice.

Our favorite hidden gem within Jostedalsbreen National Park is the Bødalglacier and the pasture farm from 1893 nearby. Go hiking along Lodalen lake and to the Bødalglacier. This area has many off the beaten track hikes, only known to locals, ranging from easy to advanced. One of those advanced hikes is Skåla, which is not for the faint-hearted.

For everyone interested in learning more about glaciers, be sure to visit a glacier museum in either Jostedal or Fjærland.

Rondane National Park

Rondane National Park, which lies south of Dovre National Park, was the first ever in Norway. There are ten peaks with summits over 2000 meters, which are all accessible within a day’s hike from the lake area.

You are never alone here as circa 2000 wild reindeer call Rondane National Park their home. These reindeer are restricted in their movements due to us, humans, meaning they stay year round. If you visit the park, please keep your distance from them. Other popular wildlife sightings in the park include lynx, moose and sometimes even wolves.

Rondane is a magical place where trolls and fairies roam the landscape and between the mountains – if you dare to believe in it.

One of the Norwegian Scenic Routes goes alongside the east side of the national park and highlights the so-called ‘blue mountains’ of Rondane. This route is beautiful year round, though you should check the road’s status before planning your journey – especially in the winter months.

Looking for an easy hike while road tripping through Rondane National Park? Opt for a hike to Ulafossen waterfall or the hike to Brudesløret waterfall. Another highlight of the park is Rondvatnet Lake, and is located in the middle region of the park.

Dovre National Park

Dovre National Park, protected since 2003, is part of a larger protected area that includes Rondane and Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Parks, but makes it no less special.

One of the park’s highlights is the diverse wildlife, especially the majestic musk oxen (musk ox) that roam freely across the tundra. These prehistoric creatures, which were reintroduced to the area in the 20th century, are a symbol of the park’s wild character. Dovre is also home to a variety of other wild animals, such as reindeer herds and arctic foxes. 

Dovre National Park is high up, meaning you might run into snow even in summer. For those who enjoy hiking, Dovre has a network of trails ranging in all different hiking levels. 

The pilgrims knew (and still do) their way though Dovre as the pilgrimage to Trondheim, what was then called Nidaros, led them through the national park. Nowadays, everyone can follow in their footsteps and walk the St. Olav’s Way.

Folgefonna National Park

The park is a paradise for hikers, with trails that range from gentle walks suitable for families to more challenging routes. Folgefonna has a diverse variety of landscapes: from glaciers, to lush valleys to the side of Hardanger’s fjords. Walk on a glacier in the morning and jump into the fjord that same afternoon, all within the same national park! 

Visit Lake Bondhusvatnet. This year-round hike gives you classic Norwegian views: a glacial lake with mountains surrounding the background. The hike to the lake itself is beautiful too as it goes through lush forests and alongside the glacial rivers. The contrast between the vibrant greenery and the icy blue of the glacier creates a surreal and unforgettable experience.

The Trolltunga hike, which lies near the park, is one of Norway’s most famous and gives breathtaking views of the surrounding fjords and mountains. This hike is popular and can get crowded. 

Folgefonna National Park isn’t just about its natural beauty; it also offers a glimpse into Norway’s cultural heritage. The traditional farms and old stone buildings scattered throughout the park tell stories of the region’s past, where life was intricately linked to the rhythms of nature. 

All of this is just a 2.5-hour drive from Bergen!