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Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park adventures

Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park Adventures

Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park in Norway offers expansive alpine landscapes, dramatic glaciers, and diverse ecosystems, making it a destination for hiking, glacier exploration, and wildlife observation.

352,000
Acres Protected
150+
Miles of Trails
Approximately 10,000
Annual Visitors
1989
Year Established

About Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park

 

Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, located in Nordland county, Norway, covers a vast area of rugged mountain terrain, glaciers, deep valleys, and expansive wilderness. Established in 1989, the park's centerpiece is the Svartisen glacier, the second-largest glacier on the Norwegian mainland, offering unique opportunities for glacier hiking and ice exploration. The park lies across the Saltfjellet mountain range, which serves as a natural climatic divide between southern and northern Norway. Ecologically, it features a mix of alpine tundra, birch forests, and wetlands, providing habitat for a variety of fauna such as reindeer, wolverines, Arctic foxes, and diverse bird species. The presence of wild rivers and lakes enhances the area's biodiversity. Recreational activities include multi-day hiking, glacier walking, fishing, and limited winter sports. Notable landmarks within the park besides Svartisen include the Blåmann Mountains and the Saltfjell plateau. The Bodø–Narvik railway runs just south of the park, facilitating accessibility. Visitors are attracted by the stark natural beauty, opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat, and the challenge of traversing glacier and mountainous terrain. The park provides a valuable outdoor experience that balances adventure with preservation of a largely untouched natural environment.

Highlights

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Svartisen Glacier – second largest glacier in mainland Norway offering glacier trekking

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Saltfjellet Mountain Plateau – wide alpine plateaus with panoramic views

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Rich Wildlife – home to reindeer herds, Arctic foxes, and various bird species

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River Glomåga – scenic river valley known for fishing and hiking

Notable Natural Features

Svartisen Glacier

A massive ice cap covering approximately 370 square kilometers, offering some of the most accessible glacier hiking routes in Norway.

Saltfjell Mountain Range

An extensive mountain range featuring alpine plateaus, rugged peaks, and diverse flora and fauna separating northern and southern Norway.

Glomåga River Valley

A deep river valley characterized by clear waters, rich fishing spots, and hiking trails that reveal dramatic scenery and wildlife.