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Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park adventures

Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park Adventures

Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park in Norway offers expansive alpine landscapes, featuring Norway’s second largest glacier, diverse wildlife, and excellent opportunities for hiking, glacier tours, and nature observation.

639,501
Acres Protected
Varies, approx. 100+
Miles of Trails
Estimated 20,000+
Annual Visitors
1989
Year Established

About Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park

 

Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park encompasses a vast and rugged region in Nordland County, Norway, covering parts of the Saltfjellet mountain range and the Svartisen glacier, which is Norway’s second largest glacier. The park spans approximately 2,587 square kilometers of mountainous terrain, glaciers, plateaus, and valleys shaped by glacial and tectonic activity. Its diverse ecology supports a range of Arctic and alpine flora and fauna, including reindeer, wolverines, golden eagles, and rare Arctic foxes. The park lies at a transitional zone between boreal forests and high mountain plateaus, creating contrasting ecosystems across its expanse. Established in 1989 to protect this fragile landscape and its natural resources, Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park is prized for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore marked trails leading to glacier viewpoints, rugged peaks, and deep valleys. Glacier hiking on Svartisen attracts many, offering a rare close-up experience of dynamic ice formations. The park also has cultural significance, with traditional Sami reindeer herding practices continuing inside and near its boundaries. Alongside hiking and glacier tours, popular activities include fishing in pristine rivers and lakes, wildlife watching, and cross-country skiing in winter. The varied terrain offers options for all skill levels, from family-friendly nature walks to challenging alpine routes. Saltfjellet–Svartisen provides a compelling wilderness experience, blending dramatic natural beauty with opportunities to encounter both ancient landscapes and living indigenous culture.

Highlights

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Svartisen Glacier – Norway’s second largest glacier with accessible glacier hiking

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Saltfjellet Mountain Range – expansive alpine plateaus and diverse terrain

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Glomdalsvatnet Lake – a scenic spot for fishing and wildlife viewing

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Traditional Sami reindeer herding areas inside the park

Notable Natural Features

Svartisen Glacier

A vast, active glacier covering approximately 370 sq km, offering guided walking tours on its ice and striking views of crevasses and icefalls.

Saltfjellet Mountain Plateau

An extensive mountainous area characterized by alpine plateaus, wild river valleys, and tundra vegetation, popular for multi-day hiking.

Ranelva River

A major river flowing through the park, known for excellent trout fishing and scenic river valleys.