What is a Norwegian national park?

Norwegian National Parks are our common natural heritage.  We set up National Parks to safeguard large areas of countryside – from the seashore to the mountaintops. For Nature’s own sake, ourselves and future generations.

National Parks boast magnificent scenery with varied animal and plant life, waterfalls, glaciers, lofty mountains, endless plateaus, deep forests and lush woodlands, and beautiful fjords and coasts. You will also find cultural heritage remains showing how the areas were used in the past. The National Parks offer a multitude of opportunities for thrilling encounters with natural history. Make use of our magnificent nature – on its own terms.

What does this mean?

Norwegian national parks are preserved areas of countryside that you may visit. There are no fences, no park rangers to ask, no opening hours, no entrance fee, but you will find information boards by the main gateways, marked paths and plenty of wonderful nature for you to explore!

 

In a national park, you are Mother Nature’s guest.

– You can travel on foot and by boat throughout the national park, except in the zones for nesting seabirds and breeding areas for seals in the period April 15 to July 15..
– Pay attention to vegetation, wildlife and cultural monuments. Take extra care during the breeding and breeding season.
– Stop wherever you want, and camp for the night if you wish. But tidy up afterwards and take your rubbish home. Emptying the boat toilet is forbidden in the entire national park.
– You can light a fire, but remember the general fire ban between April 15 and September 15. In Ytre Hvaler National Park, it is not allowed to break branches for bonfires. Never light a fire or disposable grill on a mountain.
– You can pick berries, edible mushrooms, and common plants for your own use.
– Take advantage of the opportunities for recreational fishing.
– You’re welcome to bring your dog, but between April 1 to August 20 your dog must be kept on a leash. Even outside the restraint period, you must remember that you are responsible for ensuring that your dog does not harm wildlife and vegetation.