Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is one of the largest contiguous protected areas in mainland Norway. It is located at the meeting point of Møre og Romsdal, Trøndelag, and Oppland counties, and there are several access points to the national park in the municipalities of Sunndal and Nesset. When visiting the national park from the west, you encounter the western nature with steep, jagged mountains and deep valleys. Further east, the landscape becomes gentler, and the climate drier. The large variations offer many opportunities for diverse experiences.
Nature and cultural experiences
In the northwest of the national park, dramatic peaks invite you for a hike with summits such as Storkalken (1880 m), the "royal" Storskrymten (1985 m), and the majestic Snøhetta (2286 m), which for many years was considered the highest mountain in Norway.
Good starting points for hikes
Good starting points for hiking in the national park are Grøvudalen and Torbudalen in Sunndal, and Eikesdalen. In the Åmotan-Grøvudalen Landscape Protection Area, you will find mountain farms, summer cabins, and other cultural monuments. In Eikesdalen lies the Mardalen Nature Reserve, rich in species diversity, and the hiking trail leading to Mardalsfossen. The waterfall is regulated for hydropower but is allowed to flow freely between June 20 and August 20. If you want to go skiing, the area between Øksendalen and Eresfjorden is especially well-suited, but remember to check avalanche risks at www.varsom.no
The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has 12 cabins associated with the protected area. Aursjøhytta and Snøheim are staffed.
Animal and plant life
Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park is the domain of wild reindeer. Here lives one of Europe’s last wild reindeer herds, which descends from the original wild mountain reindeer and has not been crossbred with domesticated reindeer. The wild reindeer herds arrived here when the ice melted after the last Ice Age. Humans followed and utilized the wild reindeer as a resource. There are rich cultural historical traces of wild reindeer hunting in the protected area. Remember that wild reindeer are shy and sensitive to humans. If you spot wild reindeer before they spot you, remain still until the animals leave. To learn more about wild reindeer and their hunting history, visit the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre in Hjerkinn. The Snøhetta viewpoint is open to the public every day from June to mid-October.
Musk Ox - A Living Prehistoric Animal
The park is also home to another prehistoric animal – the musk ox. Musk oxen became extinct in Europe during the last Ice Age but were brought from Greenland and reintroduced to Dovrefjell several times between 1932-1953. On Dovrefjell, you can hike the Musk Ox Trail in an area where you have a great chance of spotting musk oxen. Stick to the trail to help protect the wild reindeer in the area. Bring binoculars and follow the signs. The hike starts from Kongsvoll or Grønbakken.
Give the musk ox the right of way: They can attack if they feel threatened. Stay at least 200 meters away and detour if you encounter a musk ox.
Arctic fox and other wildlife
The Arctic fox also thrives in the national park but is highly vulnerable. The Arctic fox population was wiped out from Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella in the 1990s. Since 2005, a breeding program has been in place to restore a viable population. Disturbing the Arctic fox is prohibited.
The varied landscape of the national park is also home to wolverines and many bird species. The flora is rich, with rare species such as alpine bellflower, Dovre poppy, Dovre dandelion, and Norwegian wormwood growing here.
Rules for visitors to the National Park
- Do not disturb animals and birds. Remember, this is their home.
- Do not approach reindeer.
- Do not disturb the Arctic fox.
- Keep at least 200 meters away from musk oxen.
- Leave no trace: Take care of nature. Do not damage or remove cultural monuments. Take your trash with you and follow the rules for trace-free travel.
- Follow the leash and campfire regulations.
- Feel free to take advantage of hunting and fishing opportunities but remember to obtain hunting/fishing permits. Do not use live fish as bait, and do not move live fish between watercourses.