About the National Park

In the National Park the Subarctic region of the Norwegian mainland meets the Low Arctic in a unique convergence. We encounter European mainland species at their most north-westerly range distributions and Arctic species at their most southernly. Grilse-salmon rivers decorate the peninsula’s length and breadth like pearls on a string. In the heart of the Park the landscape is as it was before the last ice age. There are magnificent views out towards the Varanger Fjord southwards or the Barents Sea northwards. In this wide terrain the distances are enormous, the weather wild and variable, and human travellers are a mere dot on the landscape.

Along the road that skirts the Park there are marked access points and parking facilities. Yet within the Park itself you will have to navigate by your own reckoning because this is one of the few remaining areas of Norway without an extensive network of marked paths. Instead of paths made by people, you’ll find here tracks carved by generations of semi-domestic reindeer herds.

The Park is surrounded by several Protected Areas. Along the peninsula’s rugged coastline there are distinctive landscape features such as dislocated and stratified sedimentary rock formations, sand dune systems and rocky shores, also raised beaches evidencing post glacial rebound. On the outermost coast is an abrasion coast with sheer cliffs towering above beaches littered with driftwood and an almost total absence of vegetation.

See our cartographic brochure for a map of the area .

You can see a film from Nattfjelldalen here .

Why a National Park?

The National Park was established in 2006 and covers an area of 1804 km2.

The aims of its Park status are,

• To protect a largely intact natural area free from most technical and human modification with the purpose of maintaining biological diversity in terms of ecosystems, species, and populations. An integral part of the protection status is to preserve this most Arctic-influenced region of mainland Norway with its characteristic land formations and features from the ice age, and it’s distinct easterly and Arctic flora and fauna. The region is defined as a key location for Arctic fox and for unique Sami cultural heritage.
• Zone A is designated as a marsh and wetland area of special scientific significance as a reference area distinctive for its many ponds, lakes, and marshes. The area is habitat for a rich and varied composition of wetland birds, including endangered species. It is of high value for bean geese and white-fronted geese.
• The Norwegian ‘right to roam’ laws (‘Allemannsretten ’) give legal permission to participate in traditional low-impact outdoor recreation that doesn’t require infrastructure and modification. Maintaining the natural integrity of the National Park is important for Sami culture and livelihoods. The area is designated as a reindeer husbandry location.

Motorized Transport ban

Use of electric-bikes and other motorized bikes are not allowed in the Park. With some exceptions, neither is motorized transport on snow- and ice-covered fields and uplands, nor flying aircraft at altitudes lower than 300m. Snowmobiles can be used on the municipalities’ own designated scooter trails, as according to specific rules related to these trails. Information about whether the trails are open can be found on the municipalities’ own websites.

Organized travel tours

So long as the natural environment is not damaged, guided hiking tours are permitted. However, if there is a perceived risk of damaging the Park’s nature, permission must be sought by the operating body. This includes organized tours with horses, snow-kites, dog sleds and also other transport means. Permission must always be sought for any activities organized in areas of the Park where there are endangered species such as Arctic fox or where there are birds of prey.

Reindeer are particularly sensitive to disturbance from the beginning of April until the end of June.
Use existing fire pits along the river valleys instead of creating new ones. Do NOT burn your rubbish -to avoid littering please take all rubbish home with you. If you are planning to camp, consider moving your tent if you stay in one spot for an extended number of days. This will spare the vegetation beneath your tent from permanent damage.