Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park

About this place

Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park lies in the Dovrefjell mountains of central Norway, and its centre is about 27 km in a straight line north-east of the village of Dombås. It was established in 2002 to replace and enlarge the old Dovrefjell National Park of 1974, and covers 1,693 square kilometres across three counties. The park was created to preserve a large, continuous and almost untouched mountain area and an alpine ecosystem with its native wild reindeer. Together with those of Rondane National Park, these are the last wild Fennoscandian reindeer of possibly ancient origin, and wolverines, golden eagles and gyrfalcons live here too, along with musk oxen introduced in 1947. The park's highest mountain is Snøhetta, at 2,286 m. A wide plateau of bare uplands and valleys stretches out, covered in low shrubs, lichen and rocks and ringed by rounded peaks. In late summer and autumn alpine bearberry blazes deep red among the stones, small harebells bloom, and from the heights the mountains roll away to the horizon. Entry is free. Musk oxen are large animals that can charge, so keep at least 200 m away, and mountain weather changes fast even in summer, so bring warm, waterproof clothing.