Plizio Visual Lab

Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

park

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Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park was established in 2002, expanding upon the original Dovrefjell Park of 1974. Spanning 1,693 square kilometers, it is home to Snøhetta, which at 2,286 meters is one of Norway's most iconic mountains outside the Jotunheimen massif. The region is internationally famous for its muskox population, successfully reintroduced from Greenland in the 1930s and now a primary draw for wildlife photographers. Geologically, the park serves as an archive of Earth's history, featuring rock formations billions of years old that support specialized Arctic-alpine flora. Culturally, Dovrefjell is deeply embedded in Norwegian mythology and history as a sacred mountain, frequently cited in national epics as a symbol of endurance. The park also protects the last viable populations of wild mountain reindeer in Europe and preserves remains of prehistoric hunting structures, such as pitfall traps and leading fences.

Location: Norway
Nearby: Dombås (36 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-9	-8	-6	-3	1	7	11	10	5	-1	-5	-8
Rain mm	138	114	116	92	99	143	161	158	135	110	129	140

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The vast park is accessible from several different points situated along the major E6 and E136 highways. The area around Hjerkinn serves as an exceptionally popular starting point for many of the most heavily trafficked trails.

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Best season

Summer and early autumn are widely considered the well-suited seasons for general hiking and wildlife observation. The long winter provides excellent, albeit very challenging, conditions specifically for experienced backcountry skiers.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape consists of expansive alpine plateaus, deep, dramatic valleys, and incredibly rugged mountain peaks. The ground is often rocky, largely uneven, and completely exposed to the harsh, unpredictable mountain elements.

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What to bring

High-quality, windproof, and waterproof clothing is absolutely mandatory for exploring this exposed region. A reliable map, a traditional compass, and very sturdy hiking boots are essential as marked trails can be sparse.

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Parking

Ample parking is generally available at the major entry points like Hjerkinn, Kongsvold, or Grøvudal. It is important to note that some smaller dirt roads leading into the park boundaries may have strict seasonal restrictions.

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Safety

Visitors must always maintain a strict minimum distance of 200 meters from the wild musk oxen. The alpine weather can deteriorate incredibly rapidly, bringing freezing temperatures and unexpected snow even in the middle of July.

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Time needed

Visits can range from very brief stops at roadside viewpoints to extensive, week-long trekking and camping trips across the vast plateaus. It is entirely possible to customize the journey based on the available time and supplies.