Plizio Visual Lab

Gutulia National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Gutulia National Park was established in 1968 and, with an area of just 23 square kilometres, is one of Norway's smallest national parks. Located in the municipality of Engerdal near the Swedish border, it protects one of Scandinavia's most precious old-growth forest environments. The landscape is dominated by ancient spruce and pine trees, many of which are over 400 years old and draped in distinctive lichens. At the park's heart lies Gutulisetra, a historic summer farm site dating back to the 18th century, now preserved as a cultural heritage monument. These open pastures provide a stark contrast to the surrounding wild forest, where fallen logs illustrate the natural cycle of decay and regeneration. The park provides sanctuary for species like the three-toed woodpecker and the capercaillie, which rely on mature forest habitats. Because no roads lead into the park, it is accessible only by foot, ensuring its quiet and mystical atmosphere remains undisturbed. Gutulia gives a rare glimpse into a forest ecosystem as it existed across Northern Europe before modern human intervention.

Location: Norway
Nearby: Trysil (78 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	-10	-9	-6	-2	5	10	12	11	7	0	-5	-8
Rain mm	59	45	47	53	98	109	143	139	91	81	68	58

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access to Norway's smallest national park is usually via unpaved local roads in the eastern border regions. Visitors typically drive to a designated entrance point to step into the ancient spruce forests.

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Best season

The months from late spring to early autumn generally provide the best conditions for exploring the old-growth forest. In winter, access can be significantly hampered by deep snow on the remote secondary roads.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain consists mostly of gentle, forested paths winding through the protected, pristine stands of trees. The trails are generally clear to follow but can become muddy and root-heavy after periods of rain.

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What to bring

Waterproof hiking shoes are highly recommended as the forest floor can remain damp in many sheltered sections. During the warmer mid-summer months, an effective insect repellent is often an essential piece of gear.

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Parking

A designated parking area is typically located near the main access point or trailhead of the park. Because the park is so small, parking spaces can be limited, making an early arrival quite advisable.

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Safety

There are few hazards here, but one can easily get disoriented in the dense forest if leaving the marked paths. Additionally, mobile network coverage is often unreliable in this remote and secluded natural area.

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Time needed

Due to its compact size, a typical leisurely walk through the park usually takes about two to three hours. Those dedicated to nature photography might easily spend half a day capturing the ancient, untouched trees.