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Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park

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Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park (Norway)

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Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, established in 1989, spans 2,102 square kilometers and is one of Norway's most diverse protected areas. It stretches from the coastal fjords to high inland mountains and houses Svartisen, the second-largest glacier on mainland Norway, covering approximately 370 square kilometers. A unique feature is the Arctic Circle, which cuts through the park from west to east, marking it as a symbolic gateway to the Arctic. The geology is characterized by limestone, which has fostered the creation of numerous karst caves and a particularly rich alpine flora. Culturally, the area is deeply rooted in Sami history, with archaeological finds of sacrificial sites and ancient settlement remains dating back to the Iron Age. Today, the park provides a sanctuary for wolverines, lynxes, and a significant population of golden eagles, while its varied landscape attracts hikers and mountaineers alike.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-10-10-7-31510105-1-6-8
Rain mm225199221169142153161160230212213255

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Accessing this expansive park typically involves driving to trailheads near the E6 highway or taking a specialized boat ride across the deep fjords to directly reach the Svartisen glacier edge.
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Best season
Mid-summer, from July to August, gives the absolute best conditions for hiking and glacier viewing. Professional glacier tours usually operate strictly only during these specific warmer months.
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Terrain & paths
The landscape varies dramatically from lush mountain valleys to the stark, rugged ice fields of the Svartisen glacier. Trails can heavily range from clear paths to highly challenging moraine debris.
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What to bring
Glacier exploration absolutely requires specialized equipment like strong crampons and an ice axe, typically provided by expert guides. Standard hikers purely need waterproof clothing and boots.
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Parking
Designated parking areas are found near the main tourist centers for the glacier or at the road ends leading deeply into the Saltfjellet mountain range, where the much longer treks firmly begin.
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Safety
Never venture onto the raw glacier ice without a highly qualified guide, as hidden crevasses are lethally dangerous. The localized weather around the huge ice caps can deteriorate very rapidly.
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Time needed
A standard guided glacier walk or a strenuous hike to a prominent viewpoint typically lasts around five to seven hours. Extreme multi-day crossings of the entire national park are highly popular.

Geography

Coordinates
66.70000, 14.50000

Facts

  • The national park was founded in 1989.
  • Total area of 2,102 square kilometers.
  • The Arctic Circle runs directly through the park.
  • Home to the Svartisen glacier (approx. 370 km2).
  • The highest peak is Ørtfjelltinden at 1,759 meters.
  • Renowned for its numerous limestone (karst) caves.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Saltfjellet-SvartisenSaltfjellet-Svartisen9 km · NWExplore →
Glomfjord Industrial SiteGlomfjord Industrial Site24 km · NWExplore →
ØrnesØrnes40 km · NWExplore →
StorvikStorvik42 km · NWExplore →
ReipåReipå44 km · NWExplore →
Mo i RanaMo i Rana46 km · SExplore →
HauknesHauknes50 km · SWExplore →
JektvikJektvik54 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park (1)

Ærdnetjåhkkå📍 landmark

A mountain peak located within the Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park in Norway.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Svartisen?
It is Norway's second-largest glacier with 60 glacier arms.
Where does the Arctic Circle run?
It passes directly through the southern part of the national park.
How do you get to the glacier?
Often by boat across Holandsfjord and then continuing on foot.
Can you visit the caves?
Yes, there are limestone caves like Grønligrotta nearby.
What clothing is recommended?
Warm layers and windproof clothing, even in summer.
Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park: where is it located?
Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park is located in Norway.
Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, established in 1989, spans 2,102 square kilometers and is one of Norway's most diverse protected areas.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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A unique city completely rebuilt in Art Nouveau style after a 1904 fire, situated on several islands at the edge of the Atlantic.
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Ålesund Art Nouveau District
After a devastating fire in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style.
Tromsø Old Town — Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park (Norway)
Tromsø Old Town
The historical core of Tromsø preserves 19th-century wooden houses.
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Kristiansund consists of several islands.
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Molde is located on the coast and is known as the town of roses.
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Harstad is located on the island of Hinnøya.
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Mo i Rana is located near the Arctic Circle.
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Steinkjer
Steinkjer is the administrative center of Trøndelag county.
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Stjørdal
Stjørdal is located in Trøndelag county.
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Sortland is known as the blue city in the Vesterålen region.

History & landmarks

Røros — Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park (Norway)
Røros
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Europe's oldest wooden towns and a living monument to copper mining history.
Lom — Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park (Norway)
Lom
The heart of Norwegian mountain culture, home to one of the country's most beautiful stave churches.