Nationalparks Forollhogna

Norway´s National Parks are regulated by the laws of nature. Nature decides both how and when to do things. National Parks are established in order to protect large natural areas - from the coast to the mountains. This is done for our sake, for generations to come and for the benefit of nature itself.

FOROLLHOGNA NATIONAL PARK

Counties: Hedmark, Sør Trøndelag.

Established: 2001

Size: 1062 km2

Kingdom of the great reindeer bucks

Forollhogna is often associated with impressive antlers and large reindeer. The reindeer bucks here are larger than no other place in Norway. That says something about how rich and viable this mountain region is for all other life.

In the open and virtually unspoilt landscape, on the border between Hedmark and Sør Trøndelag counties, you´ll find a rich variety of plants and animals. In the neighbouring valleys traditional mountain farming is thriving.

Accessible tranquility

The Forollhogna area is not adapted for recreational purposes. The local population nevertheless makes extensive use of the area all year. They catch mountan trout in the lakes, and every fall local hunters take out the yearly quota of reindeer, to keep the reindeer population at a sustainable level.

The terrain is easy to access, and makes for wonderful hiking experiences for both young and old. The Pilgrim trail to Trondheim cuts through the National Park.

Fair and friendly mountains

Rich bogs and glittering lakes lie between the rolling hills. Small creeks flow down the hillsides into the treeclad valleys, which spread out towards the villages of Nord-Østerdalen and Gauldalen.

Rich mountain soil

The mountain soil is richÊ and makes for a varied and interesting plant life. At the highest peaks, like Forollhogna, 1.332 meters, tough vegetation like lichen and moss dominate. Down the hillsides, the vegetation is gradually richer, with scrubs and willows. Mountain birch and high perennials grow in the valleys and bogs.

Several rare species of plants are found in the National Park, some are even on the Red list of threatened species.

A multitude of life in the bogs

There is a variety of wetlands in the area. The many mountain bogs are teeming with ducks and waders. All four species of alpine duck in Norway breed within the National Park. Birds of prey thrive in the area, and eagles, falcons and hawks roam the area looking for prey among birds and rodents.

A mountain for the animals

A rich and varied plant life makes for a rich animal life. Norway has a special responsibility in preserving the habitat of the wild mountain reindeer. Forollhogna is one of the last remaining places where the reindeer poulation has summer and winter grazing grounds in the same area, untouched by roads or other installations.

It´s important to maintain these areas in keeping with the local traditions to preserve the reindeer. Wolverine is also found in the area, although in limited numbers.

A mountain area of local importance

Through generations the area has been vital as a source of food for the local people. Ancient hunters and collectiors have left traces, as well as the Sami. At present sheep graze on the green pastures of the valleys, while the locals fish and hunt in the area, as they have done for centuries.