Saltfjellet
Mountains High mountain plateau traversed by Arctic Circle road
A high mountain plateau in Nordland traversed by the E6 and the Nordland railway; travelers pause at Arctic Circle markers, hike summer trails, and access winter snowfields and cross-country routes.
Saltfjellet is a mountain plateau and range in Nordland county in northern Norway that forms a natural divide between coastal Helgeland and inland Salten. The area is known for its open mountain plateau landscape, tundra vegetation and alpine conditions.
The region is crossed by major transport routes - the European route E6 road and the Nordland railway - which allow relatively easy passage across the mountains. The Arctic Circle crosses the plateau and is marked at roadside visitor points.
Saltfjellet has long been used as a transport route and seasonal grazing area; modern infrastructure established in the 20th century has improved year-round access and tourism. The area abuts glacierized terrain to the north, including the Svartisen glacier system.
Saltfjellet sits inland in Nordland county and stretches across mountainous terrain; roads and rail links provide the usual access from towns on either side of the range.
- Transport crossings: The E6 highway and the Nordland railway both cross Saltfjellet, making the area a major north-south transit corridor in Nordland county.
- Arctic Circle crossing: The geographic Arctic Circle crosses the Saltfjellet plateau, and marked points along the road are popular photo stops.
What to See #
- Arctic Circle Centre: The Arctic Circle Centre on the E6 provides visitor information, parking and viewpoints where the Arctic Circle is marked for travelers crossing the plateau.
- Plateau routes and crossings: The high mountain plateau area gives direct access to trails and backcountry routes; the road and the Nordland railway cross the range and provide access points for hikes and drives.
How to Get to Saltfjellet #
Saltfjellet is crossed by European route E6 (the main north-south road in Norway) and by the Nordland railway line. You can drive the E6 across the Saltfjellet plateau between the Mo i Rana and Fauske regions and stop at lay-bys or trailheads for hikes; the Nordland Line also traverses the plateau and provides rail access to mountain stations along the route (check current train timetables and station stops). Road and rail are the primary means of access; exact trailhead parking or station-to-hike walks depend on which part of Saltfjellet you plan to visit.
Tips for Visiting Saltfjellet #
- Drive the E6 or take the Nordlandsbanen train across Saltfjellet in summer for the most reliable access and the clearest views; winter weather frequently affects road conditions and services.
- Stop at the Arctic Circle/Polarsirkelsenteret area to step the marker and read the displays - many travelers pass Saltfjellet without visiting the centre that explains the region.
- Plan short alpine walks from marked pull-offs rather than trying long treks from roadside stops; the high plateau has fragile tundra and compact routes reveal the best scenery and flora.
Best Time to Visit Saltfjellet #
Visit Saltfjellet in summer for the safest, most accessible hiking and scenic driving; winter appeals to experienced visitors seeking snow activities.
Weather & Climate near Saltfjellet #
Saltfjellet's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 15°C. Moderate rainfall (669 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. The driest month with just 27 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 74 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
