Saltfjellet–Svartisen National ParkSaltfjellet–Svartisen National Park at a Glance
About Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park
Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park in Nordland county protects a large area of mountain plateau, glacier and alpine terrain and was established in 1989. The park includes portions of the Svartisen glacier system and the Saltfjellet plateau north of the Arctic Circle.
Extensive icefields and steep glacier fronts, open highland plateaus and varied tundra vegetation, with wildlife adapted to Arctic and alpine conditions. The park is traversed by major transport routes that provide roadside access to key viewpoints.
Protected to conserve glacial landscapes and montane ecosystems, the park combines wilderness areas with places used for grazing and traditional mountain travel. Conservation management focuses on protecting glacier fronts, mountain wetlands and biodiversity.
The park sits in Nordland, northern Norway, straddling the Saltfjellet mountain area. It lies north of the Arctic Circle and is accessed from nearby towns and roads that link coastal and inland Nordland.
- Establishment: The park was established in 1989 to protect a mix of glacier, alpine plateau and mountain ecosystems.
- Access and Arctic Circle: The European route E6 crosses the Saltfjellet area and provides one of the main access routes across the park, where the Arctic Circle is commonly marked for visitors.
What to See#
- Svartisen glacier: Contains the Svartisen glacier system, which is among Norway’s largest mainland glaciers and includes accessible glacier tongues and icefields.
- Saltfjellet plateau: Includes the Saltfjellet mountain plateau, a high, open alpine landscape crossed by the E6 road and marked by Arctic Circle crossings.
Best Time to Visit Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park
Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park is a large protected area in Nordland, Norway, that includes high plateaus, glacier tongues (Svartisen) and alpine landscapes.
Weather & Climate near Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park
Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -12°C to 7°C. Abundant rainfall (1486 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -11° - -6° | -18° | 153 mm | overcast | 97% | 9.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.8h |
| February | Poor | -12° - -7° | -19° | 129 mm | overcast | 96% | 8.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.8h |
| March | Poor | -11° - -6° | -17° | 112 mm | overcast | 95% | 8.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -8° - -3° | -13° | 84 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.5 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 15.2h |
| May | Poor | -3° - 1° | -7° | 66 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 19.1h |
| June | Poor | 0° - 5° | -2° | 90 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 22.6h |
| July | Poor | 3° - 7° | 1° | 122 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.6 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 20.6h |
| August | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 131 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.9 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.6h |
| September | Poor | 0° - 3° | -4° | 150 mm | overcast | 93% | 7.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.9h |
| October | Poor | -4° - -1° | -9° | 168 mm | overcast | 96% | 7.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.2h |
| November | Poor | -9° - -4° | -15° | 132 mm | overcast | 97% | 8.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.2h |
| December | Poor | -11° - -6° | -18° | 149 mm | overcast | 97% | 9.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 1.5h |
How to Get to Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park
Access points vary: Saltfjellet is crossed by the E6 highway and the Nordland railway (many hikers use stations along the line). Svartisen excursions often start from coastal towns like Glomfjord or Cape Holand; guided glacier trips depart from these hubs.
Tips for Visiting Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park
- Bring warm layers even in summer-alpine weather on Saltfjellet can change rapidly.
- If exploring Svartisen glacier, join a guided trip; glacier travel is hazardous without local guides and equipment.
- Wildlife watchers should scan for ptarmigan and mountain reindeer in the tundra areas; binoculars are helpful.