Øvre Dividal National Park
National Park Norwegian park protecting arctic valleys and reindeer habitat
Remote Troms park of birch forests, mountain plateaus and the Divielva river. Visitors hike marked trails, fish for trout and Arctic char, watch migratory birds, and come in summer for midnight sun or winter for aurora viewing.
Øvre Dividal National Park is a protected area in northern Norway designated to conserve a high Arctic valley landscape and its natural communities. The park is noted for its intact valley systems and habitats typical of interior Troms.
The park’s features include mountain birch woodland intermixed with alpine plateaus and a river valley that supports fish and birdlife. Many visitors come for day hikes, longer backcountry routes and to observe reindeer and other northern fauna.
Established to protect the valley environment and traditional land uses, the park has seen limited infrastructure development so the landscape remains largely unmodified. Land use in surrounding areas includes seasonal reindeer grazing and low-density settlement.
Øvre Dividal sits in the interior of Troms county close to Norway’s border with Sweden. The terrain is remote and road access is limited; the park is reached from valley roads and mountain trails.
- Visitor notes: Good opportunities for solitude, hiking and trout fishing; facilities are minimal so self-sufficiency is recommended for multi-day trips.
What to See #
- Dividal valley: The Dividal valley floor contains the main river channel and patches of mountain birch forest and fen that contrast with the surrounding plateaus.
- Alpine plateaus: Alpine plateaus and ridges above the valley provide open tundra, boulder fields and routes used by hikers and reindeer herders.
Tips for Visiting Øvre Dividal National Park #
- Aim for late June-August for Øvre Dividal National Park when trails are generally snow-free and alpine valleys are accessible under the midnight sun; be aware that weather can change quickly.
- Use the park's marked routes and established trailheads in the Dividal valley-much of the terrain is fragile tundra and off-trail travel damages vegetation that takes years to recover.
- Allow extra travel time to reach trailheads and inform local authorities or rangers of your plans; services are limited and rescue response times can be long in this remote area.
Best Time to Visit Øvre Dividal National Park #
Plan a visit in summer (June-August) when trails are snow-free and daylight is extended.
Weather & Climate near Øvre Dividal National Park #
Øvre Dividal National Park's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 17°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall 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 20 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°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 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 76 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall.