Reinheimen National Park

Reinheimen, the home of the reindeer, covers about 1,970 square kilometres between Romsdalen and Ottadalen and was established in 2006 largely to protect one of the most important wild reindeer ranges left in Europe. It is one of the least-visited large parks in southern Norway, partly because no road crosses it and the lodge network is thin, which is exactly why walkers who want space go there. The terrain ranges from the sharp peaks and deep valleys of the Tafjord mountains in the west to broad plateau in the east, with Tordalen, Lordalen and the Vulutjonn area among the classic routes. Traces of reindeer hunting going back thousands of years survive as pitfall systems and hunting blinds.

What you actually see

• The wild reindeer range - one of Europe's last major herds and its habitat.
• The roadless interior - no road crosses the park at any point.
• The ancient hunting systems - pitfalls and blinds thousands of years old.
• The mixed terrain - alpine peaks west, broad plateau east.

When to go

July to September, once the snow has left the passes and the rivers have dropped; earlier crossings can be dangerous. Winter is ski-touring terrain for the experienced. Reindeer protection rules restrict some areas in calving season.

Honest expectations

Marked routes are fewer than in Jotunheimen and the lodge network is sparse, so this park suits self-sufficient walkers with map and compass. River crossings without bridges are a real hazard after rain. Phone coverage is poor to absent.

Nearby

Jotunheimen lies south across Ottadalen; Romsdalen, Andalsnes and Dovrefjell are north and east.