Reisa National Park

Reisa National Park protects about 800 square kilometres around the Reisa river, which has cut a canyon up to four hundred metres deep through the plateau in northern Troms, with the walls holding waterfalls that drop straight into the gorge. The largest, Mollisfossen, falls 269 metres. The classic approach is by river: local operators run traditional long flat-bottomed boats, elvebåt, up the shallow river from Saraelv, a journey that is itself the attraction and which needs a skilled pilot to read the rapids. A footpath also follows the valley. The area is Sami land with continuing herding, and it includes the Reisa canyon's rock art and the pilgrim route toward the Finnish border.

What you actually see

• Mollisfossen - a 269-metre waterfall dropping into the canyon.
• The river boats - traditional flat-bottomed craft running the shallow rapids.
• The canyon walls - a gorge up to four hundred metres deep.
• The Sami landscape - active herding country with cultural sites.

When to go

July to September, when the boats run and the trails are clear; water levels dictate the boat season and low water can stop it. Autumn colour in the birch is strong in September. Insects are heavy in July.

Honest expectations

River boat trips must be booked with local operators and depend on water level and weather. The walking route up the valley is long, with river crossings. Facilities inside the park are limited to a few cabins.

Nearby

Storslett and the Lyngenfjord lie north; the Finnish border and Kautokeino plateau are inland.