About the national park
Reinheimen National Park was established in 2006 and is the third largest national park in Norway. The purpose of the protection is to safeguard a large, interconnected mountainous area that is habitat for wild reindeer. The area ranges from rugged peaks in the northwest to rolling mountain plateaus in the southeast.
Advice when visiting
There are certain responsibilities associated with the Right to Roam – together we must take care of our natural environment. Here you will find good advice and tips on how to have great experiences in the mountains while not leaving any traces behind. Stopovers, travel and foraging must take place in a considerate manner. The basic rule for anyone taking a trip in the great outdoors is that you leave no trace behind. Leave the natural environment the way you would like to find it yourself!
Visitor centers and approaches
There are a number of waymarked hiking trails in Lesja, Rauma, Skjåk and Lom, and information about the protected area you are entering can be found at the start of the trails. These trails are located in areas that can withstand visitation.
Wild reindeer
The main purpose of protecting Reinheimen National Park is to safeguard the habitats of the wild reindeer population in the area. Norway is the only country in Europe that has populations of the original wild European mountain reindeer. This means that we have an international responsibility. Today, the wild reindeer is an endangered species due to loss of habitat, constant disturbances caused by human activity and traffic, disease and climate change.
The marginal basis of existence in the mountains forces the wild reindeer to migrate across large parts of their habitat in order to find enough food. Wild reindeer are at their most vulnerable during winter and the spring calving season.
Cultural history
Reinheimen is particularly rich in cultural monuments from the ancient practice of wild reindeer hunting and trapping. The people living in the villages around Reinheimen have always been closely connected to the mountains, and valuable summer farm environments and cultural landscapes still exist in the mountain valleys leading into the national park.
Where is Reinheimen National Park situated?
The national park is located in the municipalities of Fjord and Rauma in Møre og Romsdal County, and in Lesja, Lom, Skjåk and Vågå municipalities in Innlandet County.
How to get to the area?
Public transport
In the south, the main route is the Rv15 road. If you are traveling by train from Oslo to Otta, a bus goes north through Ottadalen valley. In the north, the main route is the E136 road to Åndalsnes. Visitors can reach this area by train along the scenic Rauma Line.
By car
If you have a car, you can drive around all of Reinheimen and experience the contrasting landscapes and natural environments from the various approaches around the area.
Accommodation
Around Reinheimen, there are several hotels and many other places to spend the night.
The various destination companies have an overview of the many services available to visitors.
Skjåk, Lom, Vågå and Lesja:
Nasjonalparkriket
Visit Jotunheimen
Rauma and Fjord:
Sunnmøre/Ålesund
Nordvest/Fjord
Visit Nordvest
rauma.no
Approaches and visitor centers
Welcome to the area – on nature’s terms!
Mountain hiking:Wild reindeer are vulnerable to human activity and traffic. The most vulnerable period is during winter and the spring calving season. Feel free to plan trips to less vulnerable areas during this period. If you encounter wild reindeer on your trip, keep at a good distance and move slowly away in the opposite direction of the herd.
Cycling is not permitted in Reinheimen.
Using motorized transport in the national park is prohibited, this also applies to electric bikes.
Drones: all use is prohibited in the national park.
Camping: You may pitch a tent wherever you like, as long as you are more than 150 meters from cabins and houses. Your stay must not cause damage or inconvenience to others. In connection with hunting and fishing, permission may be granted upon application for the pitching of larger tents for more than a week, limited to the wild reindeer hunting season and the fishing season.
Dogs: dogs must be kept on a leash between 1 April and 20 August, but several municipalities have extended this period in parts of the area. Always keep your dog under control. Birds that build their nests on the ground are especially vulnerable to dogs that are on the loose.
Campfires: lighting campfires is prohibited between 15 April and 15 September. However, visitors are permitted to light campfires in places where there are no obvious risks of forest fires. Preferably use existing fire pits or a bonfire burner.
Mushroom and berry picking: Visitors may pick berries and mushrooms for personal consumption. However, visitors are obligated to show consideration towards plants and wildlife, especially during the breeding and nesting season in spring and early summer.
Hunting and fishing: Visitors may hunt and fish in the protected areas if they have a valid hunting or fishing license.
Cultural monuments: Stone foundations, walls and pitfall traps are protected. Do not move any stones from old walls. Cairns are useful waymarks – do not build new cairns that could lead people astray.
Waste: Remember to clean up after yourself and take all your garbage home.
Clothing and equipment: The weather in the mountains can change very quickly. Even in July, the weather can change from brilliant sunshine to snow within minutes. Always have extra clothing and equipment with you on your trip. Assess the weather and general conditions, and your own or your group’s capacity, knowledge and experience before setting out on a trip. Hiking with a mountain guide can provide safety and rewarding experiences. Have a great trip!
