Svartisen National Park is situated in the heart of Nordland county, between Bodø and Mo i Rana. It encompasses a diverse range of unique landscapes, extending from open fjords in the west to vast plains in the east, and dominating the scene is me, the majestic Svartisen glacier, like a blanket draped over the mountainous terrain, serving as a distinct contrast between these two natural extremes. The park is also home to an outstanding assortment of Sami cultural heritage.

Saltfjellet and Svartisen area is considered the oldest and most significant region for Sami cultural heritage south of Finnmark. Numerous traces of Sami settlements, such as stall foundations dating back to the Middle Ages, have been discovered. The tradition of reindeer herding, as seen today, has roots dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, leaving behind cultural landmarks such as tent sites, shelters, storage chambers, and Sami sacrificial stones and animal graves.

The national park features well-marked hiking trails, including the historic telegraph route between Rana and Saltdal, established in the 1860s to connect northern and southern Norway with a telegraph line. Today, it serves as a 61 km historical walking route with several cabins along the way. The route begins near the E6, close to the historic site of Bredek, following the 1000 pole foundations where the telegraph line ran and passing by the old stone huts used during the 1860s construction. The telegraph route is the trail that allows you to cross Saltfjellet on foot, including the Arctic Circle.

While Engabreen is the main attraction in the west, it's not the only glacier area on Svartisen. On the east side of the glacier, north of Mo i Rana, an old trail leads up to Austerdalsbreen. The easiest access is from Svartisvatnet by boat, and then following the path up to the glacier on the opposite side of the water.

Located on the southern side of the national park, there is a cluster of historical mountain farms that are easily accessible yet definitely worth exploring. Granneset, Inner-Bredek, and Stormdalsgården are unique mountain farms from the 1800s, all within a day's hike from the main road. The area offers a trek through untouched nature, with rushing waterfalls and suspension bridges over swift rivers. Both the "Bredek Round" and the hike to Stormdalsgården are delightful trails that lead you into the national park and past the old mountain farms. The Bredek Round is an 8 km circuit passing by the historic Bredekgården and the impressive Bredekfossen waterfall. Stormdalsgården is further into the valley, following the initial route but with an 8 km detour from the Bredek Round. The hike to Stormdalsgården has been chosen as one of Norway's most beautiful natural gems!

Subject text: Helge Seim

Screenplay: Helge Seim

Voice: Marit Emilie Meidelsen Øvrebø

Editing: Helge seim

Music and Soundeffect: freesound.org

Source:

-Visit Helgeland