Gutulia National Park

Gutulia National Park is Norway's smallest national park, set in Engerdal Municipality in Innlandet county, close to the Swedish border. It was established in 1968 to protect a patch of old forest that stayed almost untouched for centuries.

Why visit Gutulia?

Small as it is, the park has real character. The whole area lies between roughly 615 and 949 metres above sea level, and its heart is ancient pine and spruce forest. Some spruces are more than 300 years old, and the oldest pines pass 400. In old-growth forests like this one, which are increasingly rare in Norway, dead wood is left to decay, so the park supports many uncommon fungi, lichens and plants, along with threatened animal species. Walking among fallen trunks wrapped in moss and lichen gives you the sense that the forest runs on its own schedule.

What is the landscape like?

The river Gutua and the lake Gutulisjøen mark the park's western and southern edges. The highest point is Gutulivola. The terrain is rolling and wooded, with bogs and small ponds, so paths can be soggy after rain. Waterproof boots are a good idea.

What is Gutulisetra?

At the southeastern end of the lake stands Gutulisetra, a former mountain farm whose history goes back to around 1750. Farming stopped in 1949, and the buildings were later restored as a cultural heritage site. Three protected mountain pastures are still hayed to keep the traditional open landscape alive. In summer a seasonal serving place operates here, which makes it a natural spot for a break.

How do you get to Gutulia?

The starting point is the parking area by Gutulisjøen. From there a nature trail reaches the park in just under an hour on foot. Routes are fairly gentle and need no special gear, but mountain weather can turn quickly and mobile coverage may be patchy.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gutulia a big park? No. It is the smallest national park in Norway, which makes it ideal for a day trip.

What is most valuable here? The old, little-disturbed pine and spruce forest, with trees hundreds of years old and the rare species that depend on it.

Will I see reindeer? Wild reindeer died out in the area around 1880, but you may meet semi-domesticated reindeer belonging to Southern Sámi herders nearby.

When should I go? Summer and early autumn are most convenient, when Gutulisetra is open and trails are drier.

Are there rules? Expect no gates or tickets, but normal conservation rules apply: take your litter, leave plants alone and keep to the paths.

Gutulia suits anyone who wants to see what a Scandinavian forest looked like before industrial forestry, and to pair it with a short visit to a historic mountain farm.