Rago National Park

Photo: Marius Saunders

Map and information Welcome to ’s national parks Welcome to Rago

Rago is the perfect place to explore the Norwegian wilderness, hiking through wild and lush valleys with thundering waterfalls or enjoying the silence of the grand landscape in the high alpine. If you visit Rago National Park you will get great nature experiences, regardless of the season and the weather conditions. Unlike the Swedish national parks across the border, Rago has a coastal climate with high rainfall, cold summers and warm winters.

Rago is full of contrasts and Rago National Park borders the offers quiet forests and smooth Swedish national park Padjelanta, rock formations, jagged cliffs and which in turn borders the Sarek thundering waterfalls. The terrain is and Stora Sjöfallet National Parks. challenging, and whatever hike you Together, these national parks take — it soon seems much longer constitute one of the largest than it appeared to be on the map. continuous wilderness areas in all of This phenomenon is known locally as Europe. They play a critical role in the the “Rago mile”. Visitors are advised preservation of biodiversity and in the to set aside more time than they think protection of wilderness landscapes. they’ll need. Rago has long-standing traditions of Rago National Park is one of the Sami use, and there are many Sami oldest national parks in Norway. It cultural heritage sites within the was established in 1971 to represent a national park’s boundaries. pristine alpine landscape of northern herders are still active in this area. Norway with its characteristic fauna located in the border area towards the Rago has great value for locals who Swedish national park Padjelanta. use the area, but the small national park in the middle of county Litlverivassforsen is the most is also well known across the world. spectacular of the park’s many Among the international visitors in waterfalls and is pictured on the cover Rago, you will likely meet people from page of this brochure. The best view and Czech Republic, but can be found on Grisryggen—the you can also meet people from every Pig’s Back—where you are treated corner of the world. to spectacular views of the mighty waterfall, the lazy river way down in the and the crystal clear waters of Litlverivatnet. Photo: Svein Einar Stuen Svein Photo: Crystal-clear mountain lake where you can swim, fish and collect drinking water. Photo: Jim Kristensen Photo: Marshes and old pine forests are both beautiful and essential for biodiversity. Experiences

Rago National Park welcomes anyone who is interested in experiencing genuine wilderness in a spectacular landscape. This is virtually pristine nature—offering up experiences you will not soon forget. Visitors are on their own here, though there are some marked trails and bridges crossing the largest rivers.

Hunting and fishing Day hike to The national park is an excellent hunting Litlverivassforsen ground if you think taking in the nature The hike up to the viewpoint on around you is just as important as what Grisryggen, overlooking Litlverivassforsen you bring home with you. Rago is unique, is a nice day hike. Park at Litjsand and in that hunting inside the park is limited follow the trail for 5.5 km, climbing 400 to rock ptarmigan, ptarmigan, metres to the viewpoint. From here, you’ll hare, and mink. have the best view in Rago. Fishing is permitted in the entire park. Litlverivatnet, Storskogvatnet and “The Rago Round” Sølvskardvatnan are all good fishing lakes. Boat rental is available through the – a 2-day hike and Sørfold Hunting and Fishing The “Rago Round” is the most popular Association (FSJFF). Please note that you hike in Rago. From Lakshol you can follow will require hunting and fishing permits. a marked loop trail that is 23 km long. The hike begins outside the national Spend the night in Rago park itself, and continues through a Overnight accommodation inside the narrow valley, along a river. Up toward national park is limited, but Statskog has Nordskaret, the terrain is steep and two cabins that are open to the public. rough, before the trail continues across There are four beds at Storskogvasshytta rolling hills toward Storskogvatnet. and two beds at Ragohytta. In addition, Take care not to lose the trail. The hike there is Sørenggamma, which is open, but continues toward Sølvskardvatnan and offers shelter from the elements. FSJFF Litlverivatnet, across Grisryggen, before also offers overnight accommodation at ending up at Litjsand, 2 km from where Storskoghytta near Storskogvatnet and at you started. You can also choose to do Fjellrosen near Litlverivatnet. These cabins the loop in the opposite direction. There are locked and will need to be booked in are three suspension bridges crossing advance. Beyond these options, tenting the largest rivers, and footbridges taking is permitted throughout the national hikers across several wet and marshy park, so there are plenty of options for areas. We recommend spending the night those who prefer to sleep outdoors. at Storskogvatnet, which is roughly at the half-way point of the Rago Round. Photo: Oskar N. Pettersen Oskar Photo:

Storskogforsen marks the half-way point on the Rago Round, located only 200 m from Storskogvasshytta. Photo: Jim Kristensen Photo: Catch bright red and delicious char at Litlverivatnet. Photo: Marius Saunders Photo:

In Rago National Park there is no shortage of peaceful locations where you can pitch a tent. Facts and information Rago National National Park was established in 1971 and covers 171 km².

Where is Rago In the Municipality of Sørfold in Nordland County. National Park?

How do I get there? By bus: See 177nordland.no for bus routes. There is a 5-kilometre walk from the bus stop “Trengsel” to Litjsand or Lakshol. By car: Exit the E6 and drive north on Fv 617. The exit is marked “Rago nasjonalpark”. If you are coming from the south, watch for the exit right after exiting the Tennflåget tunnel. Follow Fv 617 for 5 km. There are charging statins for electric cars in Straumen and at Kobbelv Inn.

Norwegian Helgelandskysten scenic route

National park Nordland National Park Centre visitor centre nordlandsnaturen.no

Viewpoint Grisryggen/Litlverivassforsen Strøksnes

Plan your trip norgesnasjonalparker.no, ut.no, godtur.no Hunting and fishing permits: Inatur.no

Protected areas Sjunkhatten National Park, nearby Laksågaosen Nature Reserve, Trolldalsvatnet Nature Reserve, Padjelanta National Park ().

Tourist information nordlandsnaturen.no visitbodo.com

Management and Central Nordland National Park Authority supervision nasjonalparkstyre.no/Midtre-Nordland/, Statskog Fjelltjenesten Fauske M-1542 | 2019 Fauna and flora

In nature, everything is connected, and the barren soil at Rago influences the entire food chain, from plant to predator. Visitors to Rago primarily come for the spectacular landscapes and wild waterfalls that take your breath away, but who knows? Maybe you’re lucky enough to see the or the white-throated dipper in their natural ?

Animals Plants Rago’s wilderness is an ideal habitat Thin and barren soil means the types for several of our large predators. of vegetation found here are relatively are common – they feel limited, but still quite varied. In Rago, the right at home in the park’s inhospitable pine trees reign supreme, but with lush mountains. Wolverines have a keen lungs of desiduous forests in between. sense of smell and can sniff out carrion Further up the hillside, closer to the across great distances. sometimes treeline, mountain gradually roam inside the borders of the park, takes over. The remaining flora in Rago and when they do, they stalk their prey is characterized by the coastal climate: among the trees of Rago’s forests. With cold, wet summers and mild winters. its extremely keen vision, the lynx is As a result, you’ll find mountain plants, primarily nocturnal, and its large paws such as Arctic yellow violet, alpine lady’s act almost as snow shoes in deep snow, mantle, moor king and rose root, growing giving the lynx an incredible advantage. all the way down into the valleys. This unique climate means that several Birds species that rarely grow this far east, Perching birds nest in the lush grow and thrive in Rago. desiduous forests, and there are black grouse lekking grounds all around the Forests and fungi pine forests around Storskogvatnet. Rago has a lot of old pine trees and Willow ptarmigan populations swell to plenty of dead . This is the perfect considerable numbers in the park’s habitat for many types of fungi forests some years, and rock ptarmigans 20 red-listed species of fungi have tough it out further up the mountainside. been identified in the old pine Golden eagles and rough-legged forests, including Skeletocutis stellae, buzzards nest in the steep mountainsides, Acanthophysellum lividocoeruleum and near lakes you can also find the and Amylocorticium laceratum. Rago is white-throated dipper, Norway’s national therefore considered one of Norway’s bird. Rago has plenty of lakes where most critical areas for the preservation red-throated divers, black-throated of Corticiaceae. divers, common sandpipers and common goldeneyes nest, among others. Photo: Kjell Stålevik Photo:

The rock ptarmigan is one of very few species that live in the high alpine year-round. Photo: Gunnar Rofstad Photo:

The pincushion plant is adapted to life in the mountains and is particularly vulnerable to increasing temperatures. Photo: Gunnar Rofstad Photo: Photo: Bård Øyvind Bredesen Bård Photo: The red-throated diver is an excellent The is our largest mustelidae diver, and can stay underwater for up species, and prefers wilderness areas. to 90 seconds. History and culture

Rago is relatively pristine, with few visible traces of human activity, but the area has still been in active use by local people through the ages. The Sami people in particular, have relied on Ragos natural resources. During the intense search for mineral deposits in the early 1900s, Rago was also not spared. Traces of Sami and mining activity can still be seen today, as cultural heritage sites inside the national park.

Reindeer husbandry plants. Linnaeus was impressed by the and Sami activity Sami, and described them as having an For several hundred years, Rago has constitution. The results from Linnaeus’ been a trekking route and grazing area travels through were published for reindeer, and the national park is in 1737. “Flora Lapponica” presented new still actively used for grazing. There are scientific knowledge, applying the new various traces of Sami activity dotted binomial names for the first time, around, such as stone fences and traces such as Diapensia lapponica. of lavvus. Traces of old Sami children’s toys have also been found in Rago – Mining at Ragotoppen small pens made from rocks, where During World War I, rising prices led to an the children would play that they were increased interest in mineral deposits in penning reindeer. Rago. In 1916, workers started searching for ore – and zinc – in the mountains Linnaeus’ travels around Ragotoppen. Workers lived in accommodations referred to as the Rago through Sápmi Barracks. The barracks have since been torn The botanist, physician and father of down, but the traces of it keeps history alive. modern taxonomy – Carl Linnaeus – Mining work this far away from civilization travelled through what was then called was hard work, and the minerals had to be Lapland in 1732 to study and collect carried out by foot, Rago Mile by Rago Mile. Photo: Tore Veisetaune Tore Photo: Cultural heritage site where children played, pretending to be penning reindeer. Welcome, please take care of our nature Welcome to the national park! There’s plenty of room for all of us, provided we show consideration to the people and animals around us. The national parks represent the best of Norwegian nature. The protection they are afforded helps to take good care of the landscape and the diverse fauna and flora.

Freedom to roam. You are free to go fish for and and hunt wherever you want as long as you hike for willow and rock ptarmigan, red fox or ski. We recommend you stay on and mink. Hunting for other animals is marked trails, both because the terrain strictly prohibited. outside the trail can be extremely challenging and to protect our natural Dogs are welcome on hikes. From 01 April landscape. You can pitch your tent to 20 August, all dogs must be on a leash wherever you want. Feel free to pick at all times. Keep in mind that in Padjelanta berries and mushrooms in Rago, but National Park, across the border to picking of plants and flowers is prohibited. Sweden, dogs are only permitted between 01 January and 30 April. Cultural heritage sites are protected from damage and destruction. Loose Reindeer. Do not approach reindeer cultural heritage artefacts must not – they can become stressed in the be moved or removed. Sami cultural presence of humans. They are especially heritage sites are protected and must vulnerable during calving season, from not be disturbed. The same applies to late April to mid-June. the traces of the Rago Barracks. Motorized traffic is strictly prohibited Waste. Remember to clean up after inside the national park. yourself and take your waste home. Clothing and gear. Weather conditions Campfires are permitted between 15 change quickly in the mountains. The September and 15 April. Use already terrain is also quite demanding along established fire pits or light your fire some parts of the Rago Round. Critically where it will not leave a permanent assess the weather and other conditions, trace. Use dead wood from the ground your physical fitness and your abilities. or firewood carried in. It is strictly Come prepared and bring appropriate prohibited to cut down trees or use clothing and gear. firewood from the cabins. Good planning makes for great Hunting and fishing permits are experiences! available from Statskog. In Rago you can Veikdalen Nature Reserve Engan-Ørnes

Kobbelv vertshus

E 6 Husmannsplassen Kjelvik Map information Rago National Park

Welcome in to nature This map was developed for the vulnerable to visitor activity—the Norwegian National Parks. This foundation for visitor management. This Strøksnes trademark includes all Norwegian map is not intended for use as a hiking Sweden protected areas, regardless of category. map, but offers a summary of features These maps were developed on the in the protected area itself and the basis of knowledge of how the protected surrounding areas. area is used and which areas are most

Starting points Lakshol At Lakshol, you’ll find information, flushing toilet facilities and parking spaces, and this is the perfect starting point for the Rago Round or a hike to Storskogvatnet. Please note that you must park in the designated parking area; parking along the road or on private property is not permitted. The road is narrow, and if you Røsvik park alongside it, you may block emergency vehicles.

t e n vat Starting points Storskog Litjsand At Litjsand you’ll find parking for a hike up to Litlverivassforsen, as Storskoghyttene well as information, a privy and a lean-to shelter. 826 Sørengamma Padjelanta Lakshol Bevertjønna aret National Park Nordsk Rago Ragohytta Information Litjsand Sølvskardvatnan National Park Rago If you need information, it’s best to contact locals who know the Laksågaosen Nature Reserve Nordfjord Rágotjåhkkå # area. Stop by the Kobbelv Inn or Øyra Campground. We also 1312m recommend a visit to the Nordland National Park Centre in . Sjunkhatten Grisryggen See local art, take in the nature exhibit and learn more about all of Øyra camping Litlverivatnet Nordland’s national parks. Litlverivass- Bassejávrre Fjellrosen National Park forsen Statskog owns two cabins, one at Storskogvatnet and one on the Trengsel Swedish border – Ragohytta. These are unlocked and open to anyone. At Storskogvatnet and Litlverivatnet, FSJFF has cabins available for rent. These are locked – please see FSJFF’s website l e n F l a t k j ø for more information. Keys can be picked up in Straumen by Tørfjord appointment. Rago is also the perfect place to pitch your tent – remember that the cabins may be occupied. Lappfjellet

E 6 Trolldalsvatnet Nature Reserve Parking Accommodation

Guest pier Unmanned tourist cabin Helland Bus interchange Camping facilities

Information Open shelter Sweden

Attraction Turf hut

Café/restaurant Viewpoint 826

Refreshments Photo point Straumen Fauskeeidet Nature Reserve Bathing place Summer trails E 6 0 2 4 6 Kartdata: ©Kartverket, ©Miljødirektoratet Fauske Kartografi : ©Miljødirektoratet, ©2286moh Helgelandskysten