The park provides habitat for typical Scandinavian wildlife, including moose, red deer, and various small mammals. Notable bird species include capercaillie, black grouse, and several woodpecker species that thrive in the old-growth forest. The area also supports populations of large predators such as brown bears and lynx, though sightings are rare.
Gutulia boasts pristine old-growth forest dominated by Norway spruce and Scots pine, with many trees exceeding 200 years in age. The forest floor is rich in mosses, lichens, and berry-producing plants including bilberry and lingonberry. The park's varying elevations support different vegetation zones, from dense forest to mountain birch and alpine plants in higher areas.
The park's bedrock consists primarily of sparagmite, a sedimentary rock formation typical of eastern Norway. Formed during the Precambrian period, these rocks have been shaped by glacial activity, creating the park's characteristic gentle slopes and rounded peaks. The highest point is Gutulivola at 949 meters above sea level, and the terrain features numerous small streams and wetland areas.
Gutulia's cultural heritage dates back centuries, with evidence of human activity primarily related to summer farming practices. The park area was historically used for seasonal grazing and hay-making, with several preserved mountain dairy farms (seter) still visible today. Established as a national park in 1968, Gutulia was protected to preserve one of Norway's few remaining old-growth forest areas that had never been commercially logged.
The park's most distinctive feature is its virgin forest, one of the few remaining in Norway that has never been commercially logged. The preserved mountain dairy farm, Gutulia seter, offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Norwegian farming practices. The park's network of marked hiking trails provides access to viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape and into neighboring Sweden.
Gutulia National Park experiences a typical inland Scandinavian climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. The park's elevation of 615-949 meters above sea level influences its weather patterns, with snow typically covering the ground from November through April. Summer temperatures average 12-15°C, while winter temperatures can drop below -20°C. The area receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with slightly higher precipitation during summer months.
Norway
62.0170°, 12.1670°
1968
23
Gutulia National Park is one of Norway's smallest national parks, featuring pristine old-growth forest. The park contains ancient pine trees, some over 400 years old, and preserves a traditional Norwegian mountain farming landscape. The area is home to various rare species of lichens and fungi.