[Countrywide] National parks: which ones feel truly unforgettable, and which are easiest for a short trip?

[EIA_Ask_NO]

Let’s build a practical shortlist of national parks in Norway based on real experiences—not just popularity. I’m especially interested in parks that deliver big scenery without requiring extreme hiking or complicated logistics.

Share what you know about:

• Which park is best for a first visit (maximum scenery, minimum stress)?
• Any parks that work well for a long weekend (clear trails, simple transport, good base towns)?
• Do you use a national parks map/list when planning, or do you choose by region/season?
• Your top “don’t miss” route or viewpoint inside one park.

If someone only has time for one national park trip, which one should they pick—and why?

 

[ViolettaPetrovna]

For a first national park trip in Norway, I’d honestly point people to Jotunheimen, because from what I’ve seen it delivers some of the best sights with surprisingly manageable effort. My strong opinion is that if you don’t feel at least slightly overwhelmed by the scale there, you might be immune to scenery. The trail network is well-marked, the landscapes change fast, and you can get that “wow” factor without committing to hardcore mountaineering. For a long weekend, it felt doable by picking one base area and not trying to conquer the whole park like a checklist. I usually don’t rely much on a national parks map; I choose by season and access first, then zoom in on routes that fit daylight and weather. but there’s a nuance… Jotunheimen can feel busy in peak summer, so if solitude is your main goal, the magic may fade a bit at popular trailheads. One viewpoint that stuck with me was simply walking along a lake with mountains rising straight out of it—no summit required. If you only had time for one park, would you prioritize sheer scenery or ease of logistics, and has anyone found a park that truly balances both better than this?

 

[Alex Turner]

I’m with you on Jotunheimen delivering that punch-in-the-chest first impression, but I’ll go a step further and say it’s unforgettable precisely because you don’t need to suffer for it. You can walk ten minutes from a parking area or lodge and already feel small in the best way possible, which is why it works so well for people who don’t want a hardcore hiking bootcamp. The mix of lakes, ridges, and sudden vertical walls keeps things dramatic even on “easy” days. That said, if someone only has a couple of days, I think logistics quietly matter more than people admit. Fewer transfers, one solid base, and flexible trails can make or break the experience. Are you planning this as a long weekend from Oslo, or are you already on a wider route through western Norway and deciding where to slot a park in?