Stabbursdalen National Park — Attraction in Porsanger

The Stabbursdalen National Park contains many of Finnmark's typical landscape forms: barren mountains, open plateaux and narrow ravines, with scattered mountain birch and stretches of pine forest. Waterfalls and rapids interspersed with deep pools of still water mark the Stabburselva river as it runs through the National Park. At Luobbal (Lompola) it sweeps gently into wide bays. The bare rugged mountains of Gaissene to the southeast contrast with the ancient undulating landscape to the north and west. The park was originally established in 1970, conserving a 98-square-kilometre (38 sq mi) area of forest surrounding the river. In 2002, the park was vastly expanded to cover a total of 747 square kilometres (288 sq mi).

Pine forest

Pine tree (Pinus sylvestris) in Stabbursdalen Some 7,500–5,000 years ago when the climate was warmer, the pine forest spread far inland along the fjords and valleys. As it grew colder, the forest retreated and has only survived in sheltered valleys like Stabbursdalen, where it forms the world's northernmost pine forest (Porsanger climate). Its protection is therefore one of the major objectives of this national park.

The woodland is open with low shrubby pine trees, in the far north trees grow slowly and are liable to frost and wind damage. The dry sterile soil can only support a poor undergrowth of lichen and heather.

At Loubbal the wetlands form a fertile oasis in an otherwise barren landschape. Along the river, willow and sedge, with pine woodland behind, support a rich bird life. Stabbursdalen is the most northernly habitat for many species, including black grouse and osprey, and wetlands are important breeding ground, especially for ducks. Old hollow pine trees provide good nesting places for the goldeneye ...

Very various terrain on our hike in Stabbursdalen National Park. We hiked alongside the river towards the waterfall and beyond, and via the hills on the way back (return was appr. 23km if tracked correctly).

The riverside is probably a little bit more challenging a.o. due to the heaps of big rocks that one needs to dance on for quite a while, however I'd presume it's a tid easier in dry weather. There was a ca 55mm rain during the night before, which is in fact quite a lot, and made the terrain pretty slippery at times.

There is a big, flat place after most of the rocks, which is perfect for putting up the tents. Prior to the hike, my friend purchased the fishing permit, disinfected the equipment etc at the tourist center (Stabbursnes Nature Museum), and was therefore allowed to fish. It is quite close to the parking lot from where we started our hike.

The next day we hiked on fairly easy and various terrain, although the altitude changes start to be more obvious. The way back over the mountains, especially after the river crossing is - surprise, surprise - full of stones and rocks, but it's an easy terrain to hike after the initial climb from the river.

All in all a very pleasant hike!

...We did another hike the next year (2024) with three people. We did not walk as far away, and it felt a lot easier this time around due to the weather conditions. Even the rocky part felt great. I do like and...

Very beautiful nature and fantastic views. Wish there was no restrictions on where to go. That’s why I don’t give 5 stars but only 2. Other than the nature I have some things I need to point out.

Terrible roads when driving. No signs to warn of terrible roads. When finally reaching the end of the road after a passing a couple hillbillies and a mountain of rocks. There is a roadclosure saying nobody is allowed to enter the river without permission from the landowner. Ridiculous. Why don’t Norway start investing more in these roads and so-called nationalparks instead of giving away funds to foreign movements that does not benefit Norway. To me it looks like the locals doesn’t do anything about these roads because they all have fourwheelers and tractors that manage easy to cross. What about tourists in lowend cars? More like you’re Trying to scare them away. Hope someone...