Folgefonna National Park

Folgefonna is a national park in Norway in its southeastern part. It was opened by Queen Sonya herself in 2005 to preserve the Folgefonna Glacier, which is one of the three largest glaciers in Norway. There are 3 glaciers in the Hardanger region on one pallet: the Southern Glacier with an area of 207 ^km2, the Northern Glacier with an area of 26 ^km2 and the Central Glacier with an area of 11 ^km2. According to 2006 measurements, the total area occupied by the Folgefonne ice sheet was 207 ^km2.

The Northern Glacier is the largest glacier in Norway. Its maximum height is 1,640 meters above sea level, and the minimum is 990 meters. The Southern Glacier is considered the 3rd largest glacier in Norway with a maximum and minimum height of 1,660 and 490 meters. Quite large rivers begin in the glaciers: Blomstolkardbreen, Bondhusbreen and Boarbreen. In recent years, the rivers have become more and more abundant. The Folgefonna tunnel with a length of over 11 km was built under the glacier. Not far from the eastern side of the park there is a branch of the Hardanger Fjord - Sildafjord.

Nowadays, there are many trails in the park, as well as ski resorts in the northern part of the park. In addition to the Folgefonna Glacier, the mountain valleys next to the glacier are protected. Glacial lakes can be seen in the valleys.

Equally interesting is the flora and fauna of Folgefonna Park. It grows here: lichen, moss, found in the zone of coniferous coastal forests. Among the animals, tundra partridges, woodpeckers, hairy-legged buzzards are quite common, and there are also a large number of red deer.

Folgefonna Park has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. A fairly spacious network of hiking trails has been built in the park for visitors. In addition, overnight stays are included in the park, and 4 huts have been built here for these purposes.