Lomsdal–Visten National Park (Norwegian: Lomsdal–Visten nasjonalpark, Southern Sami: Njaarken vaarjelimmiedajve) is a national park in Norway that was created on June 26, 2009. The park covers a total protected area of 1,102 square kilometres (425 square miles). It is located in Nordland county, Norway, and includes parts of Brønnøy Municipality, Vevelstad Municipality, Grane Municipality, and Vefsn Municipality.
The landscape has many different features and includes numerous rivers. The area has deep fjords with steep sides, deciduous woodlands, evergreen forests, mountainous areas, and high alpine peaks. The area's varied geology is another reason it was protected. Karstic terrain with caves, underground rivers, natural arches, and unusual rock formations can be found here.
History
Cultural heritage relics have been found that are from the Mesolithic period (8000–9000 years ago) up to today. Evidence of Sámi culture exists in the national park, showing how the Sámi lived as hunters and gatherers and later practiced raising reindeer in a semi-domesticated way.
Farms that were abandoned because of the Black Death were cleared again between 1500 and 1800 by Norwegians who moved into Sámi areas. These people cleared land along the fjords, in larger valleys, and deep into the mountains. Signs of how they used the area remain near the farms and on surrounding land.
The Second World War also affected the Lomsdal-Visten area. Each year, a march takes place from inner Visten to Eiterådalen to remember events that happened during the war.
Park rules
Here are the park rules for visitors:
- Visitors may collect wild berries and mushrooms.
- Loud noises are not allowed in the national park.