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About the landscape conservation area
Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen is a unique and beautiful mountain and birch forest area. Norway’s longest river, Glomma, has its source here. The untouched nature of the waterways with the mountain birch forest leaves its characteristic mark on the landscape. The area is a Sami cultural landscape where active reindeer herding takes place. There are few marked trails and little provision for outdoor activities in Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen.
About the landscape conservation area
Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen is a unique and beautiful mountain and birch forest area. Norway’s longest river, Glomma, has its source here. The untouched nature of the waterways with the mountain birch forest leaves its characteristic mark on the landscape. The area is a Sami cultural landscape where active reindeer herding takes place. There are few marked trails and little provision for outdoor activities in Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen.
Why landscape protection?
The landscape conservation area was established in 2009 to preserve a large natural area relatively unaffected by technology. The untouched waterway nature with Glomma’s springs is of particularly immense value. The Skardsfjella mountains, along with Sylan in the north and Helagsfjällen on the Swedish side of the border, constitute an essential habitat for the highly endangered Arctic fox. Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen are a vibrant Sami cultural landscape where active reindeer herding still occurs.
Plants
You will find birch forests with a primeval forest feel, wetlands, varied types of bogs, and rich willow thickets in Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen. As many as 345 different plant species have been registered here. Several of these are threatened and rare red-listed species, such as the black curlew, autumn sea otter, and ice star. In Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen, southern and warm-loving species and species with a northern and eastern distribution converge.
Plants
You will find birch forests with a primeval forest feel, wetlands, varied types of bogs, and rich willow thickets in Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen. As many as 345 different plant species have been registered here. Several of these are threatened and rare red-listed species, such as the black curlew, autumn sea otter, and ice star. In Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen, southern and warm-loving species and species with a northern and eastern distribution converge.
Animal and bird life
The natural conditions mean that Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen are essential habitats for mountain birds, wetland birds, birds of prey, arctic foxes, and wolverines.
Gyrfalcons and golden eagles are birds of prey that can be found in the protected area. They start nesting as early as March and are sensitive to disturbance. The marshes and wetlands in the nature reserves around Rien are critical habitats for various ducks and wetland birds.
Sami reindeer husbandry
Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen are essential grazing areas for reindeer. In the spring, Saanti sijte (Essand reindeer herding district) and Gåebrien sijte (Riast/Hylling reindeer grazing district) migrate with the reindeer herds from Femund in the south through Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen to their calving grounds in the north of the reindeer herding districts. In summer and autumn, Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen are important grazing areas for reindeer before they follow their natural migration route south towards the winter pastures in Femund. Some reindeer may also remain in the area over the winter.
Sami reindeer husbandry
Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen are essential grazing areas for reindeer. In the spring, Saanti sijte (Essand reindeer herding district) and Gåebrien sijte (Riast/Hylling reindeer grazing district) migrate with the reindeer herds from Femund in the south through Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen to their calving grounds in the north of the reindeer herding districts. In summer and autumn, Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen are important grazing areas for reindeer before they follow their natural migration route south towards the winter pastures in Femund. Some reindeer may also remain in the area over the winter.
Grazing
There are many farmsteads in Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen from earlier times. These are not in operation with livestock today, but some are mowed and maintained to preserve the valuable cultural landscape with plant life and open hayfields.
Contact us
Verneområdestyret for Skardsfjella og Hyllingsdalen
Postboks 2600
7734 Steinkjer
Tlf. 73 19 93 11
Email: fmtlmsb@statsforvalteren.no
