RONDANE NATIONAL PARK

Norwegian Rondane Nasjonalpark, park in south-central Norway established as a nature preserve in December 1962 by royal decree; by a law of 1970 the area became a national park. The park covers an area of 221 square miles (572 square km), with a range of elevation of from 3,000 to 7,000 feet (900 to 2,100 m). The terrain is mountainous, with a large part of its area comprising impressive peaks, the highest being Rondeslottet at 7,146 feet (2,178 m). Vegetation is comparatively sparse because of the poor soil, and the few trees scattered about the landscape are mostly dwarf birch and conifers. Lichens (especially reindeer moss) predominate nearer the ground, giving the mountains a yellowish-white colour. The most noticeable flowering plant is the glacier crowfoot, a buttercup. Wild reindeer, stoat, weasel, hare, wolverine, red fox, and other mammals are year-round inhabitants of the park. Various types of birds are found throughout the area, in particular ptarmigan, snow bunting, wheatear, and meadow pipit, which are characteristic of the higher mountain regions.