BORGE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Norwegian Brgefjell Nasjonalpark national park occupying an area of 420 square miles (1,087 square km), straddling the border between Nord-Trndelag and Nordland amter (counties), Norway. Designated a national park in 1970, the site consists mostly of granitic mountains with an alpine terrain of cirques and steep-walled valleys. Lower valleys, hills, and marshes occupy the remainder of the park. The highest peak in the park is Kvig, reaching 5,587 feet (1,703 m) above sea level, and the largest lake is Simskar. Several rivers cross the park, including the Jengel and the Or. Birches are the most common trees found in forested areas, and there are small evergreen stands in the south and southwest. Other vegetation includes blueberry heaths, sedge grass, willows, and snow-bed plants. Many birds inhabit the northern part of the park near the Simskar River, particularly blue throat, red-necked phalarope, long-tailed duck, bean goose, and Teminck's stint. Snow bunting, ptarmigan, rough-legged buzzard, golden eagle, and osprey live in the mountain areas. Mammals include moose, reindeer, wolverine, lynx, and bear. An abandoned settlement at Fagerneset, on Nams Lake, was inhabited for several hundred years by the Sami, who raised reindeer.