Geilo Catalog 2017 Visit Geilo Helårskatalog ENG 2017 - 01-17v2_WEB- | Page 48

THE BLUE HEATH. PHOTO: BJØRN FURUSETH THE ARCTIC FOX. PHOTO: PETTER BRAATEN Welcome into Hallingskarvet National Park The Arctic Fox The arctic fox has for serveral years been an endangered species and is prioritized. At Finse they are working to re-establish the arctic fox. WILD REINDEER. PHOTO:BJØRN FURUSETH The Blue Heath The Blue Heath or Blue Mountain Heath is an evergreen species of dwarf scrub. Its latin name - Pyl- lodoce caerulea is inspired by greek mythology, where Phyllodoce was a sea nymph. Grows in nutrient-poor soil, but prefer calcareous soil. Blooms in June-July. Wild Reindeer Wild Reindeer or Caribou graze both north and sout of Hallingskarvet. During the winter it draws eastward, while in the summer it is in the west part of the National Park. Hallingskarvet is a characteristic element in the landscape, with nice tracks and paths it gices several opportunities for trips, summer and winter. The terrain is varied with gentle moors in the south to the high mountain plateau on top of Hallingskarvet. Bare ground and stones on top of Hal- lingskarvet makes it difficult for plants to grow, but hardy plants such as the gla- cier buttercup or crowfoot can grow here. Further down with more shelter climate and rich soil you can find a rich and varied flora with pseudorchis, snow gentian and alpine speedwell or Alpine Veronica. Birds as the Golden Eagle, gyrfalcon and several waterbirds. 48 | www.geilo.no Hallingskarvet is a habitat for the wild rein- deer, and you might spot pitfall trappings and other culture heritage that witness the long lasting use of this area for hunting. The location of the Narional park makes is a desired goal for day trips and longer trips in the mountain. Good starting points for your trip is: Geiteryggen, Raggsteindalen, Vestreim, Prestholt or Finse. Hallingskarvet National Park • Approximately 450 square kilometers. • P  rotected as national park by royal resolution on December 22nd, 2006. • Opened by Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg on August 9th, 2008. • Highest peak is Folardskardnuten with 1,933 meters elevation. • The plateau is approx. 35 km long and varies in width from 1-5 km. • Many cultural relics from trapping, from up to 8,000 years ago. • Important grazing area for wild reindeer. Do you have questions about Hallingskarvet National Park? Contact Petter Braaten with the local office for the Directorate for Nature Management in Geilo. Tlf: +47 924 07 771 Mail: petter.braaten@ miljodir.no All Year • A large and varied flora. • You can see golden eagles, foxes, wolverines and a variety of other species. • Attractive area for hun- ting and fishing. www.geilo.no | 49