Sjunkhatten/Dávga National Park – the children’s national park

Sjunkhatten is located in the most densely populated part of Nordland, within easy reach of both Bodø and Fauske. Nearly half of all children and young people in Nordland live close to the park, and several of its trailheads can be reached on foot or by bicycle from the airport, railway station and express boat terminal. Thanks to its excellent accessibility and wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, Sjunkhatten has earned the nickname "The Children's National Park."

The park was established to protect a large, continuous wilderness area free from major development. Its varied landscape offers memorable nature experiences for visitors of all ages—whether you are looking for a short family walk along the fjord or a longer adventure into the mountains. At the same time, Sjunkhatten is home to fragile ecosystems, making responsible and respectful travel essential.

Experiences
Sjunkhatten offers a wide variety of outdoor activities throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy groomed cross-country ski trails, scenic day hikes, marked footpaths and designated campfire areas, making the park accessible for families and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Along the fjord, you can explore beaches and the shoreline, try your luck fishing from land, or simply enjoy life by the sea.

Families with children will find several excellent destinations around the edges of the national park. From Heia in Bodø Municipality, a nature trail leads to Skjelterskjåen—an easy, family-friendly walk with picnic areas and beautiful viewpoints along the way. For a slightly longer day hike, Skautuva is a popular destination offering spectacular views of both mountains and fjords.
From Røsvik in the north or Kjerringøy in the west, visitors can reach the inner fjords by boat and enjoy impressive views of the dramatic mountain peaks rising from the heart of the national park. There are no marked trails in these areas, and several of the summits can only be reached by experienced climbers with appropriate alpine equipment.

For those inspired by Sjunkhatten’s spectacular peaks, many easily accessible mountain hikes begin near Bodø and Fauske. The area around Valnesfjord is particularly popular for ski touring during winter, thanks to its reliable snow conditions and excellent backcountry skiing opportunities.

Visitors who prefer gentler cross-country skiing will find well-maintained ski trails from both Heia in Bodø Municipality and Øvre Valnesfjord in Fauske Municipality. At Øvre Valnesfjord, parts of the trail network are also specially prepared to provide access for wheelchair users.

Facilities and Visitor Information
Sjunkhatten offers more easily accessible hiking opportunities than many other national parks in the region. However, much of the park remains undeveloped wilderness. Weather conditions and terrain can change rapidly, particularly in the alpine areas, and some peaks require experience of challenging mountain terrain and climbing.
When visiting Sjunkhatten, please help protect its unique natural environment. Use established trails and designated campfire sites where available, take all litter home with you, and show consideration for wildlife and fellow visitors. By practising responsible outdoor recreation and following Leave No Trace principles, you help preserve Sjunkhatten’s irreplaceable natural values for future generations.

Recommended Trailheads
Valnesfjord and the Fridalen area are among the most popular starting points for family hikes and cross-country skiing in Sjunkhatten National Park. Here you will find marked trails, groomed ski tracks and several visitor-friendly facilities.
From Heia in Bodø Municipality, visitors have easy access to hiking trails and cross-country ski routes close to the city.
Røsvik and Kjerringøy serve as gateways for boat trips into the fjords and to the more remote parts of the national park.