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Stabbursdalen National Park      

STABBURSNES NATURE RESERVE

Stabbursnes Nature Reserve is established in order to  protect a wetland area of great botanical and ornithological interest. Stabbursnes is a large delta of fluvial deposits. On the delta surface there are several fossil river tracks and ancient shore lines, which document the gradual upheaval of the land after the last glacial period.

Photo: Barb L Håland

The reserve has international importance as a resting and feeding area for many species of migrating wetland birds. (RAMSAR area).

In the migrating period some species are very numerous, especially Knot (Calidris canutus), Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica). A great part of the Norwegian population of the rare species Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) rests in the area during migrating periods. The reserve is also an important moulting area for many species of ducks, and a winter habitat for Eider (Somateria mollissima).

Photo: Ingar J. Øien

About Stabbursnes Nature reserve

Here you can see the exhibition "Last migration" about the Lesser White fronted Goose

Within the protected area we find some of the largest salt and brackish marshes in Northern Norway with many arctic plant communities.

In a part of the reserve, the Valdak Marshes (Valdak myra), all traffic is prohibited from Maand from August 10th to September 20th. Elsewhere you may move around freely within the reserve.

Within the whole reserve it is prohibited:

• To destroy the natural environment, including the plant life. Collecting berries and mushrooms is, however, allowed.
• To kill, catch or hunt birds and other animals
• To let loose dogs.
• To camp, raise tents or camouflage arrangements.

Photo: Ingar J Øien

NATURE TRAIL

We offer a nature walk that starts at the parking lot and goes to Stabbursneset. The trail partly follows the Stabbursnes Nature Reservation. It is approximately 2.8 km one way, and you retrace your steps when returning. It will take about 45 minutes each way. The path is well marked, and easy to follow. It goes through woods, along the river, and on top of the Stabbursnes plateau were there is a magnificent view of the inner Porsanger Fjord. You may buy a small booklet describing the nature and walk at the Nature House.

Photo: Stabbursnes Naturhus