In 2002, former Dovre National Park (created 1974 with 265 km2) significantly expanded through the establishment of the Dovre-Sunndalsfjella National Park with 1693 km2.
The area's protected status is helping to preserve the magnificent scenery and an exceptionally rich flora and fauna. The western part is characterized by steep mountains where Snøhetta ranks highest (2286 m). In the east are calcareous rocks, and here is Northern Europe's richest plant mountain with rare species such as Norwegian wormwood and Dovre poppy. Musk oxen is another distinct mark for Dovre. You will also find reindeer here. There are large withdrawals of shale in the area and a former gold mine (closed in the late 1700's).
Bedrock and landscape forms
Dovre consists of two rock complexes: Precambrian gneisses and foliated granites in the west and granite-tona slightly to the east. The eastern area belongs Trondheim field with kambosilurske rocks that were severely altered (metamorphosed) by the Caledonian mountain chain folding. High levels of KIS have provided the basis for mining Folldal Mines.
The mountain area is situated on the watershed between the western parts of Norway and areas towards Sweden. Deep valleys cut down into bedrock, and especially to the west are the steep valleys. The landscape is designed after the last ice age. Moraines, eskers and valleys agora is the second track after the last ice age.
Botanical Beads
The area around Drivdalen, Snøhetta and Hjerkinn is very interesting botanical areas. The three Knutshøene is particularly rich in rare alpine plants. These were listed as early as 1905 after many botanists had almost destroyed Knutshøene. In 1911, 50 plants were listed in Dovrefjell.
Drivdalen
Drivdalen consists of loose shale and is rich in lime. There are many rare plants.
Fokstumyra
Fokstumyra is primarily known for its unique bird life, but also grows a variety of orchids and Rubus arcticus abundantly.
Fokstumyra was well known already in the mid 1800's. The area attracted collectors from all over Europe and in 1917 was less than 20 breeding bird species left on the marshes, Brus cock were gone. In 1923 the bird life on Fokstumyene became protected. In 1969, the protection became even more stringent and this has yielded results. Both the hen harriers and soda rooster has come back as well as many other species.
Knutshøene
Knutshøene are regarded as Northern Europe's richest plant mountains. You will find many rare alpine plants here. There are few alpine plants that are not there. Some plants have been named after the place they grow, such as the Dovre dandelion, knutsørapp and Dovre poppy. Norwegian alpine wormwood and clock are also present at Knutshøene. Knutshøene lie close to Kongsvold.
Forester JB Barth published a booklet about the plants on Knutshøene in 1880: "Knudshø or Fjeld flora"
Hjerkinhø
Hjerkinhø also has a rich flora. The area is protected as a conservation area.