Dry upland heath where few species thrive occupies the higher parts of the garden, characterised by dwarf birch (Betula nana), junipers (Juniperus communis), heathers, mosses and lichens, A few herbaceous plants which tolerate such poor conditions grow here, such as spring pasque-flower (Pulsatilla vernalis).
Alpine bearberry Arctous alpinus photo Eli Fremstad
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, photo Eli Fremstad
Lapland lousewort Pedicularis lapponica, photo Eli Fremstad
The driest, windiest knolls and ridges are covered with yellow lichens which cannot withstand being trodden upon. On the path, where visitors have worn away the lichen carpet. Just bare, hard soil, scattered tussocks of sheep's-fescue (Festuca ovina) which stand the wear and tear of trampling and wind, or dry soil remain.
Lichens
Alectoria ochroleuca, photo Eli Fremstad
Cladonia stellaris, photo Eli Fremstad
Thamnolia vermicularis, photo Eli Fremstad
Kongsvoll Alpine Garden – Access – When is the garden open? – Enquiries
Access The Kongsvoll Alpine Garden is situated close to the E-6 highway and can also be reached by rail, some trains stopping by request at Kongsvoll railway station. The station is ten minutes walk from Kongsvold Fjeldstue, a lodge providing food and accommodation. The alpine garden occupies the knolls just south of the lodge. There is no entrance fee.
The weather decides when the garden is open Life in the mountains is regulated by the weather. The alpine garden opens on about 15th June, but the exact time can vary from year to year, depending on the weather conditions in spring and early summer. It closes on 20th August.
Enquiries about the garden Postal address in summer: Kongsvoll Biological Station, NO-7340 OPPDAL Telephone +47 72 40 43 47.
Postal address in winter: Section of Natural History, Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, NTNU, NO-7491 TRONDHEIM Telephone +47 73 59 22 56. Telefax +47 73 59 22 49 E-mail Kongsvoll.biologisk@vm.ntnu.no
You can have a brochure about Kongsvoll Alpine Garden at the reception of Kongsvold Fjeldstue (Inn) and at the information stand below the cafeteria.
