When it comes to national parks, size matters. While some parks are small and intimate, others are vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness. But which national park holds the title for being the largest in the world? The answer may surprise you.
Many would guess that it is one of the well-known parks in the United States, such as Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon. However, the largest national park in the world is actually located in Northeast Greenland.
Northeast Greenland National Park is a massive protected area that covers over 972,000 square kilometers. To put that in perspective, it is more than twice the size of the United Kingdom and larger than 160 other countries. This remote and untouched wilderness is home to stunning landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and mountains.
Established in 1974, Northeast Greenland National Park is a place where nature reigns supreme. With no permanent human population, the park is a sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife, including polar bears, musk oxen, and Arctic foxes. It offers visitors a chance to experience the true beauty and untouched wilderness of the Arctic.
The World’s Largest National Park
The world’s largest national park is located in Northeast Greenland National Park. Spanning over 972,000 square kilometers, this park is larger than many countries and even some continents. Its vast and remote landscape is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including polar bears, arctic foxes, musk oxen, and a variety of bird species.
The park was established in 1974 and is primarily characterized by its ice-covered fjords, glaciers, and ice caps. It’s also home to the world’s northernmost active land volcano, the Beerenberg volcano.
Due to its extreme isolation, Northeast Greenland National Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore truly untouched wilderness. The park is only accessible by boat or helicopter, and there are no roads or infrastructure within its boundaries. This makes it a challenging but rewarding destination for adventurous travelers.
Visitors to the park can engage in activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography. The stunning Arctic landscapes and pristine ecosystems provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. However, it’s essential to be well-prepared and equipped for the harsh Arctic conditions.
Exploring the world’s largest national park offers a glimpse into one of the most untouched and remote regions on Earth. It’s a testament to the importance of preserving and protecting natural areas for future generations to enjoy.
Did You Know?
Northeast Greenland National Park is larger than 163 countries and territories, including Denmark, Germany, Japan, and New Zealand.
Start planning your expedition to the world’s largest national park today!
Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve is located in the state of Alaska, United States. It is one of the largest national parks in the world, covering an area of 6 million acres. The park was established in 1917 to protect the wildlife and natural beauty of the area.
Denali National Park and Preserve is home to the highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, which stands at 20,310 feet. The park offers breathtaking views of the mountain and the surrounding wilderness. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping.
The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Visitors to the park can spot these animals in their natural habitat while exploring the park’s many trails and scenic viewpoints.
Denali National Park and Preserve also offers a range of recreational activities, such as rafting, fishing, and mountaineering. The park has multiple visitor centers and campgrounds, providing amenities and information for visitors.
Due to its remote location and vast wilderness, Denali National Park and Preserve offers a unique and pristine experience for adventurers and nature lovers. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of Alaska’s wilderness and witness the grandeur of Mount Denali.
Overall, Denali National Park and Preserve is a must-visit destination for those who seek to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature on a grand scale.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States and one of the largest in the world. It is located in southeastern Alaska, covering an area of over 8.3 million acres.
This remote and wild park is named after the Wrangell and Saint Elias mountain ranges, which dominate the landscape. These rugged mountains, along with massive glaciers and icefields, create a stunning and diverse natural environment.
Within the park, visitors can explore a range of ecosystems, from coastal rainforest and alpine tundra to glaciers and ice caves. Wildlife is abundant, with opportunities to spot bears, moose, mountain goats, wolves, and a variety of bird species.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to enjoy in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Hiking trails allow visitors to explore the park’s stunning scenery, while backcountry camping is a popular option for those seeking a more immersive experience. The park is also a haven for mountaineers, with numerous peaks over 10,000 feet to conquer.
One of the highlights of the park is the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. This abandoned copper mining town offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and industrial past. Visitors can take guided tours of the historic buildings and learn about the town’s fascinating past.
Overall, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve offers a unique and remote wilderness experience. With its vast size and diverse landscapes, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Kluane National Park and Reserve
Kluane National Park and Reserve is located in the southwestern corner of the Yukon Territory in Canada. It is one of the largest and most stunning national parks in Canada, covering an area of about 22,013 square kilometers.
This national park is known for its rugged mountains, vast ice fields, and abundant wildlife. The park is home to Mount Logan, which is the highest peak in Canada and the second highest peak in North America. Standing at an impressive 5,959 meters, Mount Logan attracts climbers from around the world.
The park is also famous for its glaciers, including the largest non-polar ice field in the world, the Kluane Icefield. This ice field encompasses an area of about 1,400 square kilometers and feeds numerous glaciers, such as the Lowell Glacier and the Seward Glacier.
Kluane National Park and Reserve is not only a paradise for mountaineers and hikers but also for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep.
Visitors to Kluane National Park and Reserve can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. There are also interpretive programs and guided tours available for those who want to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Kluane National Park and Reserve has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It serves as a testament to the beauty and importance of Canada’s wilderness and is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Greenland National Park
Greenland National Park is the largest national park in the world. It is located in northeastern Greenland, and covers an area of approximately 972,000 square kilometers.
The park was established in 1974 and is mostly uninhabited, except for a small research station called Isortoq, which is used by scientists studying the Arctic environment. The park is known for its vast ice cap and stunning glaciers, as well as its diverse wildlife. Visitors to the park can witness the beauty of the Arctic landscape, including polar bears, musk oxen, and various bird species.
The park offers a range of activities for visitors, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. It is also a popular destination for scientists and researchers, who come to study the effects of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem.
Greenland National Park is a unique and pristine wilderness that allows visitors to experience the beauty and serenity of the Arctic. Its remote location and untouched landscapes make it a truly remarkable destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Key Facts:
- Location: Northeastern Greenland
- Size: Approximately 972,000 square kilometers
- Established: 1974
- Features: Vast ice cap, glaciers, diverse wildlife
- Activities: Hiking, camping, wildlife spotting
Quttinirpaaq National Park
Quttinirpaaq National Park is located in Canada’s Nunavut territory, making it the world’s northernmost national park. The park covers a vast area of 37,775 square kilometers (14,585 square miles) on Ellesmere Island. It was established in 1988 and is managed by Parks Canada.
This remote and untouched wilderness is known for its rugged landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and deep fjords. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including muskoxen, Arctic foxes, polar bears, and migrating birds such as snow geese.
The name “Quttinirpaaq” translates to “top of the world” in Inuktitut, the language of the indigenous Inuit people. The park’s name reflects its location and the incredible Arctic landscapes it showcases.
Quttinirpaaq National Park offers limited opportunities for visitors to experience its unique and pristine environment. However, due to its extreme and remote location, access to the park can be challenging. Visitors must be well-prepared and equipped for the harsh Arctic conditions that can be experienced in the park.
If you are seeking a true Arctic adventure and want to explore a remote and untouched wilderness, Quttinirpaaq National Park is a must-visit destination. It offers a rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty and wildlife of the Arctic in its purest form.
