hardangervidda tourist information

The Hardangervidda National Park

Kinsarvik Church

Mountaineering, accommodation.

The Hardangervidda National Park lies just east of Bergen in the centre of southern Norway, and its enormous, raised plateau offers incredible scenery, countless outdoor adventures and a home for Europe’s biggest population of Reindeer .

Norway’s largest national park is comfortably one of its most diverse. Whether you’re looking for a place to hike , fish or simply a stunning wilderness to explore, Hardangervidda is - as the renowned polar explorers  Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen would attest - as close to a polar expedition as you’re likely to come.

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Bearings can be gotten from Hårteigen peak in the centre of Hardangervidda, which acts as a significant signpost and can be seen from almost everywhere on the plateau. From the titanic spectacle of the Vøringsfossen waterfall to a calming stroll around the Kinsarvik Church, to visit here is to see some of Norway at its very best. Here are a few hints and tips for your trip to Hardangervidda…        

Måbødalen

An adventurous few days in Hardangervidda wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Måbødalen Valley . Alongside a surprising array of plant life, you can see the mighty Vøringsfossen waterfall, and stand in awe as the water plummets down from a height of more than 145 meters.

Vøringsfossen is one of Norway's best-known tourist destinations for a reason, so don’t miss out! Renovations are currently underway to make the entire spectacle a little more accessible, including the restoration of a number of tracks and trails between the different viewing points. Completion is expected in 2020, but don’t let that put you off visiting sooner.

Set against a backdrop of impressive mountain vistas and harbouring a unique history, Kinsarvik Church isn’t your everyday religious building. Inside are a number of medieval treasures, both artistic and Christian, dating back to as early as the 11 th century.

These include a number of 13th-century paintings which were recently uncovered underneath the plaster of the church’s internal walls. Admission is free, so don’t miss the chance to spend a couple of hours wandering through Norway’s long forgotten past.     

As with most of Norway’s wild outdoors, a fantastic way to discover Hardangervidda is to embark on a hike on some of its many tracks and trails. A popular trail is to go from the above Kinsarvik to Stavali, Husedalen, or from Finse to Blåisen. It’s always recommended to plan ahead to an extent, and it is well worth purchasing a detailed map of the area from the Norwegian Trekking Association , a local bookshop or tourist information offices. There are countless routes you can take, so research ahead of time to discover which best suits your ability and what you want to see. 

• Check out these tips for hiking in Norway
• Press here to find a selection of nature tours in Norway

Hardangervidda is home to several spectacular peaks. The highest three are Hallingskarvet (1,933m) Gaustatoppen (1,883m) and the glacier of Hardangerjøkulen (1,876m), and all are scalable with enough preparation, depending on the weather of course! 

Plenty of keen fishermen visit Hardangervidda every year to take advantage of the healthy trout stocks in the majority of the National Park’s waters. Highly recommended are the narrow inlets of the Sørfjord, and if you don’t have any luck then a trip to the Hardangervidda Nature Centre will bring you face to face with many of the species that call the park home. A non-fishing way to appreciate Hardangervidda’s pristine waters is to take a cruise on Lake Møsvatn, which rests at over 900m above sea level.

Hardangervidda is also home to Norway’s most popular cycling route. Rallarvegen , or Navvies’ Road, traverses almost 100 kilometres across dramatic mountain scenery down to Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord.

Finding accommodation within the national park shouldn’t be too much of a problem. There are a number of hotels, cabins, and lodges, whilst camping is also permitted anywhere inside the park, provided you aren’t in a cultivated field and aren’t within 150 meters of the nearest house or cabin! The same goes for mobile homes and caravans.

What would you do in Hardangervidda? Let us know in the comment section below. 

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Hardangervidda is the largest national park in the Nordic region

Hardangervidda national park center, mountain cruise with m/b fjellvåken.

Hardangervidda is Europe's largest high mountain plateau, covering about 8,600 km2 - almost half a size larger than Finnmarksvidda.

The inner core of Hardangervidda is one of Scandinavia's and Europe's largest national parks, excluding Svalbard.

Read more about Hardangervidda National Park

Visit Hardangervidda Nasjonalparksenter

Explore along Hardangervidda!

EXPLORE Hardangervidda offers a wide range of activities. Here's our guide to Hardangervidda.

CAR HOLIDAY Planning your road trip? See our best tips along the National Park route.

BIKE See our suggestions for bike tours along the National Park route.

HIKING Choose from easy and short trips, mountain hikes, day trips, summit treks, and scenic tours.

FISHING Information about fishing along Hardangervidda.

ATTRACTIONS Museums and attractions along the National Park route.

Explore Hardangervidda

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Hardangervidda

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Landscape
• 1.3 Flora and fauna
• 1.4 Climate
• 2.3 By train
• 3 Fees and permits
• 4.2 On foot
• 5.1 East: Geilo and Uvdal
• 5.2 South: Rjukan, Rauland, Haukelifjell and Røldal
• 5.3 West: Hardanger with Odda, Ullensvang and Eidfjord
• 5.4 North: rv 7 over Hardangervidda
• 8.1 East: Geilo and Uvdal
• 8.2 South: Rjukan, Rauland, Haukelifjell and Røldal
• 8.3 West: Hardanger with Odda, Ullensvang and Eidfjord
• 8.4 North: rv 7 over Hardangervidda
• 10.1.1 East: Geilo and Uvdal
• 10.1.2 South: Rjukan, Rauland, Haukelifjell and Røldal
• 10.1.3 West: Hardanger with Odda, Ullensvang and Eidfjord
• 10.1.4 North: rv 7 over Hardangervidda
• 10.2.1 East: Geilo and Uvdal
• 10.2.2 South: Rjukan, Rauland, Haukelifjell and Røldal
• 10.2.3 West: Hardanger with Odda, Ullensvang and Eidfjord
• 10.2.4 North: Rv 7 over Hardangervidda
• 10.3 Backcountry
• 11 Stay safe

Hardangervidda National Park ( Norwegian : Hardangervidda nasjonalpark ) is a national park in the counties of Telemark , Buskerud and Hordaland in Norway . It is the largest national park in Norway proper, spanning half the Hardangervidda, which is the largest highland plateau in Northern Europe. The park protects Europe's largest wild reindeer herds. Along with Jotunheimen and other mountain areas it separates East and West Norway.

Understand [ edit ]

Vidda means wide, open plateau in Norwegian. The endless highland plateau of Hardangervidda is about 8,500 km², which is a fifth of the size of the Netherlands and three times the size of Luxembourg. The national park covers 3,422 km² (1,321 square miles). Hardangervidda is famous for the large herds of wild reindeer. An extensive net of hiking paths and a thousand lakes and rivers cover the vast highland plateau.

• Hardangervidda at ut.no

History [ edit ]

People probably came to Hardangervidda at the same time as the reindeer, after the last Ice Age. About 250 Stone Age sites have been found, the oldest dating from 6300 BC. Finds from excavations of Stone Age sites show that the people hunted reindeer and ptarmigan. Moose and trout bones were also found.

Today, the natural resources on Hardangervidda are very valuable for the surrounding villages.

Hardangervidda National Park was established in 1981. It differs from other Norwegian national parks because it has been used a great deal by local people, has many buildings and much privately owned land. Consequently, people use motorised vehicles to harvest resources like fish and game, to upkeep buildings and to run lodges and huts for hikers and skiers. Large flocks of sheep graze Hardangervidda in summer. Locals and tourists come to Hardangervidda to fish and hunt, as a source of food or recreation.

Landscape [ edit ]

Hardangervidda is a barren, treeless mountain plateau at 1,100–1,200 m (3,600–3,900 ft) in elevation, with lakes, moors, rivers and streams. This kind of open, relatively even landscape is known as vidde in Norwegian. There are significant differences between the west side, which is dominated by rocky terrain and expanses of bare rock, and the east side, which is much flatter and more heavily vegetated. The prominent peak of Hårteigen (1,690 m/5,545 ft) is visible across much of the plateau.

About 550 million years ago, the plateau was submerged. Gradually a sheet of rock drifted over the seabed, was compressed, folded and rose from the sea. What is now Western Norway rose the most, and greater erosion created deeper valleys, fjords and steeper mountains than in the east. Glaciers and melting ice at the end of the last ice age chiselled out the landscape we see today.

Flora and fauna [ edit ]

The whole of the Hardangervidda is above the tree line. Its alpine climate enables the presence of many species of arctic animals and plants further south than anywhere else in Europe.

Norway is, to all extents and purposes, the only country in Europe with remaining vestigial populations of the original wild mountain reindeer. Wild reindeer need Hardangervidda. The 9,000 wild reindeer (2009) here make up more than a quarter of all the wild reindeer in Norway. The large, continuous unspoiled area makes Hardangervidda particularly attractive to them. As the herds migrate between seasonal pastures and calving areas over the course of the year, they need a wide area. Wild reindeer are at their most vulnerable on the winter pasture and in the calving season in May. You might think it is easy to spot one of Hardangerviddas 9,000 wild reindeer, but that is not the case. They are shy. If you see a herd, consider yourself very lucky. Don’t try to follow them, but stand quietly and enjoy this rare sight. It is particularly important not to disturb wild reindeer during calving season.

The flat landscape with its numerous lakes and wetlands distinguishes Hardangervidda from other mountainous areas in southern Norway. Trout is the most common fish. A permit is needed to fish in rivers and lakes.

The largest populations of many kinds of ducks and other wetland species in southern Norway, live here. The breeding populations of black-throated divers, scaups, velvet scoters, common scoters, dotterels, Temminck’s stints, great snipes and shore larks are particularly valuable.

Climate [ edit ]

The climate is considerably wetter on the west side than on the east. At any time of year, be prepared for sudden changes. The weather in Hardangervidda National Park can change very rapidly from sunny and warm to cold and rainy or even snowy, so it's important to bring along extra layers of clothing, like wool underwear and wind- and waterproof outerwear. For most people, late spring, summer and fall are the best times of year to visit Hardangervidda. Easter skiing across Hardangervidda is also popular, but is recommended for experienced skiers only. The winter storms can be challenging even for polar explorers like Amundsen. Many of the villages and cities surrounding Hardangervidda are popular all-year destinations.

• Summer : June to August. Daytime temperatures range from 10 to 20°C and occasionally over 20°C in lower elevations. Nights are usually cool (between 10 and 0°C), but temperatures rarely drop below freezing at higher elevations. In general, there is no snow on Hardangervidda in summertime. In June though, there might be some areas still left snow covered.
• Spring and Fall : May and September. Daytime temperatures range from 0 to 15°C with 0 to −10°C in the night. A lot of the plateau remains snow covered in May, and early June there will still be some left at higher elevations.
• Winter : October to April. Temperatures often range from 5 to −15°C throughout the day, but temperatures as low as −30 °C can occur. In the nighttime, temperatures are usually below zero. Snowfall is highly variable. Sometimes the ground is snow-covered from October to May, other years the snow might not cover most of Hardangervidda before December.

Get in [ edit ]

There are several gateways to Hardangervidda National Park. Gateway cities and villages are Odda and Eidfjord in the Hardanger region and the mountain destinations Geilo , Uvdal , Rjukan , Rauland , Haukeli , Haukelifjell and Røldal .

By air [ edit ]

Hardangervidda is a 2–3 hours drive from the major airports. The closest major airports are Bergen Airport [dead link] (2½ hours drive to Eidfjord), Oslo Airport Gardermoen (3½ hours drive to Rjukan), Oslo Airport Torp in Sandefjord (3 hours drive to Rauland), Kristiansand Airport (3 hours drive to Haukeli) and Haugesund Airport [dead link] (2 hours drive to Odda).

By car [ edit ]

From Oslo to Hardangervidda by car 1) E 18 from Oslo to Drammen. From Drammen, follow E134 to Notodden. From here you can follow rv. 361 and rv. 37 to Rjukan, or continue on E134 to Åmot in Telemark and then take rv. 37 to Rauland. 2) E18 from Oslo to Sandvika. From Sandvika you take E16 to Hønefoss and from Hønefoss you follow rv. 7 to Geilo.

From Bergen to Hardangervidda by car E16 to Voss and then rv. 13 to Granvin. You then continue on rv. 7 to Eidfjord and then drive to Geilo. You can also start exploring Hardangervidda from Ulvik and Kinsarvik/Ullensvang.

You can drive to the gateways and see the mountain plateau from your car, but there are no public roads for driving inside the national park border.

By train [ edit ]

From Oslo to Hardangervidda by train You can take the train from Oslo to Bø in Telemark. From there you can catch "Haukeliekspressen" to Rauland. You can also take the Bergen Railway from Oslo to a number of places that are great starting points for exploring the northern Hardangervidda – Myrdal, Hallingskeid, Finse , Haugastøl , Ustaoset and Geilo.

From Bergen to Hardangervidda by train The Bergen Railway stops at number of places that are great starting points for exploring Hardangervidda – Myrdal, Hallingskeid, Finse, Haugastøl, Ustaoset and Geilo. You can also take the train to Voss and a bus from Voss to Eidfjord.

For train timetables, see [1]

By bus [ edit ]

From Oslo to Hardangervidda by bus Take "Haukeliekspressen" to Haukeli or take the bus to Geilo or Rjukan – both good starting points for exploring Hardangervidda.

From Bergen to Hardangervidda by bus Take the bus from Bergen to Voss. From Voss catch a bus to Eidfjord.

For bus timetables, see [2] [dead link]

Fees and permits [ edit ]

There are no public roads for driving inside the national park border, and no entrance fees to get in to the national park .

You need to buy permits to go fishing or hunting on Hardangervidda. Children under 16 years fish for free. Because more than half of Hardangervidda is owned by private land owners, there is no common fishing permit for all the lakes on Hardangervidda. But there are some common fishing permits for larger areas, like the Hardangervidda west, the Hardangervidda east, Vinjes part of Hardangervidda, Ullensvang, and Møsvatn permits. A 24-hour fishing permit ranges from 50 to 70kr, and a week permit from 100 to 300kr (2010). You can buy the permits at the tourist information offices, cabins, hotels and lodges in the area close to your favourite lake, or go to [3] (this site is in Norwegian).

Get around [ edit ]

Driving Hardangervidda National Park Route [dead link] is a great way to experience the scenery around Hardangervidda. Drive further, from fjell to fjord on E 134 over Haukelifjell and continue on rv 13 to Hardanger with Odda, Eidfjord and further on rv 7 over Hardangervidda to Geilo, along the national tourist route . This must be the ultimate Hardangervidda driving experience with fjords, Vøringfossen and mountains in 2-3 days.

You can drive to the gateways and see the mountain plateau from your car, but there are no public roads for driving inside the national park border. This is where you can get close to the national park by car:

• Route 7 across Hardangervidda; several convenient stops and branch roads to the national park.
• Route 40 from Nore and Uvdal to Geilo, several stopping places and branch roads to the national park.
• Route 364 to Tinn Austbygd, branch off to Breisetdalen and park at Stegaros or Synken; boat across Mårvatnet from Synken to Mårbu.
• Route 37 to Skinnarbu by Møsvatn and continue on the boat Fjellvåken to the lodge at Mogen.
• E 134 from Haukeli to Jøsendal, several stops and branch roads to the national park.
• The route from Jøsendal to Brimnes, several stops and branch roads to the national park.

On foot [ edit ]

Once you get out of your car and set your feet on the great mountain plains, the best way of getting around is hiking, skiing, cycling and horseback riding. You have to hike some hours to get into the national park, depending on which gateway you choose. Try the extensive network of hiking trails and cabins offered by The Norwegian Trekking Association [4] [dead link] . Cycling is only allowed on a few tractor roads inside the national park, but you can still experience Hardangervidda on bicycle. Try the famous Rallarvegen [5] , or cycling from Rjukan to Kalhovd [6]

See [ edit ]

• 59.815051 8.306748 1 Hardangervidda National Park Centre , Møsvatn, Rjukan , ☏ +47 97074300 , [email protected] . June, July, August: every day 10:00-16:00 . An award winning permanent, interactive exhibition about the nature at Hardannervidda. It also includes the Wild Reindeer Exhibition, a cinema and the Café Panorama.  

East: Geilo and Uvdal [ edit ]

South: rjukan, rauland, haukelifjell and røldal [ edit ].

Austbygde ( 38 km northeast of Rjukan ). Austbygde is a small, charming village with a beautiful rural landscape and great views of lake Tinnsjøen.  

Rjukan ( 175 km northwest of Oslo ). In the early 20th century, the Norsk Hydro and the industry arrived and changed life in Vestfjorddalen dramatically. Between 1907 and 1920, the farms of Bøen and Saaheim were transformed into the town of Rjukan. The population increased from 369 to over 9,000 in 20 years. Norsk Hydro commissioned Norway’s leading engineers and architects to design the entire town. Rjukan is home to Vemork, where famous saboteurs destroyed 500 kg of heavy water during World War II. Today, about 3300 people live in the small town, which is applying for UNESCO World Heritage status.  

Gaustatoppen ( 15 km from Rjukan ). Gaustatoppen is at 1883 m elevation and is one of Norway's most majestic mountains. You can admire it from a distance on your way to Rjukan or one of the villages nearby. You can also climb it, like 25,000 others do each year. It will take you about 5 hours both ways. You will get your reward on the top, where you can see one fifth of Norway on a sunny day.  

Krossobanen ( 2.5 km from Rjukan town centre ). In the depths of the valley, Rjukan is overshadowed by Gaustatoppen throughout the winter. Since 1925 the townsfolk have celebrated the sun's return in March with Solfesten , a lively carnival. Why shouldn’t these sun-starved people enjoy easy access to some winter sun? In 1928, Norsk Hydro granted them their wish, opening the Krossobanen, a 5-minute aerial tramway ride into the mountains. Today, you can ride the “sunshine car” up to Hardangervidda daily all year round, and enjoy the magnificent view of the valley and Gaustatoppen.  

West: Hardanger with Odda, Ullensvang and Eidfjord [ edit ]

North: rv 7 over hardangervidda [ edit ], do [ edit ].

• High Mountain Cruise by the M/B Fjellvåken [dead link]
• Hiking, summer and winter
• From one cottage at the mountain plateau to another
• Cross country skiing and kiting
• Climb mountain peaks
• Bird watching, reindeer observation
• Fishing in small mountain lakes (requires fishing license)
• Picking berries (such as cloudberries) and mushrooms

Buy [ edit ]

• Fishing license
• Maps [dead link]

Eat [ edit ]

Drink [ edit ], sleep [ edit ].

Lodging [ edit ]

60.439602 7.78629 1 Fagerheim Fjellstugu ( in the middle of Hardangervidda, next to road 7 ). Has road access throughout the year. 1,170 m, you can gaze across a glittering mountain lake and enjoy fantastic views in all directions – not least towards the impressive Hardangerjøkulen glacier. A restored mountain lodge with pleasant common rooms, a fireplace and bedrooms with a touch of nostalgia. No en suite rooms, and no whirlpool baths! Separate showers for men and women. 20 rooms/55 beds. You will not have to share with people you do not know. If you have a dog, it is welcome to stay in your room. Weekly rentals of brand new luxury apartments with panoramic views of Hardangerjøkulen. Mountain café during the Easter holidays and over the summer. You will be served decent, hearty, well-made food, with no frills. We made good use of what nature has to offer and our meals include trout from the surrounding waters, as well as game, mushrooms and berries from nature's larder. You may not be able to choose from a ten-course menu, but a good filling meal of traditional food. Fully licensed.  

Camping [ edit ]

North: rv 7 over hardangervidda [ edit ], backcountry [ edit ], stay safe [ edit ].

Hardangervidda is largely above the treeline and temperatures can drop to zero (0°C) even at mid summer. Drivers should be aware of slippery road in spring and autumn when driving is fine in the lowland. During winter blizzards can make driving challenging and the road is often closed. Hikers must bring map and compass, navigation can be very difficult in fog or stormy weather. Hikers must be prepared for all sorts of weather.

Go next [ edit ]

• Jotunheimen mountains
• Hardanger fjord district
• Flåm , Sognefjord
• Geilo , Hallingdal , Buskerud

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• Hardangervidda National Park
• Travel Guide
• Attractions

Visit Norway´s largest national park.

Designated as a national park in 1981, Hardangervidda National Park is the largest in Norway. It spans the rugged Hardangervidda mountain plateau , known as Norway’s “rooftop”, with the highest point being 1,863 metres (6,112 ft) at the top of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier .

As the whole of the mountain plateau is above the tree line, the park’s scenery is characterised by barren moorlands, glaciers, lakes, rivers and streams. Much of the Hardangervidda's geology is very ancient, and most landscapes here were shaped by glaciers during the Ice Ages.

Due to its alpine climate, the park contains several species of arctic plants and animals, including one of the world’s largest herds of wild reindeer. It is also believed that this area has been occupied by humans for thousands of years, as evidenced by several Stone Age settlement remains and ancient trails crossing the plateau.

Today, Hardangervidda National Park serves as a popular tourist destination for activities like fishing, wildlife viewing, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing, hiking and more. The park is open year-round and a stop to the Hardangervidda Nature Centre ( Hardangervidda natursenter ) in Eidfjord is highly recommended. Both the Bergensbanen railway line and the main Highway 7 cross through the Hardangervidda plateau.  

Hardangervidda National Park in Norway

Hardangerfjord in Norway

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Tours including hardangervidda national park.

You could experience Hardangervidda National Park through any one of these tours below.

Norway Road Trip - Classic

Norway road trip - complete, norway road trip - grand, scenic norway - grand, road trip & hurtigruten cruise.

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Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda

The Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda takes you from the high mountain plateau Hardangervidda, at 1250 meters, to the shore of the Hardangerfjord. A stop at the Vøringsfossen waterfall is a must!

The Norwegian Scenic Routes are 18 selected roads through the most beautiful Norwegian nature. Two of these routes run through Hardanger, the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger, and the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda. The Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda takes you from the high mountain plateau Hardangervidda, at 1250 meters, to the shore of the Hardangerfjord. The 67-kilometer long route runs between Haugastøl and Eidfjord (road 7) and leads partly through the Hardangervidda National Park. The drive offers impressive scenic contrasts, and you should take enough time to enjoy all impressions along the way. The main attraction along the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda is the Vøringsfossen waterfall. You may add an overnight stay en route - there is a lot more to discover!  Along the Norwegian Scenic Routes, you will find excellent rest areas that have been constructed with a focus on the combination of landscape and architecture. The area around the Vøringsfossen waterfall is one of the most spectacular. Here you can experience the impressive waterfall from one of the many viewpoints along the cliff. If you are not afraid of heights, you should also test the bridge over the waterfall canyon. Another way to explore Vøringsfossen up close is the hiking trail in the waterfall valley.

• Hardangervidda 498
• 5785 Vøringsfoss

Where is Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda ?

Norway: Scenic Guide To Hardangervidda National Park

Hiking, biking, and wildlife-watching: All top reasons why newcomers to Norway will fall in love with Hardangervidda National Park.

The Hardangervidda National Park, located just east of Bergen in southern Norway, is host to Europe's highest concentration of reindeer. Its vast, elevated terrain offers breathtaking beauty and various outdoor pursuits.

Norway's biggest national Park is also one of the most diverse in the country . Whether visitors are searching for a location to trek, fish, or simply discover a beautiful environment, Hardangervidda is as near to a polar adventure as visitors will get.

What To Do In The Park

Hit the trails.

Hardangervidda is a renowned hiking location in Norway . The bare alpine plateau is ideal for those who seek amazing views but don't want to hike too far.

Kinsarvik–Stavali Trail

This steep climb from the Sorfjord to the plateau provides a beautiful entrance to the highland and is easily accessible from Route 13. It is a two-day hike that takes visitors through tremendous terrain shifts from the fjord to the meadow to the steep mountain.

A trail designated by the Norwegian Trekking Organization leads from Kinsarvik to Stavali in Hardangervidda, passing through Husedalen, the meadow with the four cascades.

• The hiking association's hotel at Stavali offers overnight accommodations.

Finse–Rembesdalseter–Kjeldebu–Finse Trail

This strenuous loop begins in Finse and circuits the whole Hardangerjkulen glacier. The route is rocky and open in places, but it provides spectacular views of the glaciers and the Hardangervidda's harshness.

Biking On Barren Land

On Hardangervidda, many famous cycling routes cover a variety of landscapes. Some paths span one day, while others take several days. The flat, arid environment is excellent for a great bicycle ride.

Rallarvegen- Navvies’ Road Cycling Route

It is Norway's most picturesque bike ride from the highlands to the fjords. In slightly under 6 hours, the Rallarvegen cycle path takes riders from Finse's rough and stark hills, across the maximum altitude at 1340 meters above sea level, to the beautiful sceneries by the fjords in Flm.

This path is not just a beautiful bike ride but also a historical experience.

Although the Rallarvegen officially begins in Haugastl, the most convenient way is the shorter path from Finse to Flm.

Krossobanen to Kalhovd Cycling Route

The bicycle ride from Rjukan's Krossobanen to Kalhovd is also among Norway's most scenic, with sights of the soaring Mount Gausta and, if visitors are fortunate, a wild reindeer.

The 30-kilometer track is well-marked and ideal for bikers of all ages.

Go Trout Fishing

The Hardangervidda is recognized for its numerous trout lakes and watercourses, which provide excellent fishing opportunities. Every year, many enthusiastic anglers flock to Hardangervidda to seek advantage of the extensive trout populations in the Park's streams.

The Srfjord's shallow inlets are highly suggested, and if those don't work out, a visit to the Park's Nature Centre will have visitors experience several Park's inhabitants.

Visitors can also take a sail on Lake Mosvatn, at nearly 900 meters above sea level, which is a non-fishing alternative to experience Hardangervidda's magnificent lakes.

Wildlife Watching

Hardangervidda is famous for its unusual biodiversity, particularly the wild reindeer. Reindeers are well-adapted to severe cold when food is scarce, making Hardangervidda an ideal habitat for them.

Reindeer herds generally wander around the nature reserve in big herds, although hikers rarely come across them. Alpine foxes and arctic owls are also among the tundra animals that tourists can observe.

Cross Country Skiing In Winters

The most popular winter habitat in Norway is Hardangervidda. It's a steep, wild highland where skiing is the best way to get a true sense of the outdoors. Spanning the Hardangervidda from south to north and east to west has traditionally been a difficult ski tour.

Traversing the vidda can be done unassisted by pushing sleds, camping, or using the Norwegian Trekking Organisation's cottages and cabins, located throughout Norway. Tourists can also enjoy the icy shores of Lake Mosvatn, which are close to the Park's boundaries.

Explore The Hardangervidda National Park Center

The Hardangervidda National Park Museum is a display center located at the Park's entrance. On Hardangervidda, visitors can see an award-winning educational presentation on the environment and wild reindeer. There's also a Hardangervidda-themed movie theatre and a cafeteria with spectacular views of the nature reserve.

Visitors can learn a lot about the region's fauna and natural history. The Centre first opened its doors in 1995 and has since become a popular destination for visitors who want to get a glimpse of the Norwegian environment.

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When To Visit Hardangervidda

• In the Hardangervidda region, July to August is the best period for hiking.
• The highland offers a stunning landscape to the west, with mountain ranges, deep valleys, and spectacular cascades.
• The plateau's larger and softer scenery in the east is ideal for strolling.

RELATED:   Triglav National Park: Slovenia's Stunning Mountain Haven

Getting To The Park

• Nearest Airport: Stord Airport- 192 Km
• Visitors can hire a taxi which takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes to reach the Park.
• Nearest Railway Station: Haugastøl Stasjon Train station- 43 Km
• Visitors can take a taxi which takes around 50 minutes to reach the Park.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Maurset Bus Station- 24.7 Km
• It is a 40 min drive from the station to the Park.

Hardangervidda National Park is a magical location. Trekking, fishing, and biking are important attractions in this area because of its huge open fields, highlands, and natural lakes.

The landscape of the Park is diverse with rugged mountaintops and breathtaking views. It is a skier's, hiker's, animal viewers', biker's, and traveling enthusiast's paradise. It's the ideal destination to visit if visitors want to appreciate unspoiled nature and fantastic outdoor activities.

NEXT:   Why Torres Del Paine National Park Should Be A Bucket List Spot

&Norway

• Scenic routes
• Rocks and cliffs
• Norway’s ABC

Scenic route Hardangervidda in Norway

Scenic route hardangervidda in norway /.

The scenic route Hardangervidda crosses the largest high mountain plateau in Northern Europe. Not only does the route reach 1250 meters above sea level at its highest point, it also offers beautiful valleys, high mountains, waterfalls and views of glaciers and fjords. A tour of Norway is not complete without the scenic route over mountain plateau Hardangervidda.  

Where is the route located? /

The Hardangervidda is the highest mountain plateau in Northern Europe and over the plateau lies highway 7. A large part of this road has been declared a tourist route and has been given the name Hardangervidda, after the mountain plateau. Roadtrip Hardangervidda is also located at the national park of the same name and connects the towns of Haugastøl in Viken county and Eidfjord in Vestland county. The provincial border is near the town of Halne.  

General information about scenic route Hardangervidda /

The tourist road over the mountain plateau Hardangervidda is 41 miles (67 kilometers) long and runs from Haugastøl to Eidfjord. Along the way you pass vast plateaus, beautiful valleys, mountain lakes Sysenvatnet and Eidfjordvatnet and the famous waterfall Vøringsfossen. You will also see the beautiful and diverse flora and fauna, including special birds and a large population of wild reindeer.

On road maps, the scenic route Hardangervidda can be found under road number 7. The special thing about this highway is not only that it goes over the mountain plateau and is at the highest point at 1250 meters above sea level, but also that it comes close to the waterfall Vøringsfossen and through narrow and steep valley Måbødalen goes. The route also goes through several tunnels, one of which goes around almost 360 degrees.

The route over the largest high mountain plateau in Northern Europe offers a beautiful and varied view;. It is therefore not surprising that the road is one of the most beautiful roads in Norway. In the country there are 18 routes that have been awarded the title National Scenic Route, these are officially the most beautiful routes in Norway . The route Hardangervidda is one of these routes. Nearby is the National Scenic Route Hardangervegen , which can easily be taken along during a tour of Norway. At the end of Eidfjord, continue on highway 7, which turns into highway 13. You will then automatically drive to Kinsarvik, where the National Scenic Route Hardangervegen runs.  

What makes the route special? /

The most special thing about the scenic route Hardangervidda is that it goes over the mountain plateau of the same name and gives a completely different view of the Norwegian landscape. The route does not have many sights, but that does not make the road any less beautiful. The area around the road looks different every season and the road is also passable in winter, because this highway is kept free of snow.

Welcome to Eidfjord

Pleasures in Eidfjord which provide a lifetime of memories. Good days, active days, lazy days, exciting days, nature, culture and diversity.This is some of what we promise you in Eidfjord.

Popular attractions

Vøringsfossen, kjeåsen mountain farm in eidfjord, hike to kjeåsen mountain farm, norwegian nature center - hardanger, hardangervidda national park, nice round walk by the vøringsfossen waterfall, more adventures, halne - krækkja - fagerheim.

3h one way. Start at Halne, via Krækkja to Fagerheim, or the oppsite direction.

Viking exhibition

Are you interested in the daily vikinglife in Hardanger? Do you want to discover more about typical vikingfood, clothes and handcrafts?

Hardanger Fjordsafari - 60 minutes RIB boat tour

Hardanger Fjordsafari offers RIB boat tours from the harbor in Eidfjord. Join them on one of their trips, and you will get close to the impressive Hardangerfjord.

Sea kayaking on the fjord in Eidfjord – Best Adventures

Experience the Hardangerfjord up close by gliding silently over the water. Best Adventures takes you on a kayak experience on the Hardangerfjord. You can choose between different tour alternatives.

Hæreid footpath

Enjoy a scenic, historical hike in nature from the centre of Eidfjord

Spectacular nature

Here you’ll experience real local food mixed with culture and traditions, and hospitable people. You make your own choice whether you want an active outdoor life with nature experiences on the waterfront or in the mountains, the kingdom of the real mountain people. By the fjord you can enjoy the sun and go swimming.

Eidfjord is unique. Tempting. It takes you only 30 minutes to drive from the beautiful, warm Hardangerfjord to the wilderness at 1250 m of altitude on the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Here you come close to nature, the culture and the people. Real, fresh, diverse and generous nature. Here you can ?nd traces of mankind 4000 years back and therefore Eidfjord and the waterfall Vøringsfossen have been one of the most attractive destinations for over 100 years. It is easy to be excited by Eidfjord and the Hardangervidda. There are opportunities for both young and old.

Accommodation in Eidfjord

Vøringfoss hotel, fossli hotel, sæbø camping, vik pensjonat & hytter, bergslien turistheim, upcoming events, dynafit hardangerjokulen ultra.

Dynafit Hardangerjøkulen Ultra is a 95K ultra race that will take your breath away. The start and finish are at Liseth Pensjonat & Hyttetun right by the Vøringsfossen waterfall in Eidfjord.

Norseman Xtreme Triathlon

From Eidfjord to Gaustatoppen in 12 hours!

Dynafit Hardangervidda Marathon

Dynafit Hardangervidda Marathon. Full and half distance in beautiful mountain terrain. August 31st, 2024.

Food & Drinks

Restaurant hardangerfjord, hardangerviddahallen restaurant & café, dyranut cafeteria, vik cafè & bakery, find inspiration for the journey, winter adventures in eidfjord.

The possibilities for adventures are many in Eidfjord during winter. Sysendalen and Hardangervidda is an eldorado for ski enthusiasts and everyone who loves the mountains. There are many cross country skiing slopes, but the opportunities to walk in pristine terrain are also many. At Easter time, most cabins in the mountains are open for dining and accommodation. You don`t have to go far from the main road to make a snow hole, make a sunbathing area or a wilderness coffee campfire. Places where your children can snow sled are almost everywhere.

Cruise day activities in Eidfjord

Eidfjord invites cruise passengers to partake in the natural beauty and cultural richness that this Norwegian gem has to offer. Whether it's the fjord, outdoor adventures, or cultural discoveries, there's something for everyone to enjoy during their stay in Eidfjord

Hikes at the Hardangervidda and in Eidfjord

Experience magnificent nature and rich flora and fauna along mountain roads and trails, or in the wilderness

Top 5 Instagram spots in Eidfjord

Here are our top 5 Insta-spots in Eidfjord

3 days in Eidfjord - for families with children

How about a long weekend in Eidfjord? Here are suggestions for a few days of experiences for families with children.

3 days in Eidfjord - for active people

How about a long weekend in Eidfjord? Here are suggestions for 3 days of adventures for active people.

3 days in Eidfjord - for seniors

How about a long weekend in Eidfjord? Here are suggestions for 3 days of adventures for seniors.

Useful information

Cruise information, for groups and tour operators, brochures and maps, opening hours eidfjord tourist information office, the food culture route eidfjord.

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Drive it Yourself: the Hardangervidda Tourist Road

• June 1, 2022
• Bergen , Eidfjord , Flåm , Geilo , Hardangerfjord , National Tourist Roads , Road-trips , Voss

Drive it Yourself: Hardangervidda Tourist Road

In this article..., watch on youtube.

All of our roadtrips are available on YouTube to watch. They include information about the area provided in text and voiceover form, plus they show the drive in full (sped up in some spots!) so you can get an idea what the drive is like. 

The drive: Hardangervidda Tourist Road

This drive begins in Eidfjord. You can find a detailed guide to Eidford below. 

Eio River & Eidfjord Lake

Natural attraction.

The river is 2.1km (1.3 mi) long and runs from lake Eidfjord down into the Eid Fjord. We’ll see the Eidfjord Lake soon; it’s a moraine-dammed lake located just outside the village of Eidfjord.

Øvre Eidfjord

Øvre Eidfjord is a small village on the southern end of the Eidfjord Lake. The town has a population of around 200 and it serves as the last major stop before crossing the Hardangervidda Plateau.

Norsk Natursenter

Øvre Eidfjord is home to the Norsk Natursenter, which is where you can learn about the nature in the area. Technology is used to allow for interactive experiences and learn about the flora and fauna of the area. There’s also a lovely film about the plateau made by Ivo Caprino. If you have the time, I recommend stopping here to learn a little more about Hardangervidda.

Måbødalen is a unique and narrow valley that will take you from Øvre Eidfjord to Hardangervidda. The deep and steep valley is the result of ice and water having cut into the slacker and more open valleys. The valley is studied with regards to its geological process and the interaction between ice and rivers.

The valley was almost impassable before 1790, when bridges were built, and a stairway was completed. The first road was built here in the early 20 th century; it opened in 1916 and included three bridges. The road is known for its hairpin turns, and today is only for cyclists and pedestrians. The original road through the valley was the first road between east and west Norway over Hardangervidda.

Luckily for us there is now a new road; the new road is from 1986 and is wider and has many more tunnels.

Johan Christian Dahl painted Måbødalen, a landscape painting that is on display at the KODE art museum in Bergen. It’s pictured above. 

Before you get to the more dramatic part of the valley, you’ll pass a small museum about the cultural landscape of Måbødalen.

Vøringsfossen

Vøringsfossen is the 83 rd highest waterfall in Norway, which itself isn’t an impressive statistic. Rather, it is the setting that makes Vøringsfossen worth seeing. The waterfall has a total drop of 182m (597ft) and is perhaps the most famous waterfall in the country.

The waterfall was hardly known to anyone besides the locals until 1821, when professor Christopher Hansteen estimated the height of the waterfall. He was on his way to Hardangervidda to make astronomical observations at the time. The way he estimated the height was by throwing stones down the edge and measuring the time they took to fall with his pocket watch. He estimated the height to be 280m (920ft); in 1893 the real height was realised by using string.

In 2020, a new pedestrian bridge opened across Vøringsfossen; it was placed in sections by helicopter. The pedestrian bridge has received a lot of criticism, which many describing it as quite ugly.

Fossli Hotel

Fossli Hotel is a historic hotel overlooking the Måbø Valley and Vøringsfossen waterfall. The hotel was built by Ola L. Garen (1857 – 1915), who saw the potential of the area and the slow introduction of tourists. Before the hotel, there was only a walking path up the valley with 1,500 stairs. Thanks to the hotel, a new road was built through the valley instead. All the materials to build the hotel had to be carried on horseback from Eidfjord up to the top of the hill. Today the hotel is run by Erik Garen, the great grandson of Ola Garen.

Fossli Hotel is built in the art nouveau style.

The hotel owns a Zimmerman piano where Edvard Grieg composed Norwegian Folk Songs, Opus 66 .

Hardangervidda Plateau

Scenic area.

Hardangervidda is a well-known mountain plateau that spreads across parts of western, central, eastern, and southern Norway. It is the largest plateau of its kind (peneplain, or eroded plain) in Europe, and it has a cold year-round alpine climate. The highest point is the Sandfloegga, which reaches a height of 1,721m (5,646ft).

The landscape is characterised by barren, treeless, moorland with lakes, rivers, and streams. The western side is rockier, while the eastern side is flatter and more heavily vegetated. The geology is extremely ancient; the rolling fells are remnants of mountains that were worn down by glaciers during the ice ages.

Settlements from the Stone Age have been found in the area. The people who lived here were likely linked to the reindeer migration. Additionally, there are ancient trails across the plateau. Hardangervidda is still a key route between east and west; highway 7 being the way across.

The Hardangervidda Plateau is above the tree line. The alpine climate means that there are arctic animals and plants here further south than anywhere else in Europe. There is a large wild reindeer herd here; it is believed to be the largest in the world with up to 10,000 reindeer.

In 1981 much of Hardangervidda was designated a national park. The Norwegian Mountain Touring Association (DNT) has a network of huts and paths across the plateau. There are two visitor centres: the Norsk Natursenter in Øvre Eidfjord and the Hardanger Nasjonalparksenter, close to Rjukan.

The Star Wars movie, The Empire Strikes Back , was shot on Hardangervidda; the plateau provided the basis for the Hoth sequences.

Sysendammen

Sysendammen (Sysen Dam) is a rock-filled embankment dam. It holds back Lake Sysen, which is the main reservoir for the Sy-Sima Hydroelectric Power Station. The water supply to Vøringsfossen is regulated by the dam, and there is a requirement for a minimum water supply during the summer.

The dam is 81m (266 ft) high, 1,157m (3,796ft) long and 248m (814ft) wide.

Buskerud (Formerly known as Viken) County

We have crossed into the county that from 2020 – 2022 was known as Viken. At time of writing, the Viken sign was still by the road. This sign may not be up when you drive through; the county was established in 2020 with the merging of three separate counties. However, the three counties were not happy with the decision and in 2021 a parliamentary election saw the parties wanting to dissolve Viken win. On the 23 rd of February 2022, a vote of 49 against 38 saw the decision to split Viken finalised. So, in the near future, Viken will be split up again. For purposes of this video, I’ll talk about the county that used to be here and will likely come back: Buskerud.

Buskerud county is a historically important county in Norway. The area around Ringerike was likely a small kingdom and Norway’s kings Olav Tryggvason and Olav Haraldsson grew up in Ringerike.

The first element of the name, buske , refers to ‘bishop’, while the last element means ‘clearing, farm’. Historically, the bishop’s farm was one of the largest in Buskerud and was important during the Reformation. The farm became property of the Danish Crown and served as the residence for the king’s bailiffs until 1668.

Agriculture, lumber, wood-pulp mills, and other related industries are the county’s main economic activities. There is a lot of hydropower thanks to the rivers Begna and Rands. Buskerud also has a large, forested area.

Hol Municipality

Hol is a mountainous municipality that sees 90% of the area over 900m above sea level. The coat-of-arms depicts three silver anvils on a blue background. The anvil was chosen to symbolise the former smithies in the municipality. The municipality was famous for the production of axes, blades and knives, and iron mining took place here in the Viking Age.

Samegammene

Souvenir shop.

Samegammene is a small shop and fur company that began sixty years ago, when Amund Johansen from Northern Norway was forced to sell his reindeer herd after World War II and move south. He took his family with him and settled in Hardangervidda, where he was given the job as a reindeer herder. However, he sustained an injury from that work and decided to focus on tourism instead.

Several ‘gamme’ have been bult around Hardangervidda. A ‘gamme’ is an ancient form of an earth hut, and from these they sell Sami products and souvenirs. Here you will find souvenirs but also handmade fur mittens and hats. The building was owned by the daughter of Amund Johansen until 2017, when she sold it out of the family. The current owners keep the gamme in memory of Amund Johansen.  

Haugastøl is the first town you’ll visit after a while. It is primarily a ski resort with various hotels and cabins. There is also a train station here, Haugastøl station, which is on the Bergen – Oslo Railway.

Haugastøl is one end of the popular  Rallarvegen cycling route – it’s an 83km track from Haugastøl to Finse (a town not accessible by road, just train). The road was originally a service road used by workers building the Flåm Railway, but now it is one of the most famous cycling tracks in the country. 

Ustaoset is a small village located on the Bergen to Oslo Railway. The village came to prominence when the railway opened in 1909 as it was a good spot for people to visit to go skiing. Families from Bergen and Oslo built cabins in Ustaoset and used the train as a way to get there. Due to Norway’s strict laws, it is now very difficult to build a new cabin in Ustaoset. Whenever one is up for sale, it is very popular and is often sold very quickly and for a high price.

Ustaoset is mentioned in Jo Nesbø’s book The Leopard ; the mountain resort cabins play a key role in the murder mystery.

Geilo is the main town in Hol municipality and is one of the most well-known ski resorts in the country. The town is in the Hallingdal valley at roughly the halfway point on the Bergen to Oslo railway.

Geilo is noted for being the first ski resort in Norway and it was built up after the opening of the railway in 1909. The ski season lasts from late October until late April, and there are numerous small ski centres that make up one resort: Geilo Skiheiser. In addition to 39 downhill slopes, there are 220km of cross-country ski tracks.

In the town centre you’ll find some shops, a supermarket, and a few restaurants. Around 2,500 people live in Geilo all year round, so there is a school, cinema, library and police station.

Hagafoss is a small village in the upper part of the Hallingdal valley. It is located on the main highway between Bergen and Oslo, but here we take the Fv50 (Norwegian county road 50) towards Aurland.

Hol Gamle Kyrkje

Historic site.

Hol Gamle Kyrkje is a 13th century church in Hol municipality. The church was originally a small stave church but has been rebuilt multiple times. The last time it was rebuilt was in 1939, and today it doesn’t have the design that makes it a stave church. It’s believed the floors of the church are the original staves from the stave church. The church is also known for the fact that it has a gutter in the apse.

Vestland County

We have crossed back into Western Norway!

Aurland Municipality

Aurland is a municipality in Western Norway that includes the popular villages of Aurland, Flåm, Undredal and Gudvangen. It is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naerøyfjord.

People settled here around 2,000 years ago to farm the area, and agriculture is still important in Aurland. Tourism began coming here in the mid-19 th century, primarily from England. They took part in sport fishing and hunting.

The coat-of-arms depict a goat’s head; a goat is a symbol of the municipality because of their historic production and importance of goats cheese and goat farming.

Aurland Valley

Aurlandsdalen is a 40km (25 mi) long valley that was carved out by glaciers.

Aurlandsdalen represents some of the most beautiful and magnificent in Norwegian nature. The valley has been an important trade and traffic road from the ancient times and was probably in use from the early Viking Age. The route was the shortest route between western and eastern Norway in pre-historic times. There are a number of very old farms in the valley that were permanently inhabited until the turn of the 20 th century. There are also mountain dairy farms here (called ‘støls’) that can be spotted high on the mountains.

The rare mountain flower “mountain queen” can be found in the valley. There are almost 500 plant varieties here. The soil is very rich in minerals formed from phyllitt in the rocks.

Today many use Aurlandsdalen as a popular day hike (6-7 hours), or you can hike all the way to Finse in 3-4 days. It is one of the best-known tourist tracks in Norway

As we went down, you saw the huge powerlines. The Aurland river system was developed in the 1970s for power production. The environmental impacts of hydroelectric development are notable; the great waterfalls have been substantially reduced. With the introduction of the tunnels, the water level in the river gorges has been drastically reduced. The Aurlands River is now no longer one of the finest salmon rivers in Norway. Farmers no longer drive cattle, pigs and goats to spend the summer at the old farms. The valley has been characterised, like many other valleys, by gradual urbanisation.

Aurland is a small village with a population of around 800. The village is the location of the Aurland Shoe Factory, where the famous penny loafers were first made. Another interesting place to visit in Aurland is the Vangen Church, a historic stone church from 1202.

Aurlandsfjord

The Aurlandsfjord is a 29km (18 mi) long fjord and is a branch of the Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway. The fjord is deep and narrow, generally reaching less than 2km (1.2 mi) wide. Most of the mountains are up to 1800m (5,900ft) tall.

We have arrived at Flåm, our final destination for this drive. Flåm is a small population with around 300 people, but is one of the most visited places in Norway thanks to the Flåm Railway. 

You can read the Flåm travel guide below. 

Flåm to Bergen on the E16

Follow the next drive as we make our way back to Bergen on the E16. 

Previous Drive

Voss to Eidfjord

Making a day trip out of Hardanger? Read about the stretch of road between Voss and Eidfjord. 

If you liked this drive, or if you have any travel tips, please leave a comment in the section below!

3 Comments on Drive it Yourself: the Hardangervidda Tourist Road

I want to drive from bergen to oslo in early december. 7 hours is too long for me to do in 1 day. Can please help me with Suggestions of where to stay in 1 or 2 towns on the way. I wish to stay in nice hotels not a hostel. Thank you.

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Scenic route Hardanger

Mountains, fjords, waterfalls and glaciers

Several drives through a long-established tourism area. Waterfalls and glaciers form mighty stage sets that have attracted tourists for more than a century

It’s no secret that Hardanger is like a picture postcard, and almost everywhere you look you will be feasting your eyes on thundering waterfalls or fruit trees in bloom.

The roads in Hardanger impose their own pace and you must adapt to the natural tempo. The road may follow a shelf along a steep-sided valley or it may literally pass through an apple orchard. The nature in the area has given rise to boat building, fruit farms and industry.

Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger consists of four sections: Granvin - Steinsdalsfossen, Norheimsund - Tørvikbygd, Jondal – Utne, and Kinsarvik – Låtefoss.

Map of the route

Closed for the winter, rest areas and viewpoints, skjervsfossen.

Tyrvefjøra

Steinstøberget

Steinsdalsfossen

Låtefossen

Travel information

Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger consists of four stretches: Granvin - Steinsdalsfossen [79] [49], Norheimsund - Tørvikbygd [49], Jondal - Utne [550], and Kinsarvik - Låtefoss. A ferry operates from Tørvikbygd - Jondal and from Kinsarvik - Utne - Kvandal  (click on the ferry icon for timetable). This route is open for traffic throughout the year. 

For cyclists: Beware of heavy traffic during the summer months. Avoid tunnels on the road from Kinsarvik to Odda, and onwards to Låtefossen - instead ride on the "outside". 

Traffic and road information

Telephone +47 815 48 991

Traffic alerts in map (Norwegian only) Traffic alerts in telephone app (Norwegian only)

Map information

Gpx file download for gps and navigation app. In this file, the direction of travel is from Låtefoss to Granvin. Gpx files for all Scenic Routes . Any alternative driving pattern must be adapted by the users themselves.

Information

Emptying toilets from motorhomes and caravans is not permitted in our toilets. The facility is not designed for such use. The nearest dump stations are at Kinsarvik, Odda and Norheimsund.

Winter information

Parts of road 13 (Skjervsvegen) are closed in winter. During that period, there is no access to Skjervsfossen.

Experiences

For all lovers of waterfalls, Hardanger is the perfect destination. Hardanger is framed by large waterfalls. Steinsdalsfossen, Vøringsfossen, Skjervsfossen, Låtefossen and Furebergfossen are all different, but they all have the same hypnotic power. 

There are plenty of hiking options, and many of them will give you a panoramic view of the fiord arms in the area. The best-known hike is the highly challenging walk to Trolltunga, but Hardanger also offers many other great hikes, without the same crowds. A walk to Buarbreen gives you a close look at the glacier, but also lets you experience one of the beautiful valleys in Western Norway.

In Hardanger, fruit farming has taken place since the 14th century, and industries such as boat building and quarrying have been important to the local community. Artists and tourists have always been inspired by the beautiful scenery.

Useful links

VISITNORWAY

The official travel guide to Norway

Map with information on sleep, eat and do

Ferry routes and timetables (Norwegian)

Entur - Travel planner

Travel by bus, train, ferry, metro and plane

Norwegian Scenic Routes nearby

Aurlandsfjellet.

From fjord to fjord across a barren mountain noticeably marked by the snow, and with the view of Aurdalsfjorden as the grand finale.

Hardangervidda

A journey of contrasts, from vast mountain plateaus to the fiordscapes of Western Norway.

A drive in the borderland between the archipelago and the highland moors, from Lysefjorden to Sauda and over the mountain pass to Røldal.

The 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes

Norwegian Scenic Routes are roads that run through unique Norwegian nature. Along the roads you will find artworks, viewpoints and rest areas with innovative architecture in beautiful landscapes.

View all Scenic Routes

Hardangervidda National Park

Northern europe's largest national park.

Hardangervidda National Park is the largest national park in mainland Norway, it is 3422 km2 and extends beyond the counties of Hordaland, Viken and Telemark, divided into seven municipalities. The national park was established in 1981, and half the area is on private land.

From Geilo, Hardangervidda is easily accessible from several sides. Follow rv 7 west through Geilo to Haugastøl, here you are at the foot of two national parks, Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet. After Haugastøl you can drive further west to get even higher up on the plateau. You can also drive on fv 40 towards Dagali, both Seterdalen in Dagali and Tuva Turisthytte (summer road) are good starting points for trips into Hardangervidda.

A visit to Hardangervidda National Park is fantastic, but remember that you don't necessarily have to be within the national park boundary to feel and see the greatness of a national park! The entire plateau offers great nature experiences and views.

Hiking trips in Hardangervidda National Park

Hardangervidda is amazing in both summer and winter. You can travel freely in all of the national park, but we recommend that you follow the marked paths. DNT's trails takes you to seven serviced and five self-service tourist cabins in the national park. If you are planning a trip from cabin to cabin , we recommend checking opening hours and book accommodation in advance. At the serviced tourist cabins you can buy a delicious home-cooked meal, and the self-service cabins have a rich food store where you can buy food such as crackers and dinner dishes. Everyone can use DNT's cabins. But in cabins without a host, at least one person in the party must be a member of DNT to be able to rent the special DNT key (can be borrowed from Tourist Information Geilo). Whether you're going from cabin to cabin or spending the night in a tent, it's important to take a map and compass with you, and it's important that you know how to use this. Remember that the weather in the mountains can change quickly, there is not mobile coverage everywhere, bring first aid and report where you are going.

Child-friendly trips  in Hardangervidda National Park

It is also possible to have shorter day trips in Hardangervidda, and some family-friendly trips starting from the center of Geilo, feel free to take the summer lift for a soft start. For other trips, you need transport by car or public transport.

Tunga Bru  is a suspension bridge over Numedalslågen. The walk is easy, it has some short, steep hills but it goes well even for small children. It is approx. 1.5 km from the parking lot to the suspension bridge. It is exciting to walk over the bridge where it swings over the waterfall. When there is a spring flood, the water is high and you can risk getting a shower.

Hotel California  is the name of the small cabin at the top of Glitreberget in Dagali. Here you get a 360-degree view of Hardangervidda, Hallingskarvet and Numedal. It is open all year round, you can sit inside where there are tables and benches or you can sit in the sun wall outside. Pictures of other Hotel Californias around the world are hung on the walls inside.

Skjerja  is one of the most famous fishing waters in Geilo. From Tuva Turisthytte it is approx. 1 hour walk. Combine a great mountain trip with a fishing trip. If you don't catch fish today, you are guaranteed to be left with a great experience, fresh mountain air and a great view. End the trip with the famous waffles at Tuva.

More hiking suggestions in summer

Tour map of Hardangervidda National Park

Ut.no has an extensive interactive map that gives a good overview of hiking areas, cabins, summer trails, winter trails, cycling trips and more, in and along the entire Hardangervidda.  Tour map at ut.no

What to experience on Hardangervidda

Humans have been walking on Hardangervidda for over 8,000 years, and you can see several traces of old roads, fishing facilities, settlements and huts. In recent times, there are many exciting things to experience on Hardangervidda.

Vøringsfossen  is one of the most famous waterfalls in Norway. The waterfall is a whopping 182 metres, and plunges from the Hardangervidda plateau into Måbødalen. Here, it is well arranged to both walk over and around the waterfall so that you can see it from all angles. Hardangervidda offers fantastic experiences, from Geilo where the road slowly climbs upwards all the way to the plateau where the road gently bends over the large area downwards to a narrow, steep and winding road down Måbødalen past Vøringsfossen before you suddenly find yourself in the small village of Eidfjord in the heart of the Hardangerfjord.

Rallarvegen  has been named Norway's most beautiful bike ride several times. It is not without reason, Rallarvegen is a journey through powerful nature, cultural monuments and history. It is 82 km long and stretches from Haugastøl in the east to Flåm in the west. Whether you cycle Rallarvegen or spend the night at Finse, it is worth a visit  Rallar museum . It is located in Eastern trainstall, here you can see pictures and an exhibition about the history of the construction of the railway from 1894-1909.

Halnekongen  offers boat transport from Halne Fjellstugu (located at road rv 7) and 13 km in to Hardangervidda. Here you get a fantastic starting point for walks into the national park. The nearest DNT cabins are Heinseter and Rauhelleren, and many people choose to spend the night at these cabins before continuing into the national park or returning to Halne Fjellstugu.

Winter on Hardangervidda in nice weather is one of the most beautiful things you can experience. A snow-covered landscape as far as you can see. It is possible to go snowshoeing and skiing on Hardangervidda in winter. Here you will find marked trails from cabin to cabin, or you can make your own way on mountain skis. See  interactive map on ut.no  of cross-country tracks and serviced and unserviced cabins on Hardangervidda..

Fishing on Hardangervidda

Part of the waters on the eastern side of Hardangervidda belongs to Geilo Hunting and Fishing Association. Fishing licenses can be bought at the Tourist Information Center and the sports shops in Geilo, but also at most tourist cabins. There are also a number of private waters, usually you can buy a fishing license for these at the nearest tourist cabin.  More about fishing in Geilo

Facts about Hardangervidda National Park

• Created April 10, 1981
• The national park itself is approximately 3422 km2
• Home to Europe's largest herd of wild reindeer
• Sandfloegga is the highest peak at 1,721 meters above sea level.
• The characteristic peak Hårteigen is 1,690 meters above sea level.

National Park Center for Hardangervidda

There are two national park centers for Hardangervidda;

Hardangervidda National Park Center at Skinnarbu in Tinn  - Here you can see, among other things, the award-winning interactive exhibition about nature and wild reindeer. The exhibition contains 22 interactive installations, they also offer a mini-cinema with a short film by Arne Nævra, as well as a French cave with original tools and objects made from wild reindeer bones more than 17,000 years ago in France. Here you will also find a cafe with a panoramic view. The visitor center for Hardangervidda National Park Skinnarbu is open all year round.

Hardangervidda visitor centre in Eidfjord  - Here you get a modern experience center for Norwegian nature, climate and environment and an authorized visitor center for Hardangervidda National Park. You can watch the spectacular panoramic film "Fjord Fjell Foss" directed by Ivo Caprino, and experience the exciting exhibition on 3 floors with, among other things, interactive stations, rocks, fossils, aquariums and illustrations. Here you will also find a restaurant with local food. The Norwegian Nature Center Hardanger is open from April to the end of October.

At Skinnarbu you can also find  Norsk Villreinsenter Sør , this is a foundation whose main purpose is to promote the conservation and sustainable management of the wild reindeer populations and the wild reindeer areas in Norway.

Plant and animal life in Hardangervidda National Park

Hardangervidda is considered the southernmost point for several arctic animal species and plants, this particularly applies to snow owls and arctic foxes. The arctic fox was almost extinct in the early 20th century because of its fur and skin, and they have since 1930 been protected. But there are many indications that it is difficult to get a stable arctic fox population on Hardangervidda. One of the reasons why the arctic fox has difficulty surviving is the ever-increasing red fox population. Only every four to five years does the population slowly recover. In the national park we also find a rich animal- and birdlife, for example golden eagles, moose, falcons, wild reindeer and beavers. Wolverine also roams along Hardangervidda National Park, but it is not known that it resides here permanently. On the quieter and unmarked paths you will find the silence needed to spot birds and wild animals. We recommend the area around Sandhaug and Tinnhølen, which is known for its varied birdlife. There are also good opportunities to see birds around Tuva Turisthytte, here a bus route is set up during summer and runs daily on weekdays.

The wild reindeer herd on Hardangervidda is Europe's largest, and one of the most important purposes of the national park was to secure the areas for the wild reindeer. Here, the wild reindeer can roam freely over large areas without particularly large obstacles. At Hardangervidda you can also find remains of the original European reindeer.

In addition, Hardangervidda is known for its many fishing lakes and waters. Something unique in a large area like the Hardangervidda is that in the west and north part the trout predominates in the many limestone-rich shallow waters, while in the east and south there are larger deposits of char.

And do not worry, there are no dangerous animals on Hardangervidda. And the animals that live here are afraid of people!

Accommodation near or in the National Park

Halne Fjellstugu located along national highway 7, they offer accommodation, experiences and delicious home-cooked food! Halne is located right at the entrance to Hardangervidda National Park and is a popular destination for many hikers.

Haugastøl is the family-run hotel in Haugastøl, they offer modern apartments, breakfast and dinner, coffee bar, bike shop, bike hire, as well as meeting rooms. They are located at the foot of the two national parks, Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet.

Tuva Turisthytte  is one of the oldest privately owned tourist cabins on Hardangervidda, it is a family business and is run by 4th generation hosts Mailiza and Sigbjørn. Delicious food and accommodation are offered here, and they are most famous for their Tuva waffles, which have been baked with the same secret recipe for 3 generations.

Finse 1222 is a hotel located at the highest point of the Bergen Railway, 1222 meters above sea level. You can only get here by train or by bicycle. The hotel has 45 hotel rooms and a fantastic restaurant that prepares food from good, local ingredients, based on Nordic cuisine. Finse is also the start of one of Norway's most beautiful bike rides, Rallarvegen.

Torsetlia Fjellstue og Hyttegrend  is 30 km from the center of Geilo and in the middle of the hiking and fishing eldorado of Hardangervidda. Here there are options for accommodation, dinner, lunch and a cafe.

Hakkesetstølen Fjellstugu og Hytter  is a cozy mountain lodge with all facilities. It is an excellent starting point for day trips, or a start/end point for those who want to go from cabin to cabin on Hardangervidda. At Hakkesesetstølen you can buy delicious traditional food and home baked goods.

Camping on Hardangervidda

Free camping/tenting is considered to be traveling and staying in nature, and this is regulated by the Norwegian Outdoor Activities Act "Everyone is allowed to travel and stay in the outback in Norway. The right is a free public good and part of our cultural heritage." But there are some rules for accommodation in the outback:

• You can camp/sleep at least 150 meters from the nearest inhabited house or cabin.
• You can camp/sleep for up to 2 days in the same place, longer if you are on high mountains or far from built-up areas.

Show respect for each other, the animals and nature. Always take your trash with you!

The history of Hardangervidda

It is believed that people arrived on Hardangervidda at the same time as the reindeer after the last Ice Age. Around 250 Stone Age settlements have been found and the oldest is from approx. year 6300 BC. And remains of a leather hut from approx. year 5600 BC have been found by Finnsbergvannet where the reindeer passed, 12 km southeast from Finse. People probably changed places of residence according to the reindeer's migration routes, many of the places of residence are located at bottlenecks in the terrain where the reindeer herd was squeezed together, often by lakes and water. On the plateau there are many remains of hunting facilities and animal graves, but finds show that the first people hunted with bows and arrows. They primarily hunted reindeer and grouse, but bone remains of moose have also been found.

One of the oldest and best-known roads on Hardangervidda is the Nordmannslepa, it runs from Veggli in Numedal to Eidfjord, with connections to Hol and Uvdal. The old roads were an important link between the east and the west. There are several places with names that testify that they were once places of trade, including places for sale of salt.

Hardangervidda has also been a favorite place for extraction of iron. At Møsvatnet there are remains of iron mining in 1400 different places. Iron was mined in the bogs, and iron winches were in use on Hardangervidda until the middle of the 14th century.

In the Middle Ages, there was extensive livestock farming on the Hardangervidda, where the farmers in the valleys took the animals up Hardangervidda for the summer. At the same time, the hunting also continued, on Sumtangen there are still two huts from the Middle Ages. Here there are piles of reindeer bones dating back to the 14th century. It is believed that the use of these stopped in connection with the Black Death, but was later used as a place of capture in modern times. In the 2000s, there are still 50-60,000 sheep in the summer at Hardangervidda.

Old hunting and fishing huts and old cabins lie on Hardangervidda as a memory of a time of harsh living conditions, when the resources on Hardangervidda were vital to survive.

Hallingskarvet National Park

Hallingskarvet rests on the surrounding plains, with steep mountain sides to the north and south, and Folarskardnuten towering at the top, 1