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.

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Getting To The Park

Via Air

  • Nearest Airport: Stord Airport- 192 Km
  • Visitors can hire a taxi which takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes to reach the Park.

Via Train

  • Nearest Railway Station: Haugastøl Stasjon Train station- 43 Km
  • Visitors can take a taxi which takes around 50 minutes to reach the Park.

Via Bus

  • 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.

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