Family Adventure in Hardangervidda: Exploring Norway's Natural Wonders

Views That Heal The Soul

Today was a day of panoramic wonder, a symphony of sights that etched themselves into our memories. We journeyed through landscapes that whispered tales of ancient glaciers and towering peaks, a true feast for the eyes and balm for the soul. It’s days like these that remind me why I traded the familiar comforts of Berlin for the rugged beauty of my homeland, eager to share its magic with Maximilian, Astrid, and myself.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hardangerviddahallen. The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Norwegian coffee filled the air, a comforting start to what promised to be an adventurous day. Astrid, ever the early bird, was already recounting her dreams of reindeer and trolls, her imagination as boundless as the park itself. Maximilian, still adjusting to the early mornings, chuckled at her stories while I savored the familiar flavors of home.


Discover authentic Norwegian cuisine amidst stunning landscapes at Hardangerviddahallen in Øvre Eidfjord.

Fueled and ready, our first stop was Utsikt til Buerbreen. The drive there was a scenic prelude, with winding roads carving through lush valleys. As we approached the viewpoint, the air grew crisper, carrying the faint scent of ice and wildflowers. And then, there it was – Buerbreen Glacier, a shimmering river of blue ice cascading down the mountainside. It felt surreal, almost like stepping into a painting. Astrid gasped, pointing at the glacier with wide, fascinated eyes. I remember visiting a glacier as a child with my grandfather and feeling this same sense of awe. I hope Astrid remembers this moment, too.


Discover the stunning Buerbreen Glacier, an iconic tourist attraction in Ullensvang, Norway, showcasing breathtaking views and natural beauty.

We spent a good hour simply drinking in the view, snapping photos, and letting the sheer majesty of the glacier sink in. The scale of it was humbling, a reminder of nature’s immense power and enduring beauty. Maximilian, always the pragmatist, was fascinated by the glacier's formation and history, peppering me with questions that sent me scrambling for answers. Even Astrid, usually so full of energy, was captivated by the stillness and grandeur of the scene.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Next on our itinerary was the Freimslia viewpoint. The drive took us through more winding roads, each turn revealing a new vista of rolling hills and shimmering lakes. Freimslia offered a different perspective, a sweeping panorama of the surrounding fjords and mountains. The vastness of the landscape was breathtaking, stretching out before us like an endless tapestry of green and blue. I could almost feel the weight of the world lifting off my shoulders as I gazed out at the horizon.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Freimslia Viewpoint, a stunning destination near Odda, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.

We decided to have a small picnic at Freimslia. I had packed some local cheeses, rye bread, and fruit, a simple meal made extraordinary by the stunning setting. Astrid, of course, was more interested in chasing butterflies and collecting wildflowers, her laughter echoing through the mountains. Maximilian and I watched her, content in the knowledge that we were creating memories that would last a lifetime. I even managed to capture a few candid shots of them both, moments of pure joy framed by the Norwegian wilderness.

For lunch, we stopped by Burger og brus in Eidfjord. It was a cozy little place, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Astrid devoured her burger with gusto, while Maximilian and I opted for some traditional Norwegian fare. It was a welcome break, a chance to refuel and recharge before our final adventure of the day. I was happy to find a place that served local beer, so I could enjoy a taste of Norway.


Discover Burger og brus: A must-visit gastropub in Eidfjord known for gourmet burgers and a cozy atmosphere amidst stunning Norwegian scenery.

Our final stop for the day was dinner at Lægreid Høyfjellsseter, a traditional mountain farm nestled in the heart of Hardangervidda. The drive there was an adventure in itself, with narrow, winding roads leading us deeper into the wilderness. As we approached the farm, the air grew cooler, carrying the scent of woodsmoke and pine.


Discover Lægreid Høyfjellsseter: A top-rated burger restaurant set against Norway's stunning mountain backdrop.

Lægreid Høyfjellsseter was like stepping back in time. The buildings were rustic and charming, the atmosphere warm and inviting. We were greeted by the friendly staff, who ushered us into a cozy dining room filled with the aroma of home-cooked food. The meal was a feast of local specialties, from hearty stews to freshly baked bread. Astrid, surprisingly, was adventurous with her food choices, trying everything from reindeer sausage to cloudberry jam. Maximilian and I savored each bite, knowing that this was a truly authentic Norwegian experience.

After dinner, we took a stroll around the farm, admiring the traditional buildings and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. The sky was ablaze with stars, a breathtaking spectacle that reminded us of our place in the universe. Astrid, bundled up in her warmest jacket, pointed out constellations and told us stories she had learned from her books. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

Before heading back to our campsite, we made a quick stop at the Glacier Restaurant, Bar & Cafe for a nightcap. It was a lively spot, filled with locals and tourists alike. Maximilian and I enjoyed a couple of drinks while Astrid sipped on hot chocolate, her eyes already heavy with sleep. It was a fitting end to a day of adventure, a chance to relax and reflect on all that we had seen and done.


Experience a delightful fusion of European, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines at Glacier Restaurant, Bar & Café in scenic Odda.

As we drove back to our campsite, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the beauty of Hardangervidda, for the opportunity to share it with my family, and for the memories we were creating together. It was a day that I would cherish forever, a reminder of the simple joys of life and the power of nature to heal and inspire.

Tomorrow, we’re off to Ringedals Dam and the Sorfjord viewpoint. Astrid is already excited about seeing the dam, and I’m looking forward to more breathtaking views. We also plan to visit the Hardangervidda Nasjonalparksenter to learn more about the park's history and wildlife. Another day, another adventure awaits! I think I will make sure I have a portable phone charger with me, since I forgot it at home and I almost ran out of battery today.

And as I settle into my sleeping bag tonight, I am reminded of a quote from a Norwegian poet, that seems to perfectly capture the essence of our day:

The mountains are calling and I must go.

Indeed, the mountains are calling, and we are answering, one adventure at a time.

I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. God natt from Hardangervidda!