Family Adventure in Hardangervidda: Exploring Norway's Natural Wonders

Majestic Views and Misty Falls

Today was a day of embracing Norway’s dramatic landscapes, from following in royal footsteps to witnessing the raw power of nature. The crisp mountain air filled my lungs as we explored trails and viewpoints, creating memories that I know will last a lifetime. It’s days like these that remind me why I wanted to share my heritage with Astrid and Maximilian, and why I started this blog in the first place.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Stigstuv turisthytte AS. I enjoyed some traditional Norwegian fare, fueling up for our hike. Stigstuv is a cozy mountain lodge, and it was the perfect place to start our day of adventures. Astrid was particularly excited about the waffles with jam, a simple pleasure that always brings a smile to her face. Maximilian appreciated the strong coffee, necessary for the day ahead. I felt a sense of peace knowing we were starting our day surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Hardangervidda. The turisthytte was surrounded by beautiful mountainous terrain, and I could see that we were in for a treat.

Our main goal for the day was to hike a portion of Queen Sonja's Panoramic Hiking Trail. This trail is known for its stunning views of the Hardangerfjord and the surrounding mountains. As we started our ascent, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my Norwegian heritage. Knowing that Queen Sonja herself enjoys this trail made it even more special. The path was well-maintained, but challenging enough to get our hearts pumping. Astrid, surprisingly, kept up with boundless energy, pointing out every little flower and interesting rock along the way. Maximilian, ever the supportive husband, kept us hydrated and motivated with his cheerful demeanor. The views were simply breathtaking. The Hardangerfjord stretched out before us, a deep blue ribbon winding through the landscape. The snow-capped mountains in the distance added to the grandeur. I made sure to take plenty of photos, trying to capture the magic of the moment. But as any photographer knows, no picture can truly do justice to experiencing a place like this in person. I made sure to take a moment to breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the serenity of our surroundings.


Discover the stunning landscapes of Norway along Queen Sonja's Panoramic Hiking Trail, where breathtaking views await every step of the journey.

Sometimes, the most rewarding journeys are those that lead us back to our roots, allowing us to share the beauty of our heritage with those we love.

As we hiked, I told Astrid stories of my childhood in Fyresdal, of summers spent exploring the forests and lakes near our family cabin. I wanted her to feel connected to this place, to understand where she comes from. I pointed out the traditional trail markers, the blue “D” that distinguishes Queen Sonja’s trail, explaining that “Dronning” is the Norwegian word for queen. It was a small detail, but it added a layer of meaning to our hike. We paused frequently to take in the views, each stop offering a new perspective on the landscape. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the air was clean and crisp. It was a perfect day for hiking in the Norwegian mountains.

After a few hours of hiking, we decided to head towards Vøringfossen, one of Norway's most famous waterfalls. I had seen pictures of it before, but nothing could have prepared me for the real thing. As we approached, we could hear the roar of the water long before we could see it. The sound grew louder and louder, building anticipation with each step. When we finally reached the viewpoint, I was awestruck. The waterfall plunged 182 meters into the Måbødalen valley, a truly spectacular sight. The mist from the falls created a rainbow, adding a touch of magic to the scene. Astrid was mesmerized, watching the water cascade down with wide-eyed wonder. Maximilian, always the engineer, was fascinated by the sheer power of the falls and the way they carved through the landscape. We spent a long time simply watching the waterfall, feeling the spray on our faces and listening to the thunderous roar. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the immense power of nature. I was grateful to be able to share this moment with my family, to witness their reactions and to feel their sense of awe.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Vøringfossen, Norway's iconic waterfall plunging into the stunning Måbødalen valley.

For lunch, we stopped at Hardangerviddahallen. It was a welcome break after our morning of hiking and waterfall gazing. The restaurant was cozy and inviting. We enjoyed a delicious lunch of traditional Norwegian dishes. I opted for the reindeer stew, a hearty and flavorful meal that warmed me from the inside out. Maximilian had the fresh fish, and Astrid enjoyed a simple but satisfying plate of waffles. The restaurant was filled with other tourists and locals, all enjoying the good food and the friendly atmosphere. After lunch, we took some time to explore the area around the restaurant. We visited the Norwegian Nature Centre, where we learned more about the flora and fauna of Hardangervidda National Park. Astrid loved the interactive exhibits, touching and feeling her way through the three floors. I found myself engrossed in the exhibits detailing the geological history of the region.


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

Our final stop for the day was the Hardanger Bridge Viewpoint. This modern marvel offered a completely different perspective on the landscape. From the viewpoint, we could see the Hardangerfjord stretching out beneath us, the bridge a graceful arc connecting the two sides. The views were panoramic, encompassing mountains, water, and sky. It was a stunning contrast to the raw power of Vøringfossen, a testament to human ingenuity and engineering. We took some photos, capturing the beauty of the bridge and the surrounding landscape. I reflected on the day, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience these incredible sights with my family. It was a day of contrasts, from the rugged mountains to the serene fjord, from the ancient trails to the modern bridge. But through it all, there was a sense of connection, to the land, to my heritage, and to my family.


Discover the stunning vistas of Hardanger Bridge at the viewpoint, where nature meets engineering marvels in breathtaking Norway.

As evening approached, we made our way to KOMPAEN - Bistro og Deli in Odda for dinner. It was a charming and cozy restaurant, the perfect place to end our day. We shared stories of our favorite moments from the day. Astrid was still talking about the waterfall, while Maximilian was impressed by the bridge. I felt a sense of contentment, knowing that we had created memories that would last a lifetime. We enjoyed a delicious meal of local specialties, savoring the flavors of Norway. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and we felt right at home. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.


Experience authentic Norwegian flavors at KOMPAEN - Bistro og Deli in Lofthus, where every meal is crafted with care and local ingredients.

Before heading back to our campsite, we made a quick stop at Halne Fjellstugu for a drink. It was a cozy and welcoming place, and we enjoyed a relaxing evening. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was warm, making it a perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring. As we sipped our drinks, we reflected on the incredible sights we had seen and the memories we had made. It was a day that I will always cherish.


Experience authentic Norwegian cuisine at Halne Fjellstugu, nestled in the stunning landscapes of Vøringfoss, perfect for every food lover.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning a visit to Trolltunga, the iconic Troll's Tongue rock formation. I’ve heard the hike is challenging, but the views are well worth it. We’ll also be stopping by Prestholtseter, which I understand offers a glimpse into traditional Norwegian mountain farming. I’m particularly excited about dinner at Siderhuset Ola K, as I’m eager to sample some local cider. And Astrid will no doubt enjoy a visit to the Gift Shop Norsk Natursenter. I'm a little nervous about the hike, especially with Astrid, but I know we can handle it. I'm looking forward to another day of adventure and discovery in this beautiful country.

As I write this, sitting by the campfire under a blanket of stars, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Today was a reminder of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world, and the importance of sharing it with those you love. I am so happy that I have been able to return to my roots in Norway and share this experience with my family.

ArticleTagline: Discover Hardangervidda: Hike Queen Sonja's trail, marvel at Vøringfossen, and embrace family adventure amidst Norway's stunning nature.