Exploring the Wild Beauty of Hardangervidda National Park

Chasing Views and Dams in Hardangervidda

Today was a day of contrasts, soaring to dizzying heights at scenic viewpoints and descending to the impressive depths of engineering marvels. Hardangervidda National Park continued to surprise us with its diverse landscapes and captivating attractions. It's amazing how much variety this plateau offers, keeping us constantly engaged and in awe.



Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Dyranut Fjellstova. The weather outside was a bit cloudy, but the warmth and hospitality inside were more than enough to lift our spirits. Katarzyna enjoyed the breakfast buffet , while Zofia was excited about the prospect of a day filled with adventures. It's these simple moments, sharing a meal in a cozy setting, that make our family trips so special. I made sure to grab a few extra slices of bread to make a packed lunch, a trick I learned from my own childhood trips.



Fuelled up and ready, our first stop was the Sorfjord viewpoint. The drive there was stunning, with the landscape unfolding before us in all its glory. As we climbed higher, the views became increasingly breathtaking. The Sørfjorden below shimmered in the distance, framed by majestic mountains. Even Zofia, usually engrossed in her books, couldn't help but gasp at the panorama. I must admit, the view was something else. I tried to capture the moment with my camera, but no photo could truly do justice to the sheer scale and beauty of the scene. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. It was a moment of pure serenity, a reminder of why we embarked on this journey in the first place. It’s views like these that make Hardangervidda a hiker's paradise.


Experience the beauty of Norway at Sorfjord Viewpoint, a stunning tourist attraction that offers breathtaking landscapes and serene surroundings.

The beauty of nature lies not just in what you see, but in how it makes you feel.

After soaking in the views at Sorfjord, we drove towards our next destination: the Ringedals Dam. The contrast between the natural beauty of the fjord and the man-made marvel of the dam was striking. As an automotive mechatronics technician, I’m always impressed by engineering feats, and this dam was no exception. Built in the early 20th century, it stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. The sheer scale of the structure is awe-inspiring, a concrete giant holding back the waters of Ringedalsvatnet. I explained to Zofia how the dam works, converting the power of water into electricity, a concept she found fascinating. It's important to me that she understands the importance of renewable energy, a passion I hope to instill in her. The dam was built in stages between 1909 and 1918 in connection with the hydroelectric power plant in Tyssedal and the factories in Odda. When completed in 1918, it was one of Europe's largest gravity dams with a reservoir capacity of 222 million m3. The dam is built in Cyclopean concrete with 30% large-sized stones and dressed on both sides with approximately 20,000 m² of hand-cut granite stone, the largest of its kind in Norway.


Explore the stunning Ringedals Dam in Tyssedal, a perfect blend of natural beauty and impressive engineering showcasing Norway's hydroelectric legacy.

For lunch, we stopped at Burger og brus in Eidfjord. It was a cozy gastropub that specializes in hearty bar food. It was the perfect place to refuel after a morning of sightseeing. Katarzyna and I enjoyed a burger, while Zofia opted for a plate of fries. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, a welcome change from the sometimes-challenging hiking trails. I overheard some locals chatting about the upcoming Hardanger Music Festival in November , a reminder of the rich cultural scene in this region. I made a mental note to check it out if we ever find ourselves back here in the fall.


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

As the day drew to a close, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Vik Café & Restaurant in Eidfjord. This restaurant combines the best of international cuisine with traditional Hardanger dishes. We sat outside, enjoying the last rays of sunshine and savoring the delicious food. The restaurant is within the historic guesthouse run by the Vik family for generations. The menu is thoroughly curated, and each day’s special is crafted from the finest ingredients the chef can source. I chose a local fish dish, while Katarzyna went for a vegetarian option. Zofia, as always, was happy with her pasta. It was a perfect end to a perfect day, a celebration of good food, good company, and the stunning beauty of Hardangervidda. We were able to sample some local cider, and I even tried a cellar-brewed beer.


Experience authentic Norwegian cuisine amidst breathtaking landscapes at Vik Café & Restaurant in Eidfjord.

Before heading back to our campsite, we made a quick stop at Kirk's Bar in Rjukan. It was a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It was a great place to relax and unwind. I enjoyed a local beer while Katarzyna had a glass of wine. Zofia was happy with her juice. It was the perfect way to end our day. The bar is located at Gaustablikk Fjellresort.


Discover the charm of Kirk's Bar in Rjukan, where cozy ambiance meets an exquisite selection of drinks for an unforgettable experience.

As I sit here writing this, the stars are beginning to appear in the sky. The air is cool and crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Zofia is already asleep in her tent, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures. Tomorrow, we are planning to hike the Queen Sonja's Panoramic Hiking Trail and visit the Freimslia viewpoint. I'm looking forward to another day of exploring this incredible national park, discovering new vistas and creating lasting memories with my family. I'm also looking forward to breakfast at Halne Fjellstugu , lunch at Glacier Restaurant, Bar & Cafe and dinner at Siderhuset Ola K. I am also hoping to visit Eidfjord Gift Shop. I think I forgot to pack enough insect repellent, so I'm hoping they have some there.



Hardangervidda has truly captured our hearts. It's a place of immense beauty and tranquility, a place where we can reconnect with nature and with each other. It's a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest: a stunning view, a warm meal, and the love of family.