Hardangervidda National Park Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Hardangervidda National Park
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Hardangervidda National Park, Norway’s vast mountain plateau, offers wild reindeer, remote hiking, glacial landscapes and scenic gateway towns.

A Plateau of Mountain, Ice and Open Sky

Hardangervidda National Park occupies a broad high plateau in southern Norway, stretching across parts of Vestland, Telemark and Buskerud. Established in 1981, it is Norway’s largest national park and protects one of Northern Europe’s most extensive high mountain landscapes. Much of the plateau lies above the tree line, where rounded mountains, stony ridges, snow patches, lakes and wide valleys create a spacious, weather-exposed environment. The terrain is less sharply alpine than the neighbouring mountains around Jotunheimen, but its scale and remoteness make it equally compelling.
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Wild Reindeer and Cultural Landscapes

Hardangervidda is particularly important for wild reindeer, whose seasonal movements have shaped the ecology and human history of the plateau. Visitors may also encounter ptarmigan and other mountain wildlife, although sightings are never guaranteed and animals should be observed from a respectful distance. Archaeological remains, old routes, fishing grounds and traces of seasonal use reveal how people have travelled through and worked this challenging landscape for centuries. The plateau remains a living cultural landscape, connected to mountain farms and settlements around its margins rather than being an empty wilderness.

Ways into the National Park

There is no single urban centre or main entrance. Visitors approach Hardangervidda from several gateways, including Eidfjord and the western fjord country, Geilo, Ustaoset and Haugastøl to the north, Rjukan and Møsvatn to the east, and Rauland and Haukelifjell towards the south. Long-distance walking routes cross the plateau, while roads around its margins provide access to trailheads, viewpoints and mountain accommodation. The contrast between accessible edge landscapes and the remote interior is central to the experience: conditions can change rapidly, and journeys require preparation, navigation and respect for a protected mountain environment.

When is the best time to visit Hardangervidda National Park?

Best: June–August · 15–18°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-240
February035
March240
April545
May1050
June (best)1555
July (best)1860
August (best)1660
September1255
October750
November345
December140

Getting to and around Hardangervidda National Park

How to get there

Hardangervidda is reached through several gateways rather than one entrance. The Bergen Railway provides rail access to northern-edge settlements including Haugastøl, Ustaoset and Geilo, while roads connect the plateau’s western side with Eidfjord and the Hardanger region. Eastern approaches include Rjukan and Møsvatn, and southern routes lead towards Rauland and Haukelifjell. Bergen and Oslo are the principal major-city transport hubs for the wider region, with regional onward travel required. Route 7 crosses the northern part of the plateau region, while other roads approach its margins; access to the interior generally continues on foot.

Transportation

A car is useful for reaching dispersed trailheads and for combining different sides of the plateau, although mountain roads can be narrow, exposed or affected by seasonal conditions. Rail travel is particularly practical for northern access, with walking routes beginning near stations and settlements along the Bergen Railway. Local buses serve some gateway communities, but public transport does not connect every trailhead or remote lodge. Hardangervidda is best explored on foot once inside the park, using marked routes where available and carrying reliable navigation equipment. Cycling and road travel are mainly suited to the surrounding roads rather than the pathless interior.

Best attractions in Hardangervidda National Park

Hardangervidda’s principal attraction is the plateau itself, a vast succession of open uplands, lakes, valleys and rounded mountains that can be explored on marked walking routes and longer hut-to-hut journeys. The western edge around Eidfjord leads towards the dramatic Måbødalen valley and Vøringsfossen, a major waterfall outside the national park boundary but closely associated with access to the plateau. Northern gateways such as Haugastøl, Ustaoset and Geilo provide routes into high mountain terrain, while the eastern side around Møsvatn and Rjukan offers different perspectives over the uplands. The interior is valued for space, silence and the possibility of seeing wild reindeer rather than for a dense concentration of built attractions. Lakes, mountain shelters, old travel routes and archaeological traces add cultural interest, while seasonal snow and changing light give the plateau a markedly different character through the year.

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Best landmarks in Hardangervidda National Park

The defining landmark of Hardangervidda is its immense elevated plateau, whose open horizons, glacial lakes and rounded summits create a landscape distinct from Norway’s sharper alpine ranges. Vøringsfossen, in the Måbødalen valley outside the national park, is one of the best-known natural attractions associated with the western approach, while the valleys descending towards Eidfjord show the dramatic contrast between high plateau and fjord country. Møsvatn and the mountain country near Rjukan form important eastern reference points, and the Bergen Railway marks the northern edge with stations that have become gateways for mountain travel. Old routes, hunting structures and trapping pits are significant cultural landmarks because they record long-standing human use of the plateau. Mountain lodges and seasonal farm landscapes around the margins further illustrate how travel, grazing and outdoor life have been organised in this high, exposed environment.

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Best restaurants in Hardangervidda National Park

There are no restaurant districts within Hardangervidda National Park, and visitors travelling into the interior must plan food around their route, packed provisions and the facilities of any mountain lodge used. Dining is concentrated in gateway settlements such as Geilo, Eidfjord, Rjukan, Rauland, Haugastøl and the wider Hardanger communities, where hotels, cafés, shops and restaurants serve travellers heading into the mountains. Regional Norwegian cooking commonly draws on lamb, dairy produce, potatoes, berries, freshwater fish and, around the fjord country, locally produced fruit. In the Hardanger area, apple-growing and cider production are important parts of the regional food identity. Mountain lodges may offer simple meals to guests under their own arrangements, but services, opening periods and booking requirements vary, so independent walkers should never assume that food can be purchased at every stage of a crossing.

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Best bars in Hardangervidda National Park

Hardangervidda itself has no conventional nightlife, and evenings in the interior are shaped by mountain weather, lodge routines, quiet trails and the changing light over the plateau. Traditional pubs, hotel bars and après-hike hospitality are more likely in gateway settlements such as Geilo, Rjukan and Eidfjord, with a modest seasonal social scene rather than a concentrated club district. Mountain lodges can provide a communal evening atmosphere for overnight walkers, although their facilities and operating periods differ. Visitors staying near the Hardanger fjords may find local restaurants and hotel bars, while larger towns outside the destination offer a broader choice of entertainment. Events and live performances should be checked locally, as availability is seasonal and cannot be assumed across this spacious rural region.

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Best nightclubs in Hardangervidda National Park

Hardangervidda itself has no conventional nightlife, and evenings in the interior are shaped by mountain weather, lodge routines, quiet trails and the changing light over the plateau. Traditional pubs, hotel bars and après-hike hospitality are more likely in gateway settlements such as Geilo, Rjukan and Eidfjord, with a modest seasonal social scene rather than a concentrated club district. Mountain lodges can provide a communal evening atmosphere for overnight walkers, although their facilities and operating periods differ. Visitors staying near the Hardanger fjords may find local restaurants and hotel bars, while larger towns outside the destination offer a broader choice of entertainment. Events and live performances should be checked locally, as availability is seasonal and cannot be assumed across this spacious rural region.

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Best shops in Hardangervidda National Park

Shopping within Hardangervidda National Park is extremely limited, with no extensive retail centre in the protected interior. Practical supplies, maps, clothing and outdoor equipment are more readily obtained in gateway towns such as Geilo, Eidfjord and Rjukan, while smaller settlements around the plateau provide a more limited range of everyday goods. The surrounding Hardanger region is known for local fruit, apple products and cider, and farm shops or producers may offer these regional goods in season. Other appropriate purchases include Norwegian woollen items, locally made handicrafts, food products and souvenirs connected with mountain culture, although availability varies by settlement and season. Travellers planning a remote walk should buy fuel, food and essential equipment before leaving the larger gateways rather than relying on incidental shopping near trailheads or mountain lodges.

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Hardangervidda National Park essentials

Currency and Payment
Norway uses the Norwegian krone, abbreviated NOK. Cards and contactless payments are widely used in towns, transport services and many established visitor businesses, but remote mountain areas should not be treated as fully cashless. Carry a suitable payment backup and some Norwegian currency when travelling towards smaller settlements, unattended facilities or mountain areas with limited connectivity. Cash machines are more likely to be found in gateway towns such as Geilo, Eidfjord and Rjukan than in the national park itself. Check arrangements with individual mountain lodges, shops and transport providers before setting out.
Safety
Hardangervidda is a demanding mountain environment where conditions can change quickly. Fog, strong wind, heavy rain, snow and low temperatures are possible outside the height of summer, while snow may remain on high routes well into the season. Paths can be uneven, wet and difficult to follow in poor visibility, and distances between facilities are substantial. Use a map and compass or dependable digital navigation, allow generous time and choose routes suited to current conditions. Give wild reindeer space, avoid disturbing animals and follow restrictions or guidance near sensitive habitats and archaeological remains.
Emergency Situations
In Norway, call 112 for police, 110 for the fire service and 113 for urgent medical assistance. Provide the emergency service with the clearest possible location, including a named trail, lake, lodge, road, railway station or map reference, and explain the nature of the problem and the number of people involved. In remote terrain, help may take time to reach you, so leaving a route plan with someone at your accommodation is sensible. Mobile coverage is variable across the plateau; do not rely on a phone alone for navigation or emergency communication.
Do's and Don'ts
Stay on established routes where appropriate, close gates, respect private land and avoid disturbing grazing animals around the plateau’s margins. Do not approach wild reindeer, feed wildlife, leave litter or remove archaeological objects, plants or stones from protected sites. Camp only where it is permitted and use existing facilities when available, taking care with fire in dry conditions. Keep noise low in remote areas and follow instructions from park authorities, land managers and mountain lodges. Norway’s outdoor access traditions carry responsibilities, particularly in fragile alpine vegetation and wetland habitats.
Local Tips
Select your base according to the section of Hardangervidda you want to explore: Geilo, Ustaoset and Haugastøl suit northern approaches, Eidfjord serves the western side, and Rjukan and Møsvatn provide eastern access. The plateau is not a single day-trip attraction, so multi-day walkers should study accommodation locations and resupply possibilities before departure. The landscape changes markedly between the snow-free summer season and the long winter period, when many routes and roads have different access arrangements. Local mountain information points and lodge staff can provide valuable current advice.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHei[hay]
GoodbyeHa det[ha deh]
YesJa[yah]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeVær så god[vair soh goh]
Thank youTakk[tahk]
Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld[oon-skuld]
How are you?Hvordan har du det?[vohr-dan har doo deh]
Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?[bra oh doo]
Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?[snah-ker doo eng-elsk]
I don't understandJeg forstår ikke[yay for-stor eek-keh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKan jeg få se menyen, takk[kahn yai foh seh meh-nyen tahk]
I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt[yay spee-ser eek-keh shut]
Cheers!Skål![skohl]
I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, takk[yay veal yair-neh bet-ah-leh tahk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjelp![yelp]
Go away!Gå vekk![goh vehk]
Call the Police!Ring politiet![ring poh-lee-tee-eh]
Call a doctor!Ring en lege![ring en leh-geh]
I'm lostJeg er tapt[yay air tahpt]
I'm illJeg er syk[yay air sook]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Jeg vil kjøpe...[yay veal shoop-eh]
I'm just lookingJeg bare ser[yay bah-reh sair]
How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?[vor mee-eh kus-teh deh]
That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt[deh air for deert]
Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?[kahn doo sen-keh pree-sen]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hva er klokka?[vah air klok-ah]
It's one o'clockKlokka er ett[klok-ah air et]
Half past (10)Halv ti[halv tee]
MorningMorgen[mohr-gen]
AfternoonEttermiddag[et-ter-mee-dahg]
EveningKveld[kvehld]
YesterdayI går[ee gohr]
TodayI dag[ee dahg]
TomorrowI morgen[ee mohr-gen]
1En[ehn]
2To[too]
3Tre[tray]
4Fire[fee-reh]
5Fem[fem]
6Seks[sehks]
7Syv[soov]
8Åtte[oht-teh]
9Ni[nee]
10Ti[tee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvor er en/et...?[vor air en/et]
What's the address?Hva er adressen?[vah air ah-dress-en]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?[kahn doo vee-seh may (poh kart-eh)]
When's the next (bus)?Når går neste (buss)?[nahr gohr nes-teh (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ....)[ehn bee-leht (teel)]

History of Hardangervidda National Park

An Ancient Mountain Plateau

Hardangervidda’s rounded uplands were shaped over immense geological timescales and later remodelled by repeated glaciations. Ice movement carved valleys, basins and countless lakes, while weathering and erosion produced the broad, elevated plateau seen today. Unlike Norway’s sharper coastal mountains, much of Hardangervidda consists of open uplands with gently contoured summits, though deeper valleys mark its edges. The retreat of the last major ice sheets left a landscape of exposed rock, thin soils and wetlands that continues to be influenced by snow, frost and seasonal meltwater.

Early Hunting and Seasonal Travel

People have used Hardangervidda since the Stone Age, following wild reindeer and exploiting the plateau’s fish, plants and natural routes. Archaeological evidence includes ancient hunting systems, trapping pits and other traces of repeated seasonal activity. Reindeer were not only a source of food and materials but also influenced the routes used to cross the mountains. These remains demonstrate that the plateau’s apparent remoteness has long been connected to human movement, with travel shaped by weather, snow conditions and the annual patterns of wildlife.

Farms, Pastures and Mountain Routes

Communities around Hardangervidda developed a mixed relationship with the uplands. Mountain farms used summer pastures, lakes supported fishing, and routes across the plateau linked settlements on the western fjords with valleys and communities to the east. Seasonal movement between lowland farms and mountain grazing areas helped shape traditions of pastoral land use. The plateau was never densely settled, but its margins contain a network of farmsteads, valleys and villages whose livelihoods were historically tied to livestock, fishing, hunting and the difficult work of crossing high ground.

Exploration and the Rise of Tourism

Improved roads, railways and mountain routes gradually made Hardangervidda more accessible to travellers. The railway between Oslo and Bergen, opened in stages during the early twentieth century, created important northern gateways at places including Haugastøl, Ustaoset and Finse, while roads around the plateau connected western and eastern valleys. Walking tourism developed alongside Norway’s wider culture of mountain travel, with marked routes and mountain lodges making longer crossings more practical. Even so, the interior retained a strong sense of distance and exposure.

Protection and Modern Conservation

Hardangervidda National Park was established in 1981 to protect the plateau’s landscapes, wildlife and cultural remains. Conservation has particular importance for the wild reindeer population, whose movements can be affected by roads, development, recreation and other barriers around the mountain region. Management therefore balances public access with the protection of habitats, archaeological sites and migration areas. Today, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities remain central to the area’s identity, but they take place within a landscape where ecological pressures and changing climate conditions require careful stewardship.

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Embark on an unforgettable journey through Hardangervidda National Park with Evendo, your all-in-one travel companion. Whether you're an adventurer, nature lover, or cultural enthusiast, Evendo is designed to enhance your experience and make your trip seamless. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, the Vøringsfossen waterfall, and the majestic Hårteigen mountain. Delve into the rich history of the park at the Hardangervidda Nature Centre, where you can learn about the region's geological and cultural heritage.

Satisfy your culinary cravings at renowned restaurants such as Fossli Hotel Restaurant, known for its panoramic views and traditional Norwegian cuisine. For a more rustic experience, try the local dishes at Dyranut Fjellstova. Evendo makes it easy to find and book the best hotels, tours, and experiences, ensuring you won't miss out on any of the park's hidden gems.

Say goodbye to the stress of trip planning with Evendo's user-friendly interface and detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location features images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, helping you plan and organize your trip effortlessly. With the 'Near Me' feature, you can easily discover what's around you, no matter where you are in the park. Download Evendo today and unlock the full potential of your Hardangervidda National Park adventure!

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