Hiking in Hardangervidda National Park: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Spanning 3,422 square kilometers, the Hardangervidda National Park is the largest in the whole of Norway. An endless collection of hiking routes carves through the hills and along the Hardanger plateau, which gives its name to the national park. The barren, treeless plateau is dominated by moorland, a bundle of pools, and a scattering of lakes, streams and rivers.

Tale of two sides

The plateau features wide stretches of moorland, pockets of pools, and streams and lakes. Yet its west side wildly differs from the east side. The former is dominated by rocky terrain and wetter weather, while the latter is flatter and heavily vegetated. On the plateau the prominent peak of Harteigen (1,690 meters) remains an ever-present fixture of the skyline.

Norway’s ancient mountains

The rolling hills and moorland of Hardangervidda are actually remnants of mountains that were relentlessly worn down by the pressure of glaciers during the Ice Ages. Nonetheless, Hardangervidda retains its spectacular views and enchantment. It’s the largest mountain plateau in the north of Europe, and the largest national park in Norway.

Alpine wildlife

The 8.6-million-acre park protects the wildlife that is home to Hardangervidda. The most iconic animal to inhabit the moorland is the wild reindeer, that make their yearly journey grazing across the land. Other animals here include the mountain fox and elk. While you’ll catch glimpses of the beaver wandering along the rivers of the national park.

The region receives an alpine climate, while the west side of the plateau is wetter than the east.

Norwegian.

Norwegian krone.

+47.

Visit during the warmer months between June and August for ideal hiking conditions.