Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Hardangervidda Plateau, Worldwide. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Norway
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Sub-arctic tundra (1,000–1,800 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Wildlife Viewing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Sub-arctic tundra (1,000–1,800 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Hardangervidda Plateau
Topic summary
Europe's largest mountain plateau — 3,400 sq mi of tundra with hut network.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Sub-arctic tundra (1,000–1,800 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Hardangervidda Plateau trip tools
How to get there
Hardangervidda spans parts of Vestland, Telemark and Buskerud in central southern Norway. Choose a specific part of the plateau and confirm its starting point before arranging transport; no particular road approach, public transport connection or trailhead is identified here.
- Vestland
Regional orientation only: part of Hardangervidda lies in Vestland. This county name does not identify a trailhead or establish a particular approach to the plateau.
- Telemark
Regional orientation only: Hardangervidda extends into Telemark. A specific starting point and its transport access still need to be established for any outing.
- Buskerud
Regional orientation only: Buskerud contains part of the plateau. It is not a single access point; select and verify a local starting point before traveling.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Hardangervidda Plateau
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Hardangervidda Plateau
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Hardangervidda PlateauAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Hardangervidda Plateau
Planning to fish Hardangervidda Plateau, Norway? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Norway are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Hardangervidda Plateau?
- A Norway fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Norway fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Hardangervidda Plateau
Thinking about hunting Hardangervidda Plateau, Norway? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Norway are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Hardangervidda Plateau?
- Confirm the land around Hardangervidda Plateau is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Norway?
- A Norway hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A high plateau between East and West Norway
Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau in central southern Norway, extending across parts of Vestland, Telemark and Buskerud. Its defining feature is its broad highland setting: this is the largest plateau of its kind in Europe, rather than a destination centered on a single summit or valley. Along with Jotunheimen and other mountain areas, it helps separate East and West Norway. For trip planning, think of Hardangervidda as a large region within which to choose an outing, not as one trail with one entrance. A useful first decision is which part of the plateau to visit. From there, establish a specific starting point and itinerary before making transport plans; the regional name alone does not identify a usable walking route.
National park and wild reindeer
Much of Hardangervidda lies within Hardangervidda National Park, which covers about half the plateau and is the largest national park in mainland Norway. The distinction matters: the plateau and the protected park are not interchangeable boundaries. The park protects Europe's largest wild reindeer herds, making wildlife protection a central consideration rather than an incidental part of a visit. Keep any encounter quiet and distant, and avoid approaching or following animals for a closer look. When choosing an itinerary, establish whether it enters the national park and confirm applicable guidance with the managing agency. The plateau's size allows for different kinds of outdoor trips, but it does not remove the need to understand the protected landscape through which a particular outing passes.
Cold alpine conditions and glacier terrain
Hardangervidda has a cold alpine climate throughout the year. Plan clothing and equipment around that mountain environment rather than assuming that a particular calendar season guarantees mild conditions. Insulating layers, weather protection and a plan that can be adjusted to conditions are sensible foundations for an outing here. Hardangerjøkulen, one of Norway's largest glaciers, is also situated on the plateau. Its presence is an important distinction when selecting terrain: a general plateau outing should not be treated as equivalent to a glacier excursion. Choose an itinerary that matches the group's experience, and obtain specific local guidance before considering glacier travel. Hardangervidda supports outdoor recreation, but the broad destination description is not enough to establish a route's difficulty, duration or technical requirements.
Route options
- Hardangervidda Plateau
Area-level outing option, not a defined route. Choose a specific itinerary within the broad alpine plateau, accounting for its cold year-round climate. No trail alignment, endpoints or route length are established here.
- Hardangervidda National Park
Protected-area outing option, not a defined route. The park covers about half the plateau and protects major wild reindeer herds. Confirm a specific itinerary and applicable wildlife guidance before setting out.
Sample itineraries
- Hardangervidda Plateau Day Walk · 1 day
Plan a short out-and-back walk on Hardangervidda to experience its open alpine landscape. Choose the starting point and turnaround after checking local access, terrain and weather. Keep the plan conservative: the plateau has a cold climate throughout the year.
- Two Days in Hardangervidda National Park · 2 days
Allow two days to explore the protected plateau, with time to observe its landscape and look for wild reindeer from a distance. Confirm a suitable route, overnight arrangements and park guidance before departure. Treat this as a planning outline, not a verified trail itinerary.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; timing depends on local conditions
Hardangervidda remains an alpine destination with a cold year-round climate. Do not assume spring brings mild walking conditions. Confirm ground conditions and access before choosing a route.
Summer
Summer
Summer does not remove the plateau's cold-weather demands. Carry insulation and weather protection, and match the length of an outing to the forecast and current terrain conditions.
Fall
Fall
Plan for cold alpine conditions rather than relying on lowland weather. Keep routes flexible and verify local conditions before committing to an overnight journey.
Winter
Winter
A winter visit requires cold-weather preparation and a route suited to current conditions. Obtain local advice on access and the skills and equipment needed before setting out.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; timing depends on local conditions | Hardangervidda remains an alpine destination with a cold year-round climate. Do not assume spring brings mild walking conditions. Confirm ground conditions and access before choosing a route. |
| Summer | Summer | Summer does not remove the plateau's cold-weather demands. Carry insulation and weather protection, and match the length of an outing to the forecast and current terrain conditions. |
| Fall | Fall | Plan for cold alpine conditions rather than relying on lowland weather. Keep routes flexible and verify local conditions before committing to an overnight journey. |
| Winter | Winter | A winter visit requires cold-weather preparation and a route suited to current conditions. Obtain local advice on access and the skills and equipment needed before setting out. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current access rules, permit requirements and overnight-use guidance with the managing agency for Hardangervidda National Park.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Cold exposure: Hardangervidda has a cold alpine climate year-round; inadequate insulation can make even a short outing unsafe.
- Weather exposure: choose conservative objectives and carry weather protection for travel across the mountain plateau.
- Glacier terrain: Hardangerjøkulen is a major glacier on the plateau. Do not treat glacier travel as an ordinary walking extension.
What to pack for Hardangervidda Plateau
- Insulating layers
- Windproof and waterproof outer layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Emergency shelter
- First-aid kit
- Footwear suited to confirmed terrain conditions
- Food and drinking water
- Binoculars for observing reindeer without approaching
Wildlife you may see
- Wild reindeer: Hardangervidda National Park protects Europe's largest wild reindeer herds. Observe from a distance and avoid approaching or disturbing animals.
Hardangervidda Plateau FAQ
- Where is Hardangervidda?
- Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau in central southern Norway, covering parts of Vestland, Telemark and Buskerud. It forms part of the mountain divide between eastern and western Norway.
- Is the entire plateau a national park?
- No. Hardangervidda National Park protects roughly half the plateau. Check whether a planned outing lies inside the park when confirming applicable guidance.
- What makes the landscape distinctive?
- Hardangervidda is Europe's largest plateau of its kind, with a cold alpine climate. Hardangerjøkulen, one of Norway's largest glaciers, is situated here.
- Can visitors see wild reindeer?
- The national park protects Europe's largest wild reindeer herds, but sightings are not guaranteed. Give animals space and use binoculars rather than moving closer.
- Is summer reliably warm?
- No. The plateau has a cold year-round alpine climate. Bring insulation and weather protection even for summer outings, and check the local forecast before departure.
- What needs confirming before a multiday trip?
- Confirm the route, access, current terrain conditions, overnight arrangements and park rules. Build a plan around local information rather than assuming accommodation or a particular route will be available.