Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Hardangervidda Crossing, Norway. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Norway
- Biome
- Norwegian tundra (1,100–1,700 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Wildlife Viewing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Norwegian tundra (1,100–1,700 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Hardangervidda Crossing
Topic summary
A 4-6 day crossing of Europe's largest high mountain plateau — reindeer herds and endless tundra.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Norwegian tundra (1,100–1,700 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 Crossing trip tools
How to get there
Hardangervidda lies in central southern Norway across parts of Vestland, Telemark, and Buskerud. Choose and verify specific start and finish locations before arranging transport; no road approach, public transport connection, or trailhead is specified here.
- Vestland
Contains part of Hardangervidda. This is a regional orientation point, not a verified trailhead or entry route; a specific access location still needs to be established.
- Telemark
Contains part of the plateau. Its inclusion identifies the broad destination area but does not establish a starting point or transport connection.
- Buskerud
Contains part of Hardangervidda. Confirm a precise entry or exit location rather than treating the county name as an access point.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Hardangervidda Crossing
- 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 Crossing
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 CrossingAmazon 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 Crossing
Planning to fish Hardangervidda Crossing, 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 Crossing?
- 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 Crossing
Thinking about hunting Hardangervidda Crossing, 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 Crossing?
- Confirm the land around Hardangervidda Crossing 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 crossing of Norway’s high plateau
Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau in central southern Norway, extending across parts of Vestland, Telemark, and Buskerud. Also called the Hardanger Plateau, it is the largest plateau of its kind in Europe. Its scale is the defining consideration for a crossing: choosing a destination on the plateau is not the same as choosing a workable start, finish, and daily itinerary. Treat Hardangervidda Crossing as a trip concept rather than a single established route with a fixed distance or difficulty. Before committing, establish the precise line of travel, how each end will be reached, and whether the plan suits the group’s experience. The regional description alone does not establish trail conditions, navigation demands, or available support.
Cold alpine conditions shape the plan
Hardangervidda has a cold, year-round alpine climate. That matters more for preparation than its popularity as an outdoor destination: a trip here should be planned around cold conditions rather than assumptions about comfortable temperatures. Carry clothing that retains warmth, protection from wind and precipitation, and a way to keep essential equipment dry. Match shelter and sleeping equipment to the conditions expected during the actual travel period, and check current weather before setting out. No particular month can be treated here as a guaranteed easy crossing season. Build flexibility into the itinerary rather than relying on an uninterrupted schedule. Hardangerjøkulen, one of Norway’s largest glaciers, is also situated on the plateau; its presence does not make glacier travel part of a standard crossing.
Protected landscape, route-specific decisions
Much of Hardangervidda is protected within Hardangervidda National Park, but the plateau and the park should not be treated as interchangeable boundaries. Establish where a proposed itinerary runs before checking the rules that apply to it. Confirm current access requirements and protected-area guidance with the managing agency before departure. The plateau supports outdoor recreation, but that broad description does not establish the suitability of any particular crossing for a given group. Choose daily stages only after checking detailed mapping, current conditions, and the practical arrangements for the trip. Plan food, water, navigation, and emergency equipment around the chosen itinerary rather than assuming services will be available. A useful plan needs verified access and exit arrangements, not just the name of the plateau.
Route options
- Hardangervidda Crossing
A crossing of the mountain plateau is the overall trip concept. No specific alignment, endpoints, stage sequence, or established itinerary is identified here; these must be verified before the trip can be assessed.
- Hardangervidda National Park
The protected portion of the plateau provides a geographic scope for itinerary planning, not a separately documented route. Verify park boundaries, a specific line of travel, and applicable guidance before choosing an outing within it.
Sample itineraries
- Hardangervidda preparation day · 1 day
Use a day to assess conditions and check equipment before committing to a crossing. Keep any outing short enough to return comfortably. Confirm a suitable starting point and route locally; this is a preparation plan, not a documented crossing itinerary.
- Hardangervidda overnight introduction · 2 days
Plan a short overnight journey on the plateau rather than assuming two days will cover a full crossing. Choose the route and overnight arrangements only after checking current conditions, access and local guidance. Carry equipment suited to a cold alpine environment.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; timing depends on current conditions
The plateau has a cold year-round alpine climate. Do not assume spring brings mild walking conditions. Confirm surface conditions and overnight temperatures before choosing a route.
Summer
Summer; no fixed crossing window established
Summer does not remove the need for cold-weather preparation on this alpine plateau. Pack insulating layers and weather protection, and check conditions before committing to an extended crossing.
Fall
Fall; timing depends on current conditions
Plan conservatively in this cold alpine setting. Check weather and available daylight when setting daily goals, and retain enough flexibility to shorten the journey.
Winter
Winter; assess conditions before travel
Treat a winter crossing as a cold-environment undertaking, not an extension of a summer walking plan. Match equipment, navigation skills and overnight protection to the actual conditions.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; timing depends on current conditions | The plateau has a cold year-round alpine climate. Do not assume spring brings mild walking conditions. Confirm surface conditions and overnight temperatures before choosing a route. |
| Summer | Summer; no fixed crossing window established | Summer does not remove the need for cold-weather preparation on this alpine plateau. Pack insulating layers and weather protection, and check conditions before committing to an extended crossing. |
| Fall | Fall; timing depends on current conditions | Plan conservatively in this cold alpine setting. Check weather and available daylight when setting daily goals, and retain enough flexibility to shorten the journey. |
| Winter | Winter; assess conditions before travel | Treat a winter crossing as a cold-environment undertaking, not an extension of a summer walking plan. Match equipment, navigation skills and overnight protection to the actual conditions. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current access rules, permit requirements and overnight arrangements with the managing agency for the areas your crossing enters.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Cold exposure: Hardangervidda has a cold year-round alpine climate. Carry insulation and protection from wet weather.
- Navigation errors: a journey across this extensive plateau needs a checked route, reliable navigation tools and a fallback plan.
- Glacier terrain: Hardangerjøkulen is on the plateau. Do not treat glacier travel as ordinary walking; seek specialist guidance if a proposed route enters it.
- Overambitious planning: the plateau's size does not establish a crossing distance or duration. Verify the specific route before setting daily targets.
What to pack for Hardangervidda Crossing
- Insulating layers
- Waterproof outer layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Spare dry clothing
- Detailed map for the chosen route
- Compass and the skills to use it
- Backup navigation power
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Sleeping system suited to expected temperatures
- Shelter appropriate to the planned overnight arrangements
- Food with a contingency allowance
- Water containers and treatment method
Hardangervidda Crossing FAQ
- Where is Hardangervidda?
- Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau in central southern Norway, covering parts of Vestland, Telemark and Buskerud counties.
- How long does a full crossing take?
- There is no single duration established here. Choose and verify a specific route before estimating days. The suggested short plans are preparation options, not complete plateau crossings.
- Is the whole plateau a national park?
- Much of the plateau is protected as Hardangervidda National Park, but the plateau and national park should not be treated as identical areas. Check which protected areas your chosen route enters.
- Does a crossing require glacier travel?
- Hardangerjøkulen, one of Norway's largest glaciers, is situated on the plateau. Its presence does not establish that a crossing enters glacier terrain. Check the exact route and obtain specialist advice before any glacier travel.
- Can summer conditions still be cold?
- Yes. Hardangervidda has a cold year-round alpine climate. Bring insulation and weather protection even for a summer trip.
- What should be confirmed before departure?
- Confirm the route, access points, overnight arrangements, applicable rules and current conditions. Do not commit to a full crossing based only on a general description of the plateau.