Hardangervidda National Park

Hardangervidda is a mountain plateau in southern Norway that spans across multiple municipalities and consists of open, windswept terrain dotted with lakes. The landscape appears sparse and treeless at the higher elevations, with a harsh climate that shapes what can grow there.

People settled on this plateau during the Stone Age and followed reindeer migration routes that passed through the area. This early connection between human settlement and animal movement shaped how the region has been used over thousands of years.

This place has long been valued by Norwegians as a destination for outdoor walking and exploration. The network of pathways and basic mountain shelters that dot the area reflect generations of people using these highlands as a place to move through nature.

The best time to visit for walking is during the warmer months when trails are most accessible and weather is more stable. Winter brings snowy conditions that appeal to skiers, but the terrain becomes harsh and requires proper preparation and experience.

This area holds Europe's largest mountain plateau and serves as a refuge for a wild reindeer population that roams here freely. These animals are rare elsewhere in Europe and remain an integral part of the plateau's natural system.

Location: Eidfjord Municipality

Location: Vinje

Location: Tinn

Location: Hol Municipality

Location: Nore og Uvdal Municipality

Location: Ullensvang Municipality

Inception: April 10, 1981

Operator: Statsforvalterne i Vestland, Vestfold og Telemark, og Oslo og Viken, og tilsynsutvalgene for Telemark, Buskerud og Hordaland

GPS coordinates: 60.13333,7.50000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01