Hallingskarvet National ParkHallingskarvet National Park at a Glance
About Hallingskarvet National Park
Hallingskarvet National Park is a mountain national park in Buskerud in southern Norway, established to protect the Hallingskarvet ridge and adjoining alpine plateau. The park was designated in 2006 and covers on the order of several hundred square kilometres.
The landscape is dominated by the long Hallingskarvet ridge and an exposed plateau with steep cliffs and high peaks. Key visitor activities are hiking, multi-day treks, and ski touring on marked and unmarked routes; the highest summit in the park is Folarskardnuten at 1,933 metres. The area is also noted for populations of wild reindeer and alpine birdlife.
The park was formally created by the Norwegian authorities to conserve the mountain plateau, geological features, and reindeer grazing grounds. Its management aims to balance traditional summer grazing, outdoor recreation, and nature protection.
Geographically it sits inland in southern Norway, north of Hardangervidda and accessible from mountain towns such as Geilo; the Bergen Line railway runs nearby and provides one of the common access corridors into the high areas.
- Established: Designated in 2006 to protect a high mountain plateau and its wild reindeer habitat, the park covers roughly 450 square kilometres.
- Access: Access points for day hikes and ski tours include routes from nearby mountain communities such as Geilo and stations on the Bergen Line railway.
What to See#
- Hallingskarvet ridge: A narrow, jagged ridge forming the park’s dominant feature, running along the southern edge of the protected area and composed of steep cliffs and an alpine plateau.
- Folarskardnuten (1,933 m): The park’s highest summit at 1,933 metres, forming a focal point for hikes and panoramic views across the plateau.
Nearby Attractions to Hallingskarvet National Park
Best Time to Visit Hallingskarvet National Park
Summer and early autumn provide the most accessible conditions for hiking and sightseeing; winters are extreme and require specialist equipment.
Weather & Climate near Hallingskarvet National Park
Hallingskarvet National Park's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -14°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1267 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -13° - -7° | -18° | 126 mm | overcast | 97% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| February | Poor | -14° - -7° | -18° | 93 mm | overcast | 96% | 5.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| March | Poor | -13° - -6° | -16° | 107 mm | overcast | 95% | 5.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | -9° - -2° | -11° | 59 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.4h |
| May | Poor | -4° - 4° | -4° | 56 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.0h |
| June | Poor | 1° - 8° | 2° | 95 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 18.5h |
| July | Poor | 4° - 11° | 5° | 101 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.8h |
| August | Poor | 4° - 10° | 4° | 108 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.4h |
| September | Poor | 0° - 4° | -2° | 129 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.8 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | -4° - 0° | -7° | 140 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.9h |
| November | Poor | -9° - -4° | -13° | 127 mm | overcast | 97% | 5.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.2h |
| December | Poor | -12° - -6° | -16° | 126 mm | overcast | 98% | 5.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.5h |
How to Get to Hallingskarvet National Park
Access points are through local roads from conservancy towns like Geilo or Ål; the park is generally reached by regional driving and hiking routes. Public transport serves nearby towns, but the park itself is best accessed by car or organized hike.
Tips for Visiting Hallingskarvet National Park
- Bring binoculars for spotting reindeer and birdlife from high ridgelines - the park's plateaus are good for wildlife watching.
- Hike short sections of the ridge to sample the geology without committing to long backcountry trips; trails are well-marked but remote.
- Combine a visit with the nearby Hallingskarvet Visitor Centre to get recent trail and weather reports.