Hardangervidda National Park

Hardangervidda National Park covers the Hardangervidda mountain plateau in southern Norway and was designated a national park in 1981. It is one of Norway’s largest protected areas and preserves extensive highland tundra.

The area has long been used for seasonal grazing and reindeer hunting; national park status was introduced to protect the plateau environment and its wildlife in the late 20th century. Traditional Sámi and local pastoral activities continue to be part of the cultural landscape.

The park spans interior southern Norway between the Oslo and Bergen regions, with common access points from nearby mountain towns such as Eidfjord and Geilo. Terrain is high plateau and moorland at elevations generally above 1,000 metres.

• Size and designation: Established as a national park in 1981 and covering roughly 3,400 square kilometres, it protects Europe's largest mountain plateau and important wild-reindeer habitat.
• Access and activities: Accessible from towns such as Eidfjord and Geilo, with marked trails and a network of mountain huts that support summer hiking and winter ski travel.

What to See #

• Hardangervidda plateau: The broad, flat highland that gives the park its name covers extensive tundra and moorland and is crossed by marked long-distance hiking routes and winter ski tracks.
• Visitor centres and mountain lodges: Local visitor centres and mountain lodges provide route information, safety advice and accommodation for multi-day crossings; these are operated by regional services and the national hiking association.