The best hiking routes in Hardangervidda nasjonalpark

Hardangervidda nasjonalpark is a vast mountain plateau that lacks the sharp peaks and deep, narrow gorges found in other parts of western Norway. Instead, the landscape is characterized by wide, gently rolling expanses of alpine tundra, shallow lakes, and low ridges. The western side of the park features more rugged, undulating terrain where the plateau meets the fjords, while the eastern portion is flatter and more uniform. The bedrock is largely covered by thin glacial deposits, leaving vast stretches of dwarf birch, willow shrubs, and lichen exposed to the elements.

Underfoot, walkers will encounter a mix of terrain types depending on their chosen route. The eastern plains are dominated by dry, sandy soils and gravelly ridges left by retreating glaciers, which make for relatively straightforward walking. In contrast, the western and central sections contain extensive peat bogs, wet mires, and numerous stream crossings where the ground is soft and spongy. While some of the main routes have wooden boardwalks over the wettest peat, many paths require navigating directly through mud, wet moss, and loose stones.

Navigation relies on the stone cairns marked with red Ts, which are spaced out across the open ground. Because there are no trees to block the view, route-finding is highly dependent on visibility, and the lack of distinct landmarks on the flatter eastern plateau can make orientation challenging when low clouds descend. In July and August, the snow has generally melted from the main trails, though large snow patches remain year-round on the higher northern slopes near the Hardangerjøkulen glacier.