The best hiking routes in Møsvatn Austfjell landskapsvernområde

Møsvatn Austfjell landskapsvernområde offers a transition between the forested valleys of Telemark and the high mountain plateau of Hardangervidda. This protected landscape is characterized by gently rolling mountain terrain, dominated by vast birch forests, open bogs, and low-lying alpine ridges rather than jagged peaks or deep gorges. Walkers will find a terrain shaped by glacial deposits, where moraine ridges rise gently above wet peatlands and shallow lakes, creating a undulating pattern of dry and wet ground.

Underfoot, the walking conditions depend heavily on the specific path chosen. The lower elevations feature soft peat and damp mosses where boots are necessary, though some of the more established routes utilize wooden boardwalks over the wettest mires. As you ascend onto the drier ridges, the ground changes to firm gravel, dwarf birch scrub, and exposed bedrock. Unlike the rugged trails of the high peaks further north, the gradients here are mostly moderate, making it suitable for those who prefer steady, rolling climbs over steep scrambles.

In early autumn, typically around September, the dwarf shrubs and birch foliage turn a deep red and yellow, contrasting sharply with the grey lichen-covered rocks. The area is generally quieter than the neighboring national park, though the trailheads near the main road can see regular foot traffic. Choosing a route here means committing to a landscape of subtle variations, where the interest lies in the shifting vegetation zones and the quiet transition from forest to tundra.