National park · Norway
Hardangervidda National ParkHardangervidda nasjonalpark
Entry is free: there is no gate or ticket. For a first hike, use the Bergen line to Finse, Haugastøl or Ustaoset and walk in during July–August; May is calving season, while winter routes are for experienced skiers.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
3,422 km² (1,321 sq mi)1,321 sq mi (3,422 km²)
approximate
Established
1981
Best months
Jul–Aug
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Nordic countries ↗Decide light or dark before anything else: summer trips (June–August) and aurora trips (September–March in the Arctic) need different countries, clothes and bases.
- Nordic countries ↗Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroes sell stronger alcohol only in state shops with short hours; buy before evening and before Sundays and holidays.
- Norway ↗Norway is not in the EU but is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources.
- Norway ↗Wine and spirits are sold only at the state Vinmonopolet shops; supermarkets sell beer, and not in the evenings or on Sundays.
- Norway ↗The right to roam (allemannsretten) lets you hike and camp on most uncultivated land, keeping a distance from homes and leaving no trace.
At a glance
- Country
- Norway
- Area
- 3,422 km² (1,321 sq mi)1,321 sq mi (3,422 km²)
- Park area 3,422 km²; the wider Hardangervidda plateau is about 8,500 km² (check).
- Established
- 1981
- Best months
- Jul–Aug
- Permits
- For some areas
Hardangervidda National Park covers 3,422 km² of a high, largely treeless plateau of lakes, rivers and moorland. There is no entrance fee and no public road inside the park boundary: reach its edges from places such as Finse, Haugastøl, Geilo, Rjukan or Eidfjord, then continue on foot, skis or limited cycling routes. The plateau is important habitat for wild reindeer; sightings are never guaranteed, and animals should not be approached.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1981.
Size and age
3,422 km² (1,321 sq mi)1,321 sq mi (3,422 km²) · national park since 1981
Park area 3,422 km²; the wider Hardangervidda plateau is about 8,500 km² (check).
Why go
- Open-access mountain terrain with no park entry ticket.
- A marked network of hiking routes and mountain cabins supports day walks and multi-day trips.
- The Bergen line stops at Finse, Haugastøl and Ustaoset, useful starting points for walks.
- A chance to observe wild reindeer from a distance without disturbing them.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunGo
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepGo
- OctCaution
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanWinter storms and short days; ski touring requires experience.
- FebWinter conditions; plan for experienced ski touring.
- MarSki season; weather and snow conditions vary.
- AprSki touring is possible for experienced travellers; check conditions.
- MayReindeer calving season; snow may still cover much of the plateau.
- JunSummer walking begins, but snow can remain at higher elevations.
- JulSummer hiking season; prepare for rapid weather changes.
- AugSummer hiking season; classic routes can be busy.
- SepCooler conditions; check cabin and service availability.
- OctSnow and winter weather can arrive; check route and cabin conditions.
- NovShort days and winter conditions.
- DecWinter conditions; suitable only with appropriate experience and equipment.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild reindeerAll year · Shy; sightings are luck. Keep distance, especially in May calving season and on winter pasture. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Wetland birds (divers, scaups, dotterel, great snipe)May–Jul · Southern Norway's largest breeding populations; keep to trails near lakes. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no |
| TroutJun–Sep · Fishing needs a licence for the specific water. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Cloudberries and mushroomsAug–Sep · Picking is allowed for personal use; check local rules. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Oslo
Take the Bergen line to Finse, Haugastøl or Ustaoset, then continue on foot. Driving routes via Hønefoss and Geilo are also options.
check
Open the page →
From Bergen
Take the Bergen line to Finse, Haugastøl or Ustaoset. By car, travel via Voss and Eidfjord towards the plateau.
check
Open the page →
From Geilo
Use road 7 and local branches to reach access points, then walk into the park.
check
Open the page →
From Rjukan
Travel towards Skinnarbu by Møsvatn; a boat connection to Mogen operates seasonally.
check
Open the page →
From Norway trip plan
Plan Hardangervidda alongside Norway's rail, fjord and regional connections.
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| North: rv 7 corridor | The easiest edge of the park — Finse, Haugastøl, Ustaoset, Dyranut and Fagerheim. | Open; road and rail access, no fee. |
| East: Geilo and Uvdal | Flatter, more vegetated ground with gentler approaches and more huts. | Open; drive to trailheads and walk in. |
| South: Rjukan, Rauland and Møsvatn | Kalhovd, Mogen and the boat link across Møsvatn; the national park centre at Møsvatn. | Open; boat in summer. |
| West: Hardanger, Eidfjord and Odda | Rockier terrain, bare rock, steep drops towards the fjords and Vøringsfossen nearby. | Open; wetter and rougher than the east. |
Sketch map
- 1Finse · Ranger station≈60.601, 7.504Approximate.Map ↗
- 2Haugastøl · Ranger station≈60.510, 7.860Approximate.Map ↗
- 3Ustaoset · Ranger station≈60.490, 8.000Approximate.Map ↗
- 4Geilo · Town≈60.534, 8.206Approximate.Map ↗
- 5Dyranut · Gate≈60.380, 7.500Approximate roadside access point.Map ↗
- 6Fagerheim Fjellstugu · Sleep≈60.440, 7.786Approximate.Map ↗
- 7Hårteigen · Summit≈60.090, 7.180Approximate.Map ↗
- 8Hardangervidda National Park Centre, Møsvatn · Headquarters≈59.815, 8.307Approximate.Map ↗
- 9Rjukan · Town≈59.879, 8.594Approximate.Map ↗
Take the points offline
9 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions across the plateau, for orientation only; the park boundary is much wider than these points.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | No entrance fee. |
| Fishing licence | Free | licence | Required for fishing; price depends on the water and licence seller. |
| DNT cabin night | Free | person | Cabin charges vary; check current rates and access arrangements with DNT. |
| M/B Fjellvåken boat | Free | person | Seasonal service; check fare and timetable before travelling. |
| Trailhead parking | Free | day | Parking charges vary by location; check locally. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Fishing licence permit or guide
DNT cabin access no permit
Drone flight permit or guide
Park rules
- Motor vehicles
- There are no public roads inside the park boundary. Access the park on foot, skis or permitted routes.
- Wild reindeer
- Do not approach, follow or feed reindeer. Give animals space, especially during calving season.
- Fishing
- A licence is required for fishing in rivers and lakes; requirements vary by water.
- Cycling
- Cycling inside the park is limited to certain routes; check the current map before riding.
- Camping and fires
- Follow Norway's right-to-roam rules and local fire restrictions; use a stove where fires are not permitted.
- Drones
- Check current park rules and obtain any required permission before flying.check
Where to stay
In the park
DNT cabins (Finse, Krækkja, Mårbu, Mogen and others)
Staffed and self-service huts across the plateau; book or buy a key before you go.
In the park
Fagerheim Fjellstugu
Road-accessible lodge on rv 7 in the middle of the plateau, about 1,170 m; simple rooms and a café in season.
Near the park
Geilo
Hotels, cabins and shops; the most convenient base for the eastern edge.
Near the park
Finse
Hotel and station at 1,222 m, right on the park edge; train-only access.
Near the park
Rjukan
Town base for the southern gateways, with the Krossobanen cable car up to the plateau.
Safety
Rapid weather changes high
Poor visibility and navigation high
Winter storms and snow high
Cold exposure medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The park centre at Møsvatn and some roadside viewpoints can be reached by car; check the surface and access at each stop.
- Most routes across the plateau are rough mountain paths and are not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Keep well away from reindeer; never follow or push a herd.
- Stay on established routes where possible and avoid damaging fragile mountain vegetation.
- Carry out all rubbish and follow local fire restrictions.
- Use local gateway services and mountain cabins where practical.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Hardangervidda?
Park entry is free: there is no entrance ticket or gate. Budget separately for services such as cabin stays, fishing licences, parking or seasonal boat travel; their current prices vary, so check with the provider.
What are the best hikes in Hardangervidda?
For a first visit, choose a route from a rail gateway such as Finse, Haugastøl or Ustaoset, using the official trail map to match distance and conditions to your experience. Multi-day walks between cabins require careful planning, navigation and suitable mountain gear.
When is the best time to visit Hardangervidda?
July and August are the main summer hiking months. June can still have snow at higher elevations, while services may wind down in September. May is calving season for reindeer; winter travel is for experienced skiers with appropriate equipment.
Do I need a guide or a permit?
No entry permit is needed for walking, and a guide is not generally required. Carry navigation equipment and check route conditions. Fishing requires a licence for the particular water; cabin access arrangements vary.
Can I drive into Hardangervidda National Park?
There are no public roads inside the park boundary. Drive to an access point such as the road 7 corridor, park where permitted, and continue on foot. Road 7 crosses the wider plateau outside the park boundary.
Will I see wild reindeer?
Possibly, but sightings are not guaranteed across this large area. If you see reindeer, keep your distance and do not follow them; take extra care during calving season.
How do I get to Hardangervidda without a car?
The Bergen line serves Finse, Haugastøl and Ustaoset, which can be starting points for walks. Check train connections and your intended route before departure.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialNorwegian Environment Agency — Hardangervidda National Park
- officialNorwegian Trekking Association (DNT) — Hardangervidda
- officialUT.no — Hardangervidda trail and cabin map
- officialHardangervidda National Park Centre
- secondaryWikipedia — Hardangervidda National Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Hardangervidda, revision 5143425 (CC BY-SA 4.0)