Skip to content
Voykit
Set your trip — dates, party, bagsPlanner

Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

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.

Not field-verifiedSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
Map to the park
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
Directions
From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

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
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 · 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

12-month verdict
  1. JanAvoid
  2. FebAvoid
  3. MarCaution
  4. AprCaution
  5. MayCaution
  6. JunGo
  7. JulBest
  8. AugBest
  9. SepGo
  10. OctCaution
  11. NovAvoid
  12. 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

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Hardangervidda National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wild reindeerAll year · Shy; sightings are luck. Keep distance, especially in May calving season and on winter pasture.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Wetland birds (divers, scaups, dotterel, great snipe)May–Jul · Southern Norway's largest breeding populations; keep to trails near lakes.nonononoyesyesyesnonononono
TroutJun–Sep · Fishing needs a licence for the specific water.nononononoyesyesyesyesnonono
Cloudberries and mushroomsAug–Sep · Picking is allowed for personal use; check local rules.nononononononoyesyesnonono

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

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

Zones of Hardangervidda National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
North: rv 7 corridorThe easiest edge of the park — Finse, Haugastøl, Ustaoset, Dyranut and Fagerheim.Open; road and rail access, no fee.
East: Geilo and UvdalFlatter, more vegetated ground with gentler approaches and more huts.Open; drive to trailheads and walk in.
South: Rjukan, Rauland and MøsvatnKalhovd, Mogen and the boat link across Møsvatn; the national park centre at Møsvatn.Open; boat in summer.
West: Hardanger, Eidfjord and OddaRockier terrain, bare rock, steep drops towards the fjords and Vøringsfossen nearby.Open; wetter and rougher than the east.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 9 approximate points in Hardangervidda National Park, north up123456789
Approximate positions across the plateau, for orientation only; the park boundary is much wider than these points.
  1. 1Finse · Ranger station≈60.601, 7.504Approximate.Map ↗
  2. 2Haugastøl · Ranger station≈60.510, 7.860Approximate.Map ↗
  3. 3Ustaoset · Ranger station≈60.490, 8.000Approximate.Map ↗
  4. 4Geilo · Town≈60.534, 8.206Approximate.Map ↗
  5. 5Dyranut · Gate≈60.380, 7.500Approximate roadside access point.Map ↗
  6. 6Fagerheim Fjellstugu · Sleep≈60.440, 7.786Approximate.Map ↗
  7. 7Hårteigen · Summit≈60.090, 7.180Approximate.Map ↗
  8. 8Hardangervidda National Park Centre, Møsvatn · Headquarters≈59.815, 8.307Approximate.Map ↗
  9. 9Rjukan · Town≈59.879, 8.594Approximate.Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsModeratecheckWalk from Finse towards Haugastøl or UstaosetUse the official route map to choose a suitable section and confirm distance, conditions and transport before departure.
TrailsModeratecheckRallarvegen cycling routeA well-known cycling route by the Bergen line; confirm route conditions and bike arrangements before travelling.
WildlifeEasyVariableReindeer watchingSightings are uncertain. Keep your distance, stay quiet and never follow the animals.
Boat tripsEasycheckM/B Fjellvåken across MøsvatnBoat access towards the Mogen area; departure dates and fares need checking.Booking: Seasonal service; check timetable and booking.
CultureEasycheckHardangervidda National Park CentreThe centre at Møsvatn has exhibitions about the plateau and wildlife; check current opening information before visiting.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

NOK ranges · check
Fees for Hardangervidda National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Park entryFreepersonNo entrance fee.
Fishing licenceFreelicenceRequired for fishing; price depends on the water and licence seller.
DNT cabin nightFreepersonCabin charges vary; check current rates and access arrangements with DNT.
M/B Fjellvåken boatFreepersonSeasonal service; check fare and timetable before travelling.
Trailhead parkingFreedayParking 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

No entry ticket or permit is needed for walking.

Fishing licence permit or guide

Buy a licence valid for the specific water before fishing.

DNT cabin access no permit

Cabin booking, payment, key or access code depends on the cabin; check its DNT listing before setting out.

Drone flight permit or guide

Check with the park authority before flying; permission requirements are not confirmed here.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
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

Carry warm layers and windproof, waterproof outerwear in every season; conditions can turn cold and wet quickly.

Poor visibility and navigation high

Carry a map and compass and know how to use them; do not rely on clear weather or phone coverage.

Winter storms and snow high

Choose winter routes only with suitable experience and equipment; check road, weather and route conditions.

Cold exposure medium

Plan for temperatures near or below freezing at altitude, including in spring and autumn.

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.

Related

Plan your trip to Norway

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Sources