Hardangervidda Attractions
The Hardangervidda, the largest plateau in Scandinavia, with an area of some 7,500sq.km/2,900sq.mi, lies at an average altitude of between 1,200 and 1,600m (3,300 and 4,600ft), with numerous lakes and a meager covering of pasture grazed by large herds of wild reindeer. It is a barren landscape, above the tree-line, but immensely impressive in its own way.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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An area of some 3,400sq.km/1,300sq.mi is now a National Park, and other parts of the plateau are nature reserves.
This is magnificent walking country, with an extensive system of paths, usually running from one good fishing lake to another and linking the numerous mountain huts (usually overcrowded at the height of the season, between mid-July and mid-August). In the interior of the Hardangervidda there are no motor roads and no settlements of any size.
This is magnificent walking country, with an extensive system of paths, usually running from one good fishing lake to another and linking the numerous mountain huts (usually overcrowded at the height of the season, between mid-July and mid-August). In the interior of the Hardangervidda there are no motor roads and no settlements of any size.
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Vøringsfoss
The Vøringsfoss waterfalls on the Bjoreia River is a spectacular sight, dropping 183m. There are view points and popular treks in the surrounding area.
Hardangerjøkul
The best approach to the Hardangervidda is on Road 7, from Geilo to Eidfjord, which runs between the Hardangervidda proper and the Hardangerjøkul, a snowfield to the north covering an area of 120sq.km/46sq.mi (highest point 1,862m/6,109ft), the north side of which can be reached from the Bergen Railroad. Road 7 climbs from Haugastøl (alt. 990m/3,250ft) to its highest point at the Dyranut mountain hut (1,246m/4,088ft) and then runs down into the valley of the Bjoreia.
Måbødal
Beyond the turning for the Fosslihotell the grandest and most interesting section of Road 7 begins. It runs down the wild Måbødal, through tunnels, under almost vertical rock faces, and finally descends in five great hairpin bends to Måbø (alt. 250m/820ft), where it reaches the Eidfjord.
On the west the Hardangervidda falls steeply down to the Sørfjord, along the east side of which runs Road 13. The road nearest to it on the south side is the Haukeli Road.
On the west the Hardangervidda falls steeply down to the Sørfjord, along the east side of which runs Road 13. The road nearest to it on the south side is the Haukeli Road.
