If there’s one place in this world that outdoor lovers should add to their adventure bucket list, it’s Norway. Known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” this stunning country is known as one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, breathtaking fjords, lakes, waterfalls, mountain peaks, and emerald-green forests. Not to mention, it’s a great place to learn about early civilizations. It’s also home to Hardangervidda National Park — Norway’s largest and one of its most stunning national parks. Spanning across Hordaland, Viken, and Telemark, this mass of land covers more than 1,300 square miles — offering visitors plenty of wide open spaces for exploration. The area also serves as a protective park, making it one of the best European national parks to spot real-life reindeer roaming, as well as arctic fox, Snowy Owls, Moose, Beaver, and many different types of arctic flora.
The area is known not only as a haven for plants and animals but also for those looking to explore Norway and its expansive nature at its finest. Hardangervidda also offers fantastic hiking opportunities. Keep in mind that certain times of the year are best for avid hikers in Norway, so plan your trip accordingly. The park is a popular tourist destination, and its trails (for both hiking and cross-country skiing) are well marked for those looking to enjoy a day trip or a few days exploring the outdoors. While hiking trails can be reached from different parts of the park, some of the most popular routes are in the Husedalen Valley. Backcountry huts or cabins are available for spending the night (some with more amenities than others). Norway also allows visitors to cowboy camp — meaning you can pitch a tent wherever you see fit along your journey. No matter what your preference, Hardangervidda National Park has something for every adventurer.
Exploring the stunning Husedalen Trail
Getting to Hardangervidda
The best thing about this hike is that it’s accessible by public transit. Visitors coming from either Bergen or Oslo can take the Bergen Railroad to Voss station, which is the nearest terminal to Kinsarvik. From Voss, you can take the 990 bus towards Odda, which drops passengers in Kinsarvik in about an hour and a half. From here, visitors need to walk a few miles or catch a cab to the trailhead to begin the hike. Drivers can take the E16 highway east from Bergen to Kvanndal and then board a car ferry to Kinsarvik, which takes on average about 45 minutes.
Since the Husedalen hiking trail is not the only one available in the park, there are a few things visitors need to be aware of should they decide to trek through the area. First, maps of Hardangervidda with distances are given in time, not kilometers. So, depending on how quickly you walk will determine how much time a hike will actually take you. Be sure to bring enough food for whichever journey you decide to trek. While there are places to buy provisions dotted throughout, it is not guaranteed that they will be operational. If you decide to embark on a multi-day hike, make sure you bring the proper clothing, battery packs, a water filtration system, and a first aid kit. Although it is a national park, Hardangervidda is still in the backcountry. If you decide to trek far, you will most likely be beyond an area where you can find proper help for a few days. Even if you decide to take a short day hike through Hardangervidda or trek through the miles of open nature, it’s always best to be prepared for anything.
