The park is home to Northern Europe's largest wild reindeer herd, with approximately 7,000-10,000 animals. Other notable mammals include arctic fox, wolverine, and occasional visits from brown bears. The area supports diverse bird life, including rock ptarmigan, rough-legged buzzard, and snow bunting. The park's numerous lakes and streams harbor arctic char and brown trout, making it popular for fishing. Several endangered species find refuge here, including the arctic fox, which has been subject to intensive conservation efforts. The park also serves as an important breeding ground for various migratory birds during summer months.
Despite the harsh climate, Hardangervidda supports a diverse array of plant life adapted to alpine conditions. The park features over 500 species of vascular plants, including hardy varieties like mountain avens, arctic bell-heather, and various lichens. The vegetation zones range from subalpine birch forests at lower elevations to alpine tundra at higher altitudes. Notable species include the mountain crowberry, alpine bearberry, and various sedges and grasses. The park is also home to several rare arctic-alpine plants that survived the last ice age, making it an important area for botanical research and conservation.
The park sits atop a vast mountain plateau formed during the Caledonian mountain-building period roughly 400 million years ago. The landscape was significantly shaped by the last ice age, resulting in characteristic U-shaped valleys, cirques, and numerous lakes. The bedrock consists primarily of Precambrian granite and gneiss, with some areas of phyllite and mica schist. The plateau's average elevation is around 1,200 meters above sea level, with the highest point being Sandfloegga at 1,721 meters. Glacial erosion has created numerous rock formations, moraines, and erratic blocks scattered across the landscape.
Hardangervidda has been inhabited by humans since the end of the last ice age, with archaeological evidence showing extensive reindeer hunting dating back 7,000 years. The plateau served as an important trading route between eastern and western Norway during the Viking Age and Medieval period. Traditional summer farming (seter) was practiced here for centuries, with farmers bringing livestock to graze during summer months. The area was designated as Norway's largest national park in 1981, covering 3,422 square kilometers. The region gained international attention during World War II when the Norwegian resistance successfully sabotaged the German-controlled heavy water plant at Vemork, preventing Nazi Germany from developing nuclear weapons.
The park's most distinctive features include the Vøringsfossen waterfall, with its dramatic 182-meter drop, and the historic Hardanger Mountain Plateau Trail System, which includes ancient routes used for centuries. The Hardangervidda Nature Center in Eidfjord offers excellent exhibitions about the park's nature and culture. The park contains numerous mountain lodges operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), providing accommodation for hikers. The Hardangerjøkulen glacier, though technically just outside the park boundaries, is a prominent landmark visible from many areas. The park also features numerous archaeological sites, including ancient reindeer hunting systems and stone age settlements.
Hardangervidda experiences a harsh mountain climate typical of high-altitude plateaus in Norway. Winters are long and severe, with temperatures frequently dropping below -20°C (-4°F) and snow covering the ground from October to May. Summers are brief and cool, with average temperatures ranging from 5-15°C (41-59°F), though weather conditions can change rapidly. The park receives significant precipitation throughout the year, with annual rainfall averaging 1000-1500mm. Strong winds are common across the exposed plateau, and visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes even in summer months.
Norway
60.1670°, 7.4170°
1981
3422
Hardangervidda is Norway's largest national park and Europe's largest mountain plateau. The park is home to the largest wild reindeer herds in Scandinavia and features dramatic landscapes shaped by glaciers. Its diverse ecosystem includes numerous lakes, rivers, and unique alpine flora.