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Norwegian Scenic Route
Hardangervidda

Experience Norway's 'Grand Canyon'

The Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda is one of 18 official Norwegian Scenic Routes.

It runs across Northern Europe's largest mountain plateau between the Hardangerfjord and Geilo, and boasts one of Norway’s top attractions – the Vøringsfossen waterfall, surrounded by a deep, dramatic canyon.

From breathtaking fjord landscapes and colossal waterfalls to a vast mountain plateau stretching further than the eye can see – this journey across Hardangervidda has it all.

A journey across
Hardangervidda

Would you like to explore wild, wide-open terrain on a truly massive scale? Then it's time to enjoy the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda! The route stretches 67 kilometres between Eidfjord in Hardanger in the west to Haugastøl near Geilo in the east, and takes just over an hour to complete – provided you don’t stop at any of the great attractions along the way.

The easiest way to get to Hardangervidda is by driving from Bergen for about 2.5 hours. Other options are driving from either Oslo, Stavanger or Kristiansand for about four to six hours. You can also fly to all of these cities and hire a car from the airport.

You can book plane tickets with Norwegian, Widerøe, or SAS.

Explore the beautiful Hardangerfjord region before you start (or end) your mountainous road adventure in the picturesque village of Eidfjord.

Kayak, swim, or go for a pleasant fjord cruise in this idyllic place in the innermost part of the fjord.

Spend time exploring the quiet beaches and scenic hiking trails for all levels. Then get a good meal or a night's rest at the cosy and historic Eidfjord Gjestgiveri or Vøringfoss Hotel.

Treat yourself to some delicious sweet buns (boller) at the bakery at Vik Restaurant, before you drive towards the mountain plateau.

Explore Eidfjord!

Find fun activities in the cosy village of Eidfjord.

Where to stay

Find a great place to stay in the Eidfjord area.

A rest stop with benches right by an old stone bridge.
A huge waterfall and a building on a mountain ledge
Female hiker crossing a bridge in Hardangervidda
A car driving past lakes on a mountain plateau
An architecturally built rest area with a view of a lake
A large wooden house by a lake.
Two people on bikes next to a lake

A twenty-minute drive east of the village of Eidfjord takes you to Måbødalen. Take a break at the Måbø Bridge rest area, where you can sit on one of the benches in the middle of a stunning landscape.

The stone arch bridge dates all the way back to 1910!

Continue for about 10 minutes up the steep yet scenic valley, with its unique spiral tunnels, and you’ll be rewarded with a dramatic site at your next stop: the Vøringsfossen waterfall.

Vøringsfossen is one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls, with several spectacular viewing platforms that give you a breathtaking close up to the water plunging 182 metres into the deep canyon below.

You can also stay overnight at the Fossli Hotel, which dates back to 1891 and overlooks the waterfall and which has a restaurant and a café if you fancy a meal before getting back on the road.

Note: The viewing platforms are closed during winter, and the waterfall may be partially or completely frozen at that time.

Continuing on past Vøringsfossen, you’ll soon be treated to panoramic views over the vast mountain plateau known as Hardangervidda.

This area is an absolute dream for hikers. Park and check into a cabin, then fill your backpack and set off on one of the many hiking trails.

Drive further into the mountains for about 40 minutes through extraordinary scenery, and stop at Ørteren lake to relax and take it all in.

There are two rest stops with striking designs that offer views over Ørteren lake. Both were designed to make as little impact as possible, drawing inspiration from pre-existing organic elements in the local landscape.

Follow the road east for about ten minutes until you reach Haugastøl. This is the final stop on the route — although you can just as easily start your journey here and drive west instead.

Spend the night or enjoy a meal at Haugastøl Tourist Centre, or enjoy the surrounding nature on a hike.

Haugastøl is also the starting point of the famous Rallarvegen — an 82-kilometre cycle path that runs all the way to Flåm, passing through beautiful landscapes and high mountain destinations, including Finse, Hallingskeid, and Myrdal.

The entire route is usually clear of snow and ice by early July, with the cycling season lasting until around the end of September.

Discover Hardangervidda

Make your trip even more memorable with these fun activities!

Where to stay

Find everything from cabins on the Hardangervidda plateau to historic hotels by the fjords.

People biking on built tracks in the mountains
A young girl riding a horse with an instructor

If you want to really enjoy life in the mountains, head to Geilo – a favourite among Norwegians for all things active! It's a great base for exhilarating activities like mountain biking, rafting, and climbing!

The Geilo area has plenty to offer in summer, including ziplines, climbing parks, and indoor pools. Some activities are available year-round, like horse riding on traditional Fjord horses!

Experience Geilo

Find fun activities for an action-packed holiday!

Where to stay

Find a place to rest between all the fun.

A large hanging bridge for cars

P.S. If you start the route from Haugastøl and end in Eidfjord, there’s even more to explore!

Drive west for about fifteen minutes to cross the impressive Hardanger Bridge and discover the breathtaking scenery of the Hardangerfjord, and another spectacular journey:

Nice to know before you go

Due to the high altitude and unpredictable weather, the best time of year for this drive is between April and October.

The road remains open during the winter months, but a convoy system is often in operation, and temporary closures occur. Grazing reindeer can also cause road closures in winter. Avoid this route in the winter months unless you’re experienced with driving in difficult winter conditions.

The viewing platforms and area surrounding the Vøringsfossen waterfall are closed during winter due to slippery snow and ice.

Information for cyclists: A good natural starting point is Haugastøl. Note that the road is often busy during the summer, and that weather conditions is this area can change rapidly. A number of rockslides have led to the closure of the old road, and the road down Måbødalen valley is closed to cyclists due to multiple tunnels. If you want to reach Eidfjord and continue west, you can take the bus down from the plateau.

Source: Norwegian Scenic Routes

The Hardangervidda Scenic Route

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