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.
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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.
A twenty-minute drive east of the village of Eidfjord takes you to Måbødalen. Drive carefully up this 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.
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!
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: