Crossing Hardangervidda

Your journey begins in Oslo, where you’ll meet your guide and group before boarding the regional bus toward Notodden and onward to Rjukan—a small mountain town with a big story, nestled between steep valley walls in the heart of Telemark. Upon arrival, you’ll check into the elegant and historic Rjukan Admini Hotel, your home for the night. After settling in, you’ll have time to visit the Vemork Industrial Museum, where the story of Norway’s resistance movement and the famous heavy water sabotage mission during the second world war comes to life—a powerful introduction to the region’s dramatic landscape and legacy. Dinner will be served in the hotel’s restaurant, followed by an informal evening briefing where your guide will walk you through the plan for the days ahead, making sure everyone is fully prepared for the adventure to come.

After a hearty breakfast and packing of lunch at Rjukan Admini Hotel, you'll begin your journey into the mountains by following the switchback trail beneath the historic Krossobanen cable line—a steady climb that takes you from the valley floor and up to the vast Hardangervidda plateau. As you ascend, take time to pause and admire the sweeping views of the Rjukan valley and the impressive silhouette of Gaustatoppen, one of Norway’s most iconic peaks. The trail winds through forest and open terrain, gradually revealing the expansive highlands that await. Tonight’s accommodation is the remote Helberghytta, a cozy DNT cabin steeped in history. Dinner will be prepared from the self-service provisions at the cabin—a simple and rewarding end to your first full day on the trail.

After a simple breakfast at Helberghytta, you’ll pack up and continue your journey deeper into the Hardangervidda. Today’s hike takes you across open, rolling terrain, dotted with small lakes and low mountain ridges. While the trail is technically easy, the 21 km distance makes it a full and satisfying day on your feet. The sheer scale and quiet of the plateau offers a rare sense of stillness and space. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Kalhovd Turisthytte, a welcoming staffed lodge with sweeping views over the mountain plateau. Here, you’ll be treated to a three-course dinner made from local ingredients, giving you a true taste of Hardangervidda and a well-earned end to the day.

After a relaxing breakfast at Kalhovd, you’ll lace up your boots and continue your journey across the plateau, heading east toward Mårbu. Today’s trail is gentler in elevation and follows the shoreline of Lake Mår almost the entire way—offering a peaceful, waterside hike. The cabin you’re headed to, Mårbu, takes its name from this very lake, and has long served as accommodation for hikers traveling through this quiet part of Hardangervidda. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into the warm atmosphere of the lodge and enjoy a well-earned three-course dinner, rounding off the day with local flavors and calm views over the water.

After breakfast at Mårbu and packing your lunch for the day, you’ll set off on the longest hike of the trip—a 25 km journey deeper into the Hardangervidda. The terrain remains mostly gentle, with some moderate ascents and descents. As you make your way toward Lågaros, you’ll begin to feel the true remoteness of Hardangervidda—far from roads, towns, and distractions. This is the middle of the plateau, where the silence is complete, and the sense of space is unlike anywhere else. Tonight’s stay is in the unmanned DNT cabin at Lågaros, where dinner will be prepared from the self-service provisions—or, if luck is on our side, from freshly caught mountain trout. Either way, it’s a fitting and humble end to a long day in North Europe's biggest mountain plateau.

Begin the day with a simple breakfast at Lågaros, then pack up for another long but rewarding hike across the vast plateau. Today’s stage covers 21.5 km, but the terrain is mostly flat. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by the endless openness of central Hardangervidda—a landscape shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Sandhaug Turisthytte, a staffed lodge that offers a welcome return to comfort. Here, you’ll enjoy a well-earned three-course dinner, served in a warm and social mountain atmosphere.

After breakfast at Sandhaug and preparing your packed lunch, you’ll continue westward across the plateau toward Hadlaskard, gradually leaving behind the flatter interior as the terrain begins to shift. Along the way, the landscape becomes more varied and dramatic, with mountains rising in the distance—a sure sign that you’re approaching the western edge of Hardangervidda. Most notably, you'll catch your first glimpse of Hårteigen (1600 m), one of the highest and most iconic peaks on the plateau, often called the “beacon of Hardangervidda” for its distinct shape and prominence. In the evening, you’ll settle into the remote and peaceful Hadlaskard cabin, where dinner will be prepared from the self-service supplies.

Today is a shorter hiking day, giving you a chance to slow down and savor the surroundings. After breakfast at Hadlaskard, you'll set out on the 11 km hike to Torehytten—a route that climbs a bit more than on previous days as you move deeper into the western highlands of Hardangervidda. The effort is well worth it. Torehytten is beautifully situated just 2 km from the base of Hårteigen, with a small lake nearby—perfect for a refreshing dip if the weather allows. Dinner will be made from the self-service provisions at the cabin.

After breakfast at Torehytten, you’ll begin your hike to the final cabin of the trip—Tyssevassbu. The trail today leads through varied terrain, with gentle ascents and descents, crossing crystal-clear mountain streams and passing scattered small lakes along the way. Midway through the hike, you’ll reach the highest point of the entire journey, just shy of 1500 meters above sea level, offering expansive views over the rugged western edge of Hardangervidda. By afternoon, you'll arrive at Tyssevassbu, a remote DNT cabin tucked into the rocky highlands. Here, you’ll prepare dinner using the self-service food supplies, and enjoy a quiet, well-deserved evening surrounded by pure mountain silence and the sense of nearing journey’s end.

Your final day on the trail begins with breakfast at Tyssevassbu before setting off on a truly spectacular ending to the journey. Today’s route leads you toward one of Norway’s most iconic landmarks—Trolltunga, a dramatic rock formation that juts out 750 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. From there, the trail descends to Skjeggedal, where you will be picked up and transferred you to your final accommodation: the stunning Hotel Ullensvang, located on the shores of the Hardangerfjord. In the evening, celebrate the end of your mountain adventure with a well-deserved dinner in beautiful surroundings—a perfect close to an unforgettable journey across Norway’s mountain plateau.

After a final breakfast at Hotel Ullensvang, it’s time to say goodbye to the mountains and fjords. You’ll be transported to Bergen, where your journey with us comes to an end—for now. We hope your time in Norway has left you with everlasting memories, moments of wonder, and perhaps a longing to return and explore even more of what this beautiful country has to offer. Takk for turen – until next time!