Norway's Largest National Park Is A Mountainous Gem With Stunning Waterfalls And Trails

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. 

Though some choose to enjoy the park for numerous days at a time, one specific day trip remains popular amongst those looking to chase waterfalls. Beginning in the town of Kinsarvik (which is about 2.5 hours from Bergen), visitors can explore what has been known for decades as one of the most breathtaking hiking adventures in Norway. The Husedalen hiking trail is 3.1 miles long and takes about five to six hours to complete, so be sure to pack a lunch and plenty of water. Along the way, visitors will come across four different waterfalls: Tveitafossen (338 feet tall), Nyastølfosse (377 feet tall), Nykkjesøyfossen (196 feet tall), and Søtefossen (a whopping 807 feet tall), each with its unique distinction. 

The trail is one way in and out and is classified as "challenging." However, there is also a gravel road that hikers can take to reach the first and second waterfall, with easy to medium level difficulty. The trail can be especially tricky if it has or is raining, as bits of it can be slippery and require climbing over mossy roots –– so good hiking shoes are a must. Many reviewers on All Trails also recommend bringing hiking poles since there are no ropes on the trail to steady yourself. If you decide to continue towards the more difficult part, the third and fourth waterfalls, you will continue on the red T-marked trail. Parking is free and available at the start of the hike next to the Vivippo River, and the site offers picnic benches and paid toilets. The best times of year to visit this trail are May through October, when there is little to no snow. 

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.