Exhibitions & activities
Experience the nature of Hardangervidda through an award-winning interactive exhibition, guided tours and unique nature experiences at the centre in Skinnarbu.
The Reindeer Exhibition
Hardangervidda National Park Centre has one of Norway's most award-winning nature exhibitions. 600 m² with 22 interactive installations across seven sections takes you on a journey through the wild reindeer's biology, millennia-old migration routes and humanity's 10,000-year presence on the plateau. The exhibition is available in 12 languages and is open to all visitors.
The seven sections
First encounter
A sensory entrance into the world of the wild reindeer. Here you get an immediate and close encounter with the animals that have shaped Hardangervidda since the Ice Age — through sound, image and movement.
The wild reindeer's biology
A deep dive into the wild reindeer's biology, global distribution and the various Norwegian wild reindeer herds. Learn about the physical and behavioural adaptations that make the wild reindeer a masterpiece of evolution.
Historical section
The origin of the wild reindeer, millennia-old migration routes and humanity's relationship with the animal over more than 10,000 years. A recreated cave displays original artefacts made from reindeer bone more than 17,000 years ago — found in France.
Cinema
Take a seat in the centre's own cinema and watch short films about the wildlife in the national park — produced by the renowned Norwegian nature filmmaker Arne Nævra. A calm and immersive experience in the middle of the exhibition.
Threats and challenges
The challenges facing the wild reindeer on Hardangervidda today: loss of habitat, human disturbance and climate change. Hardangervidda has "red status" in Norway's quality system for wild reindeer areas — the worst possible result.
Management and research
How is the wild reindeer on Hardangervidda managed? This section shows the work done by researchers, managers and nature wardens — including GPS tagging, calf counting and population monitoring.
Reflection
An interactive conclusion where you, as a visitor, are invited to reflect on the future of the wild reindeer and Hardangervidda — and your own role as a nature guest on one of Europe's most vulnerable high-mountain plateaus.
New Falcon Exhibition
The gyrfalcon is one of Norway's most fascinating and rare birds of prey — and Hardangervidda is one of the few places in the country where it still breeds. The new falcon exhibition at the national park centre takes you into the world of the gyrfalcon: its biology, behaviour, historical role in Norwegian nature and culture, and the ongoing conservation efforts to secure the species for the future.
The exhibition's themes
The gyrfalcon's biology
The gyrfalcon is the world's largest falcon species and a master of the air. With dives of over 180 km/h, it is one of the fastest birds in the world. The exhibition shows anatomy, flight characteristics and hunting methods through interactive models and film.
The falcon on Hardangervidda
Hardangervidda has been a breeding ground for the gyrfalcon for generations. The steep rock faces and rich birdlife — particularly ptarmigan — provide ideal conditions. The exhibition documents known breeding sites and shows the monitoring work done to follow the population.
Falconry — a living cultural heritage
Falconry is one of the world's oldest forms of cooperation between humans and animals, and is today on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. In medieval Norway, the gyrfalcon from Norwegian mountains was coveted by kings and nobility across Europe. The exhibition highlights this fascinating history.
Threats and conservation
The gyrfalcon population in Norway was severely reduced in the 1900s due to egg and chick theft, hunting and the use of pesticides. Today the species is vulnerable and strictly protected. The exhibition shows the conservation measures that have been initiated — including artificial nesting boxes and monitoring with remote cameras.
The falcon in Norwegian nature and culture
From the Viking Age to today, the falcon has held a special place in Norwegian nature and cultural history. The falcon is mentioned in sagas, used as a royal gift and depicted in works of art. This part of the exhibition explores the falcon's symbolic power and place in our collective consciousness.
In addition to the exhibitions
VR experience
Put on the VR goggles and join an immersive virtual journey across Hardangervidda. You will rarely get closer to the wild reindeer without disturbing them.
Nature laboratory
A fully equipped nature laboratory is available for school classes and groups who want to explore scientific topics from Hardangervidda up close.
Senior/Student: NOK 140
Child: NOK 75
E: post@hardangervidda.com
Shop & café
The visit doesn't end at the exhibition exit. In the museum shop you'll find a carefully selected range, and in the café you can enjoy local food with a panoramic view over Møsvatn.
Take a memento home
In the museum shop you'll find a carefully selected range inspired by outdoor life and Hardangervidda National Park. Books on nature and cultural history, reindeer hides, crafts, toys and souvenirs sit side by side.
Take a memento home — or pick up a practical addition to your outdoor gear.
Local flavours with a panoramic view
The centre's café serves lunch dishes based on local ingredients — an intriguing blend of cultural history and contemporary food culture. Try, for example, a reindeer patty sandwich with lingonberries, or pizza with dried reindeer meat.
And if you have a sweet tooth, the traditional waffles and other little treats are waiting.
Activities
Hardangervidda National Park Centre is not just a place to see — it is a place to experience. We offer a varied programme of activities for individual visitors, families, school classes and groups throughout the season. From guided tours on the Oldemorstien trail to nature interpretation and nature storytelling.
Guided exhibition tour
Join a guided tour through the centre's award-winning exhibition. A local guide takes you through all seven sections and shares knowledge and stories you won't find in the text. Perfect for school classes, families and groups who want more than self-study.
Duration: approx. 1 hour · Suitable for all ages
Guided tour on the Oldemorstien trail
The Oldemorstien is a short, child-friendly loop of 2.5 km right next to the centre, with great views over Møsvatn. The trail is gravelled and paved and starts from the car park at the national park centre. We offer guided tours along the trail where you learn about the nature, vegetation and wildlife of the area. The trail is also available with an audio guide in ten languages — ask at reception.
Season: May–October · Approx. 1 hour · Suitable for everyone, including children
Tours in the local nature
Experience Hardangervidda with a local guide. We arrange tours for groups focusing on nature, wildlife and cultural history. The guides share knowledge about the unique life on the plateau and bring you close to the details of nature around Skinnarbu.
Throughout the season · For groups and families
Nature interpretation for schools
We offer tailored nature interpretation programmes for school classes — either at the centre or at the school. The programmes combine academic knowledge with practical activities and make active use of the centre's nature laboratory and exhibition.
Years 1–10 and upper secondary · Aligned with the curriculum · Topics: Wild reindeer, mountain nature, sustainability, leave no trace
Nature storytelling
Vivid storytelling about the wild reindeer and human life on Hardangervidda through the ages. Nature storytellers bring the stories to life — from Stone Age hunters and summer-farm folk to today's management challenges.
Arranged by appointment · For groups and families
Seasonal events
Throughout the season we host theme evenings, open lectures and special events related to the natural life of Hardangervidda. Follow the news page for upcoming events and updates from the centre.
Book an activity
Would you like to book a guided tour, nature interpretation for your school or group, or a wild reindeer safari? Get in touch and we'll find a programme that suits you.
+47 970 74 300
Emailpost@hardangervidda.com
Back to the visitor centre
See opening hours, ticket prices and practical information about Hardangervidda National Park Centre at Skinnarbu.
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Contact us
Visitor Centre Hardangervidda national park
E: post@hardangervidda.com
T: +47 970 74 300
Møsvannveien 1149, 3660 Rjukan
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