Nature Values
Hardangervidda is a large natural area, with a rich and varied wildlife and plant life that is unique in a European context, especially considering that Norway has an international responsibility to safeguard the wild reindeer as a species.
Wild reindeer — symbol of the plateau
Hardangervidda is home to the largest wild reindeer herd in Europe, with around 4,500 animals. Wild reindeer have lived on the plateau since the last ice age and are central to the national park's ecosystem. Every year the herd migrates across the plateau in search of grazing. Hardangervidda's wild reindeer herd is the only one in Norway that still maintains natural migration patterns. The size of the mountain plateau safeguards the possibility of migration, but human intervention and infrastructure can affect this in the short term.
Wild reindeer are highly vulnerable to disturbance, especially during the calving season from April to June. Always keep a large distance, and avoid frightening the animals.
Photo: Terje Skogland
Arctic fox — a vulnerable species
The arctic fox is critically endangered in Norway, but Hardangervidda is one of the few places where it still survives. The species is particularly vulnerable to climate change, and active conservation measures are underway to strengthen the population. If you are lucky, you may spot the arctic fox in its white winter coat against the snow, one of nature's most beautiful sights.
Photo: Roger Brendhagen
More wildlife on Hardangervidda
Golden eagle
One of Norway's large birds of prey nests on Hardangervidda. The golden eagle is at the top of the food chain and plays an important role in keeping populations of rodents and birds in balance.
Gyrfalcon
Four falcon species breed on Hardangervidda, and the gyrfalcon is the largest of them. In earlier times the gyrfalcon was captured alive and taken off the plateau for use in falconry.
Willow and rock ptarmigan
Both ptarmigan species are found on Hardangervidda and are important prey for birds of prey and predatory mammals. In winter they change to white plumage as camouflage against the snow.
Trout
The thousands of lakes and rivers on the plateau are rich in trout. Fishing for mountain trout is a popular activity and part of the plateau's cultural heritage.
Stoat and weasel
These small predatory mammals are important regulators of the rodent population on the plateau. The stoat changes to white winter plumage and is difficult to spot in the snowy landscape.
Alpine plants
Over 450 plant species have been recorded on Hardangervidda, from dwarf birch and cottongrass to rare orchids. The flowers are often small and hard to spot, but no less beautiful for it.
Cultural History
Hardangervidda has been inhabited and used by people for over 10,000 years — from Stone Age reindeer hunters to mountain farming and travel routes across the plateau. Step into the plateau's rich cultural history.
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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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