Hardangervidda Crossing
Europe's highest plateau and wildest crossing
The Hardangervidda Crossing spans Norway’s vast mountain plateau, following ancient reindeer migration paths across a landscape that looks like another planet. The route runs east-west from Finse to Rjukan via unmarked tracks across the 1,200-meter-high plateau, passing the Hardangerjøkulen glacier and countless tarns that reflect endless sky. Navigation is critical — GPS waypoints are essential when fog rolls in, which happens without warning even in summer.
This is moderate to difficult terrain requiring high-clearance 4WD with good ground clearance for boulder fields and bog crossings. The plateau is only accessible June through September; winter brings Arctic conditions and avalanche risk. Fuel availability is scarce — carry extra jerry cans and emergency supplies including warm gear and food. The reward is witnessing Europe’s largest wild reindeer herd and experiencing the raw power of Scandinavian wilderness that shaped Viking culture.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 62 mi / 99.8 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4265 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with low-range |
| Nearest town | Finse, Norway / Rjukan, Norway |
| Land manager | Hardangervidda National Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.