Hiking tips on the Hardangervidda: Finse to Eidfjord – 7 days on foot

Chris A. | Published: 01/07/2025 | Category: Travel tips

Turtips på Hardangervidda: Finse til Eidfjord – 7 dager til fots

Hiking tips on the Hardangervidda plateau? This is one of the most beautiful round trips you can take – a week in spectacular high mountain scenery starting from Finse and finishing in Eidfjord.

Here you will experience the full spectrum of high mountain nature: from high mountains and glaciers at Finse in the north, via open, gentle plateaus in the east, to lush and dramatic Westland nature towards Eidfjord. Accommodation is provided in DNT cabins with both serviced and self-service options – many with good food and drink available.

Facts about the trip

Length: Approximately 155 km
Duration: 7 days (recommended)
Daily stages: 7–8 hours per day
Difficulty: Challenging
Season: Summer and early fall
For whom: Experienced mountain hikers in good physical shape

Cabin accommodation (order)

You can book accommodation online at DNT cabin booking.

Krækkja (servant)
The Rauheller (servant)
Lowarousal (self-service, food pantry)
Besso (servant)
Hadlaskard (self-service)

Stage by stage

Day 1: Finse → Krækkja

The first day takes you south from Finse, over the high mountain plateau and down to the idyllic Krækkja tourist cabin.

Distanse: ca. 24 | Tid: ca. 8 timer

Day 2: Krækkja → The Rauheller (via Halne)

From Krækkja you go to Halne and take the Halnekongen across the Halnefjord. From here you follow the marked path to The Rauheller.

Distance: approx. 20 km + boat trip | Time: approx. 7 hours (plus boat time)

Day 3: The Rauheller → Lowarousal

You move eastward in classic plateau landscape with long, gentle stretches.

Distance: approx. 21 | Time: approx. 7 hours

Day 4: Lowarousal → Besso

A long and varied stage westwards. You can choose an extra night at Sandhaug if you want to split the day.

Distance: approx. 28 | Time: approx. 8-9 hours

Day 5: Besso → Hadlaskard

The terrain becomes more hilly and lush the further west you go. Hadlaskard is beautifully situated by the river Veig.

Distanse: ca. 24 | Tid: ca. 8 timer

Day 6: Summit hike to Hårteigen (1,690 m)

Hårteigen is Hardangervidda's most iconic mountain. The hike from Hadlaskard includes scrambling over snowdrifts – be careful and allow plenty of time.

Distance: approx. 20 | Time: approx. 8 hours

Day 7: Hadlaskard → Hjølmo (Eidfjord)

The last stage descends steeply towards Eidfjord. The landscape changes from plains to lush western nature with rivers and waterfalls.

Distance: approx. 18 | Time: approx. 6 hours

Tips before you go

You should be in good physical shape and used to carrying a heavy backpack over several days.
Good hiking boots that support the ankles are important.
Have your equipment thoroughly tested before setting out – the weather can change quickly.
Book accommodation well in advance, especially during the high season (July–September).
The summit hike to Hårteigen is an optional detour – consider conditions and experience before you go.