National park at the doorstep
Hardangervidda national park
Europe's largest mountain plateau — 3,422 km² of open country, 15 km from the hotel.
Hardangervidda is a landscape of horizons: wide plateaus, thousands of small lakes and light that keeps changing all day. It became a national park in 1981 and covers 3,422 square kilometres between Telemark and the Hardanger fjord region.
From Rauland Høgfjellshotell the park boundary is roughly 15 km away, which makes day hikes simple — walk out in the morning, come back to a warm pool and dinner in the evening.
Three ways to experience the plateau
- —Short day walk: 2–4 hours from the nearest car park — easy, and good with children.
- —Full day to a DNT cabin: 5–7 hours out and back, with coffee at the cabin.
- —Multi-day traverse: pack the rucksack and use the hotel as your start and finish point.
Fishing and canoeing
With more than 5,000 lakes and tarns, trout fishing is one of the great pleasures of the plateau. Adults need the Norwegian national fishing fee plus a local permit; children under 16 fish free in fresh water. Reception can point you to the nearest waters and permit sellers.
Canoes are available in the area during summer, and the boat M/B Fjellvåken runs on Møsvatn, which is a relaxed way to reach trailheads deeper into the park.
Weather, safety and the right to roam
The plateau is exposed: sun, wind, rain and fog can follow each other within an hour. Bring wind and rain layers even on warm days, carry a map that works offline and tell someone where you are going.
The Norwegian right to roam lets you walk and camp freely in the wild, at least 150 metres from the nearest house or cabin. Take all rubbish with you and keep to trails where the ground is soft.
Key facts
- Size
- 3,422 km² — Norway's largest national park
- National park since
- 1981
- Distance from the hotel
- About 15 km
- Lakes and tarns
- More than 5,000
- Hiking season
- June–September
- Winter
- Ski touring and cross-country
- Accommodation on the plateau
- DNT cabins along marked routes
- Fishing
- National fee + local permit for adults
What to bring
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm layers, hat and gloves — even in July
- Boots suited to wet ground
- Map and compass or an offline map app
- Food and water for the whole day
- Insect repellent in early summer
Frequently asked questions
How far is Hardangervidda from the hotel?
About 15 km — Rauland Høgfjellshotell is one of the closest hotels to the plateau.
How big is the national park?
3,422 km², making it Europe's largest mountain plateau and Norway's largest national park, protected since 1981.
Do I need a guide?
Not for the marked trails. For longer or multi-day routes we recommend a DNT map or a local guide.
Can I fish on the plateau?
Yes. There are more than 5,000 lakes and tarns. A national fishing licence plus a local permit is required for adults.
When is the best season?
June to September for hiking, fishing and canoeing. In winter the plateau is used for ski touring.
Can I camp?
Yes — the Norwegian right to roam allows tenting in the wild, at least 150 m from the nearest house or cabin. Leave no trace.
Are there cabins along the trails?
Yes, DNT operates staffed and self-service cabins across the plateau; membership gives you a lower rate.
Stay at the basecamp
Rauland Høgfjellshotell is the closest mountain hotel — indoor pool, breakfast buffet and dinner at Restaurant Falkeriset after your day outside.