Hardangervidda
Ski across Hardangervidda
How about crossing the highest and largest mountain plateau in Northern Europe? Hardangervidda stretches between Oslo and Bergen, and springtime in Norway is a fine season to be out on skis. March and April bring more sun and bright nights, reasonable temperatures, and good snow.
Duration: 9 days total
Distance: Approximately 120 km on skis with pulks
Group size: 1 guide and a small team — we keep numbers low
Departure point: Oslo Central Station, with skiing from Finse
End point: Haukeliseter, then bus back to Oslo
Dates 2027: TBA — the trip runs at a similar time every year (March)
Price: NOK 16,500 per person (deposit NOK 5,000)
EXPEDITION FACTS
Expedition Details
Hardangervidda sits in southern Norway and stretches more than 100 km in every direction. The whole crossing is above the treeline — rocky terrain on the west side, where the plateau drops thousands of metres to the fjords, and flatter ground to the east. A good mix of climbs and descents, with frozen lakes, rivers and streams to cross along the way.
The distance is around 120 km over 6 full ski days. Nights are in tents, and we pull sleds the whole way. The trip works as training if you have bigger targets ahead — or simply as a trip in its own right. We focus on navigation, camp routines, equipment, and the small details that add up to safe and comfortable travel on snow. The plateau averages 1,100 metres, so the alpine climate can be demanding. Even in spring the wind can play tricks, and we prepare for everything.
Think of this as a mini Greenland crossing. It is a strenuous trip — 8 to 10 hours of skiing a day including breaks, pulling a sled of around 40 kg. You should arrive in good shape. Read our training chapter for advice, study the equipment list carefully, and if you are in doubt, get in touch. Better to ask twice than not at all. We are here to help.
This trip is part of our Polar Academy.
The Route
We recommend you arrive in Oslo early on the meeting day, so there's time to prepare and sort equipment with your guide or someone from our team — the guide may have gone up to the mountain with the gear the day before. If you choose to arrive on the morning of Day 1, you must be packed and ready. Everything you bring on the train goes in the sled, since the finish point is different from the start.
Day 0 — Meeting in Oslo. We gather at the Brynje brand store to go through equipment and food. Then it's off to the shops for anything missing.
Day 1 — Oslo to Finse by train. Morning or midday train from Oslo, just over four hours through some of the best countryside in Norway. We rent an apartment to stay the night — more room to prepare than a hotel would give us. Breakfast and dinner are served at Hotel Finse 1222, almost next door. The train stops right outside, so the gear doesn't need to go far. Final equipment check, warm dinner, ready for the morning.
Day 2 — Finse towards Kjeldebu. We leave civilisation behind and head south, with the Hardangerjøkulen glacier and the surrounding mountains in view.
Day 3 — Past Kjeldebu towards Dyranut. The first part of the day drops into the valley to Kjeldebu. After a quick lunch we climb up and over a pass. The terrain flattens after that, and if the team is moving well and the weather is with us, we can stretch the day out.
Day 4 — Past Dyranut towards Sandhaug, or further onto the plateau. A chance for a record day — what about putting more than 30 km on the counter?
Day 5 — On to Litlos. The plateau gradually gives way to more mountainous terrain. Nansen and Amundsen used to train around here before setting out for much higher goals — we are in good company. Depending on the day before, we either leave the plateau here or we've already done so, and pitch camp by Litlosvatnet.
Day 6 — Towards Hellevassbu and Haukeli. From Litlos there's a long lake to cross before the steepest climb of the trip. The views from the top are worth it.
Day 7 — Descent to Haukeliseter. The itinerary may shift day to day depending on the strength of the team and what Mother Nature has in store. We finish by dropping down towards Haukeli Fjellstue. Warm shower, hot dinner, and a real bed at Haukeliseter Fjellstue.
Day 8 — Haukeliseter to Oslo. After breakfast we pack up and catch the bus back to Oslo, arriving in the early evening. Enough time, hopefully, to make a connecting flight — or to see a bit more of Oslo if you prefer.
Note: book your flight home for late Day 8 at the earliest. The bus from Haukeli reaches Oslo around 6:30 pm.
Some years we ski the route in the opposite direction, Haukeli to Finse. In that case, read the day-by-day from the bottom up :-)
A note on the route
Due to the ongoing debate in Norway about how to protect and preserve the reindeer on Hardangervidda, our route may have to be adjusted to follow recommendations from the authorities :-)
EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING
This trip is a mini Greenland crossing. 8 to 10 hours of skiing a day including breaks, pulling a sled of around 40–45 kg. You need to arrive in good shape. Read our training chapter for advice and study the equipment list carefully. If in doubt, get in touch — better twice than never. At Finse, where we step off the train, there are no shops. Just open wilderness starting on the other side of the platform.
How to prepare physically varies from person to person and trip to trip. We provide individual training advice for each participant where needed.
As a general benchmark: you should be able to carry a 20 kg backpack for 8 hours, several days in a row. Most trips involve pulling sleds rather than carrying a pack, but the pack is an easier benchmark to relate to. Your training will likely be a mix — that's good, as it builds a broader base of strength.
A combination of cycling, jogging, gym work, hiking with a backpack, or pulling tyres is what we recommend. It isn't where you train that matters, but that you train. And if the trip involves a sled, tyre-pulling is a must. The more hours, the better.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
An experienced guide. Breakfast and dinner from the moment we leave civilisation until we are back. First night's accommodation at Finse. All general equipment: tents, stoves, pots and fuel, navigation, sleds, pulling harness (if needed), safety, security, and communications. And all the advice you can use in the build-up. Just call :-)
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Flights and accommodation before and after the trip. Train to Finse and bus from Haukeli back to Oslo are on you.
Food before and after the field portion.
Final night at Haukeliseter Fjellstue. Not included — but you're welcome to stay in the tent if you prefer, just let us know.
Personal equipment: underwear, jacket, trousers, hoods and mittens, sleeping bag and mattress, personal bags, skis and boots.
Travel and cancellation insurance.
Lunch and snacks on the plateau — make sure you bring enough.
If you have allergies or intolerances, we'll ask you to contribute so we can be sure you have enough safe food. Any unforeseen delays, weather, or route changes may also lead to extra cost.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are included from the moment we leave town until we are back. Breakfast is Børge's enriched porridge plus coffee or tea. We take many short stops during the day to eat and drink small amounts often — bring plenty of snacks for this. Dinner is Real Turmat / DryTech expedition food.
SIGNING UP / DEPOSIT / INVOICE
The Booking Form gives you a place in the queue. We then send a deposit invoice — non-refundable per our Travel Conditions. Once paid, your place on the trip is confirmed. Three months before the start, we send the final invoice with the remaining balance.