About the route

There are two variations of the Hardangervidda National Park Route.

The first one starts by the stave church in Heddal, which is one of Norway’s major tourist attractions. From there, you take the E134 past Ørvella and on to Sauland, where you turn off onto Route 651 towards Rjukan.

The first stretch over the mountains, from Sauland towards Tuddal, runs through sparse forest and valleys, along lakes and through mountains. The colours of the countryside are really beautiful here.

On reaching Tuddal you should visit Tuddal Rural Museum, before continuing over the mountains, up towards Rjukan. The open and imposing mountain scenery along this second half of Route 651 is fantastic. You will pass Stavsro, from where you can walk up to the top of Mount Gaustatoppen or head to the unique Gaustabanen funicular in the mountain. The final section before you rejoin Route 37 is spectacular, with the narrow road winding its way down the steep mountainside.

Once you get to Rjukan there are a host of interesting sights. The town and its architecture is a sight in itself, in addition to which there are major attractions like the Krossobanen cableway and the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum at Vemork.

From Rjukan the road winds up the steep mountainside. High up above the town you may be lucky enough to see Rjukanfossen waterfall gushing with water, but even when there is not much water the gorge itself is an impressive sight. During the summer this is where the history play about Mari and Olav is performed.

The road continues into the mountains in the direction of Rauland. Amidst this majestic mountain scenery you will pass the beautiful ferry MB Fjellvåken, and soon a centre for wild reindeer will open at Skinnarbu. The journey continues through a natural reserve. After a good half hour’s driving through varied countryside you will pass Vierli Turistsenter and the cultural landscape of Austbø, before finally reaching Rauland. A visit to Rauland is a memorable experience, whether you choose to focus on its cultural heritage at Rauland Art Museum or the Rauland Academy, or prefer to get out and about in the unique countryside of the area.

In Rauland you leave Route 37, turning off onto Route 362 towards Haukeligrend. On the way out of Rauland you pass through the cultural landscape of Hadland, before fantastic views of Totak literally start flooding in through your front windscreen. This part of the route is quite simply stunning, with the narrow road clinging to the mountainside as it winds its way along the lake. You also pass interesting sights such as burial mounds, Myllarheimen and Urdbøuri.

After covering 157 km you will reach Edland, where you turn back onto the E134 before heading on to the mountains and fjords of western Norway.

The second route also starts from the impressive stave church in Heddal. From Heddal you take the E134 highway to Ørvella, where you turn off onto Route 37.

From Ørvella to Rjukan the road winds its way through a sparse pine forest, along the banks of the mighty Lake Tinnsjøen. You pass points of interest such as Tinnoset and Mæl station, as well as the memorial plaque for the sabotage action in Rudsgrend. The scenery along this part of the route is truly spectacular, with wonderful views over Lake Tinnsjøen and Mount Gaustatoppen straight ahead of you.

From Rjukan and onwards the route is the same as described for first option.

Enjoy your visit!