Trondsbu - Stigstuv

Track types

Tips and hints

This is a hike in the Norwegian high mountains. What you need to know before hiking in the Hardangervidda:

In Hardangervidda you are in the wilderness. There are no shops, doctors, restaurants, ATMs, or telephones. You can be several days hiking from the nearest road. 

You can buy provisions and stay overnight at the lodges operated by the Norwegian Trekking Association. You can pay by leaving a cash payment, or by filling out a payment form. In the staffed lodges you can pay by debit or credit card. 

Hiking is possible when Hardangervidda is free of snow, normally in July and August. Winter can come quickly and without mercy, even early in September.

Do not put yourself and others at risk by hiking outside the season, or by not being properly prepared and equipped. Every year there are tourists who are rescued by local volunteers.

Bring warm water and wind proof clothing. The weather in the high mountains is different from the weather down by the fjords. Be prepared for low temperatures, also in the summer. Weather can change rapidly and unpredictably. It can be good weather down by the fjord, but be foggy and cold in the mountains.

Always have a topographical map (in at least scale 1:100.000) and compass (and even a GPS). In Norway, even if a trail is marked, it can be difficult to see, and a map and compass enables you to orientate. Be especially aware of fog in the Hardangervidda, which is not a problem in the lower areas.

Buy hiking maps at the local tourist offices, or order a map online. You can also print your own topographical map (for free) in scale 1:25.000 or 1:50.000 by using an online map tool. The quality of hiking maps for sale is much better, as the paper quality is weather proof. The maps for sale contain more relevant information about marked trails, estimated time for the marked trails, mountain lodges etc.  

If you travel on a low budget and do not want to spend money on appropriate clothing and map and compass, it is best to do day hikes.

Distances in the wilderness are given in time, NOT kilometers. Norwegian standard walking time is a fast pace. You will find this information given in hours in hiking descriptions and in hiking maps. You need to add time to the standard walking time, and also add time for breaks. Which means that a 6 hour hike is really a full day's hike. An 8 hour hike is a long day’s hike. Be aware of height differences; 4 km in even landscape is very different from 4 km with an ascent of 1,000 meters! Downhill is just as demanding as uphill, especially if you carry a heavy backpack.

If you plan to hike several days in the Hardangervidda, you need to be physically fit.

You have no access to electricity in the mountains; bring enough batteries. You use more power in cold weather.

A lot of places in the mountains you do NOT have mobile coverage, and NO access to internet. If something happens, you will most likely not be able to phone for help. It can be several days hiking to the nearest road.

As a rule you can drink the water in the Hardangervidda, but there is no guarantee that it is safe. Be especially aware of the water in areas where many people hike (like the trail to Trolltunga), and in smaller ponds.

Bring all your waste out of the mountains.

Nature in the high mountains is extremely vulnerable. Do not disturb animals and birds, do not destroy vegetation.

From April 15th to September 15th making fire near or in woodlands is prohibited.

If you fish in lakes, streams and rivers you need a permit from the land owner. Buy fishing permits online at inatur.no or at the lodges in the Hardangervidda, or at the local tourist offices.

Note

Getting there

Parking

Coordinates

Book recommendations for this region: