Hallingskarvet National Park

Hallingskarvet National Park covers 450 square kilometers of mountain plateau in southern Norway. See the 1933-meter Folarskardnuten peak and cliffs falling 400-500 meters. Walk through valleys shaped by glaciers long ago. Watch for wild reindeer moving across the land. Look for Arctic foxes and golden eagles on rock walls. Climb the Sherpa staircase to Prestholtskarvet. Sleep at Lordehytta cabin. Join the Lordemarsjen hike or Skarverennet ski race.

Geology and Landscape

Hallingskarvet plateau dominates this national park, rising beyond 1800 meters. The name means "naked mountain" because no trees grow here. Powerful natural forces worked on these rocks for 1.5 billion years. The plateau runs 35 kilometers long and reaches 5 kilometers wide. Steep cliffs drop sharply along its southern edge. Gentler slopes extend east and west. Valley glaciers carved hollows on the northern side. Phyllite and limestone under the ground help plants grow well on the lower slopes.

Wildlife Viewing

Animals here live in Norway's high mountains. Wild reindeer herds move between areas north and south of the plateau. Wolverines live just beyond the park's northern parts. Arctic foxes find safety here, one of few groups in southern Norway. Birds of prey nest on the high rock walls. You might see golden eagles and gyrfalcons flying over ridges. Lime in the soil helps many alpine plants grow. These include small-white orchids, alpine gentians, field gentians, alpine speedwell, mountain avens, and glacier buttercups.

Hiking and Trails

You can walk through different land types here. Choose easy valley paths or harder climbs onto the plateau. Try the route using the Sherpa staircase at Prestholtseter. Nepalese builders made these 2000 stone steps in 2013. They help you climb Prestholtskaret safely to Prestholtskarvet's 1859-meter top. The yearly Lordemarsjen hike covers 23 kilometers. It goes from Raggsteindalen over Folarskardet past Lordehytta cabin at 1620 meters down to Haugastøl. Many other marked paths cross valleys and lower hills. Get maps at Geilo Tourist Information before hiking.

Winter Activities

Snow covers the park completely in winter. You can cross-country ski, snowshoe, or ski downhill. Prepared ski tracks exist on both sides of the mountains near Geilo and Ustaoset. Use normal cross-country skis on these routes. Ski across the plateau from Finse to Ustaoset following the Skarverennet race course. This April event ranks as the world's third-biggest ski race. Prestholtseter mountain farm stays open all year for winter trips. They serve meals and may have beds. Snowshoe or ski off prepared paths to explore further.

Cabins and Cultural History

People have lived near Hallingskarvet for thousands of years. Old deer traps and summer farm sites remain. Some historic cabins stand in the area. Lordehytta is the plateau's oldest cabin, built near 1880 by Irish Lord Garvagh at Folarskardet. After recent repairs, hikers use it and it works as emergency shelter. Bring your own food, gas, sleeping bag, and mat. Always clean the cabin when you leave. Philosopher Arne Næss built Tvergastein in 1937 below the cliffs. He also made Skarvereiret cabin right on the plateau top for climbers.

Mountain Farms and Local Produce

Farms south of the mountains keep old methods alive. Goats eat grass on the hillsides. Their milk makes special brown goat cheese. This cheese tastes different from cow milk cheese. Local farmers at Ostebygda make this prize-winning product. Buy it straight from cheese makers. Find it at Spar supermarket in Geilo or Matkrok'n in Geilo center. This cheese connects to the area's farming past. It gives you a real local flavor.

Getting There and Base

Geilo town is the main entry point for the park. Reach Geilo easily on the Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen. Plan Norwegian public transport using official sources. Start hikes, bike trips, or ski tours from Geilo into the park. Some mountain roads are private if you drive. Pay tolls on these routes. Geilo has places to stay like campsites, cabins, and hotels. Restaurants and shops serve visitors there. Book guided trips such as rafting or dog sledding in town.