Hardangervidda National Park

Birds

Hardangervidda National Park is home to a variety of bird species adapted to its tundra, wetland, and alpine environments. Many of these birds are migratory, returning in the summer to breed in the vast wilderness.

Gyrfalcon
The largest falcon species, the gyrfalcon is a skilled hunter that preys on birds and small mammals. Its powerful flight and sharp talons make it one of the most impressive raptors in the park.

Golden Eagle
This majestic bird of prey soars over the park’s rugged terrain, searching for prey such as hares, ptarmigans, and small reindeer calves. It is one of Norway’s most iconic birds.

White-Tailed Eagle
Norway’s largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle is often spotted near lakes and rivers, where it hunts fish and waterfowl. Its massive wingspan and keen eyesight make it an awe-inspiring sight.

Rock Ptarmigan
A master of camouflage, the rock ptarmigan changes color with the seasons, blending in with the snow in winter and the tundra in summer. It is a common sight in the alpine areas of the park.

Eurasian Dotterel
A ground-nesting wader, the Eurasian dotterel is a rare and beautiful bird that breeds in Hardangervidda’s open landscapes. Its cryptic plumage helps it avoid predators.

Common Redshank
This wading bird is often found near wetlands and lakes in the park, using its long legs to probe the mud for invertebrates. Its distinctive call and bright red legs make it easy to identify.

Snow Bunting
One of the few songbirds that breed in Hardangervidda, the snow bunting thrives in the harsh alpine climate. Its striking black-and-white plumage makes it a recognizable sight in the park.

Lapland Longspur
A tundra specialist, the Lapland longspur nests in the open heathlands of Hardangervidda. It has a distinctive call and a bright breeding plumage that makes it stand out in the short Arctic summer.

Merlin
A small but powerful falcon, the merlin is an agile hunter that preys on small birds and insects. It is often seen darting through the park’s landscapes at high speed.

Eurasian Curlew
This large wader, known for its long, curved bill, is often found in the park’s wet meadows and bogs. Its haunting, melodic call is a distinctive sound of Hardangervidda’s open landscapes.

Hardangervidda National Park’s combination of vast plateaus, alpine tundra, and pristine lakes makes it a crucial habitat for both resident and migratory species, offering visitors incredible wildlife-watching opportunities.

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Hardangervidda National Park, located in Norway, is the largest national park in the country and is home to a vast and rugged landscape dominated by plateaus, glaciers, and tundra. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, particularly its large reindeer population, as well as other hardy species that have adapted to its harsh conditions.

Wild Reindeer
Hardangervidda hosts one of Europe’s largest wild reindeer populations, making it a prime location for observing these majestic animals. The reindeer migrate across the vast plateau, searching for food in the sparse tundra vegetation.

Arctic Fox
A rare and elusive predator, the Arctic fox is well adapted to the cold climate of Hardangervidda. With thick fur and the ability to change color between summer and winter, this species is a skilled hunter and scavenger, often preying on rodents and birds.

European Elk (Moose)
These massive herbivores roam the park’s lower elevations, foraging on willow, birch, and aquatic plants. They are solitary and can often be seen near lakes and rivers in the park.

Wolverine
A powerful and secretive predator, the wolverine is known for its strength and endurance. It is an opportunistic feeder that preys on smaller mammals and scavenges from carrion left by larger predators or natural deaths.

Red Fox
This adaptable carnivore is widespread in Norway and thrives in the park’s varied landscapes. It preys on small rodents, birds, and insects while also scavenging for food when necessary.

Mountain Hare
Well adapted to the cold, the mountain hare changes its coat from brown in summer to white in winter for camouflage. It is an important prey species for predators such as the Arctic fox and birds of prey.

Eurasian Otter
Thriving in the park’s rivers and lakes, the Eurasian otter is an excellent swimmer and primarily feeds on fish. It is nocturnal and elusive, making sightings a special experience for visitors.

European Badger
A nocturnal and burrowing mammal, the badger is found in the forested areas of Hardangervidda. It is an omnivore, feeding on small mammals, insects, berries, and roots.

Stoat (Ermine)
The stoat is a small but fierce predator that preys on rodents and birds. In winter, its fur turns pure white, except for the black tip of its tail, which helps it blend into the snowy environment.

Norwegian Lemming
This small rodent plays a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem as a primary food source for many predators. It experiences population booms, which can have a significant impact on the food chain in the region.

Birds

Hardangervidda National Park is home to a variety of bird species adapted to its tundra, wetland, and alpine environments. Many of these birds are migratory, returning in the summer to breed in the vast wilderness.

Gyrfalcon
The largest falcon species, the gyrfalcon is a skilled hunter that preys on birds and small mammals. Its powerful flight and sharp talons make it one of the most impressive raptors in the park.

Golden Eagle
This majestic bird of prey soars over the park’s rugged terrain, searching for prey such as hares, ptarmigans, and small reindeer calves. It is one of Norway’s most iconic birds.

White-Tailed Eagle
Norway’s largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle is often spotted near lakes and rivers, where it hunts fish and waterfowl. Its massive wingspan and keen eyesight make it an awe-inspiring sight.

Rock Ptarmigan
A master of camouflage, the rock ptarmigan changes color with the seasons, blending in with the snow in winter and the tundra in summer. It is a common sight in the alpine areas of the park.

Eurasian Dotterel
A ground-nesting wader, the Eurasian dotterel is a rare and beautiful bird that breeds in Hardangervidda’s open landscapes. Its cryptic plumage helps it avoid predators.

Common Redshank
This wading bird is often found near wetlands and lakes in the park, using its long legs to probe the mud for invertebrates. Its distinctive call and bright red legs make it easy to identify.

Snow Bunting
One of the few songbirds that breed in Hardangervidda, the snow bunting thrives in the harsh alpine climate. Its striking black-and-white plumage makes it a recognizable sight in the park.

Lapland Longspur
A tundra specialist, the Lapland longspur nests in the open heathlands of Hardangervidda. It has a distinctive call and a bright breeding plumage that makes it stand out in the short Arctic summer.

Merlin
A small but powerful falcon, the merlin is an agile hunter that preys on small birds and insects. It is often seen darting through the park’s landscapes at high speed.

Eurasian Curlew
This large wader, known for its long, curved bill, is often found in the park’s wet meadows and bogs. Its haunting, melodic call is a distinctive sound of Hardangervidda’s open landscapes.

Hardangervidda National Park’s combination of vast plateaus, alpine tundra, and pristine lakes makes it a crucial habitat for both resident and migratory species, offering visitors incredible wildlife-watching opportunities.