Bird watching IN NORWAY
Tekstboks: For Bird watchers the Hardangervidda national park needs no presentation. This is a truly unique area of Europe with its true arctic tundra and superb wildlife. Away from the beaten tracks you will find the true meaning of wilderness where the only sound are singing birds or a bubbling stream. With its 5000 sq. km. the Hardangervidda is the largest mountain plateau in northern Europe. Within the park there are several good bird watching sites. Bjoreidalen is one of these. The area has special restrictions to protect the bird life during the breeding season, so please follow these when visiting the area. Langevatnet is another good bird watching area, this is a large shallow lake with surrounding wetlands. Here you will find such species as Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck and Common Goldeneye. Away from the lakes, the wide open spaces are ideal for many birds of prey, the Common Kestrel and Merlin can usually be seen while the Gyr Falcon and Hen Harrier can be seen from time to time.  In good lemming years Rough-legged Buzzard numbers can be good, and you may even be lucky to see a Snowy or Short-eared Owl. During the summer months some of the lakes hold such species as Black-throated diver. Waders are numerous, European Golden Plovers are common while Eurasian Dotterel, Great Snipe, Temminck's Stint and Purple Sandpiper are harder to find. Ruff and Red-necked Phalaropes are another two waders to be found in suitable habitat. If you are lucky you may see Common Crane or Long-tailed Skua, both species can be found in the area but numbers are never high. As for passerines the Meadow Pipit and the Northern Wheatear are two of the commonest, other small birds to be found include Horned Lark, Bluethroat, Twite, Lapland longspur and Snow Bunting. How To Get There: Getting to the Hardangervidda is easy, all you do is follow the main Rv7 road. At Tråstølen you will find one of the best access points where you can follow the road to Trondsbu and Tinnhølen. This toll road is usually open by July, Once at Tinnhølen you will find several paths that you can follow.  A word of warning however, the area is huge and therefore it is quite easy to get lost. The weather can also change at a drop of a hat. Summer snow storms and biting cold winds are not uncommon, but that only makes it even more of an experience to remember. Click here for map

Eidfjord

Sighting any of the above three on the Hardangervidda would make any birder very happy.
Tekstboks: Interesting in seeing some of the area’s more interesting species. If you need a guide, then just send me an e-mail

Back to top
Tekstboks: N B R Tekstboks: Bird And Drive Tekstboks: Eidfjord is on the Norwegian Birding Route. Click here for more information

Accommodation