DNT Forced to Keep Cabins and Routes Closed in the Hardangervidda Area This Winter
Several landowners on Hardangervidda have decided to deny DNT the access to waymark winter trails with branches and to transport goods across their properties. Four DNT cabins and approximately 20 routes on the Hardangervidda plateau must remain closed this winter.
Publisert: 18. februar 2026
DNTs tilbud
"We have tried to meet the landowners halfway and have been willing to adjust opening hours and reroute trails while we await the government's action plan for wild reindeer on Hardangervidda. Unfortunately, this has not led to an agreement. The consequence is that several much-loved DNT cabins must remain closed, and there are multiple routes we will not be able to waymark with tree branches this winter season," says Inger Lise Blyverket, Secretary General of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT).
Q&A Hardangervidda 2026
What does this mean for me as a hiker?
It means that certain winter routes this year will not be marked with branches, and that Kalhovd, Lågaros, Stordalsbu and Helberghytta will remain closed during the 2026 winter season. We recommend that you plan your trip to areas where services are open.
Follow UT.no and DNT's websites for updated information.
I have booked a stay at one of the cabins that must close. What do I do, and will I get my money back?
Yes, you will get your money back. You will be contacted by DNT about this.
The closure also applies to the self-service section.
Can I still hike in this area?
The Right of Public Access means you can move freely in the wilderness if you act considerately. But for safety reasons, we recommend that only experienced hikers undertake trips in mountain areas without winter marking and with closed cabins.
If you have less experience, you should consider planning your trip to another area where there are both marked trails and cabins that are open.
Out of consideration for the wild reindeer, we also encourage you to follow these tips when traveling on Hardangervidda:
Follow marked trails
Stay still if you see wild reindeer, so they can move away undisturbed
Use binoculars and keep your distance
Stay low in the terrain and move so the wind doesn't carry your scent to the animals
Keep your dog under control and follow leash regulations
How long does this apply? Is it permanent?
The changes apply initially for winter 2026. We are in dialogue with landowners and relevant committees, and are working to find good solutions for the future.
What about the other cabins on Hardangervidda? Can I visit them?
Yes, there are several cabins on Hardangervidda that are open during Easter. See UT.no and DNT.no for updated information about opening hours.
Yes, most of our cabins are open as normal. See the list of staffed cabins open this winter here and during easter here. Follow UT.no and DNT's websites for updated information.
What is DNT doing now?
We are working to find good solutions that safeguard outdoor recreation, wild reindeer and people's safety in the mountains. Therefore, we are in dialogue with landowners on Hardangervidda, local and national authorities and other professional communities to find good solutions together.
Why isn't DNT doing more for wild reindeer? Are you opposing wild reindeer measures?
DNT has implemented several measures to protect wild reindeer, and is currently implementing additional measures, in line with the Government's action plan for wild reindeer.
The measures proposed by the wild reindeer committee go much further than what has been proposed by the government, and have not been developed based on a comprehensive scientific foundation.
Changes may occur. We are continuously updating information on which cabins and routes are affected.
DNT is working continuously to gain a complete overview of all the consequences and will update UT.no and DNT.no frequently.
"Hardangervidda holds a unique place in the hearts of many outdoor enthusiasts. Many who had been looking forward to back-country skiing trips in this area will now have to cancel or make other plans," says Blyverket.
DNT's Secretary General finds it unfortunate that an established winter mountain service is being halted in this way.
"We have a long tradition of marking winter routes so that people can travel as safely as possible in the mountains. When several landowners decide to make major changes at such a short notice, they are putting people's safety in the mountains at risk."
She urges everyone planning a trip to read updated information in the trip planner UT, familiarize themselves with the changes, and, as always, follow the Norwegian Mountain Code.
Respect the wild reindeer while hiking in their natural habitat
The wild reindeer's habitats are under pressure. This is how you can pay attention if you are in a wild reindeer area.
The reason the routes will not be marked this winter season is an initiative from the Hardangervidda Wild Reindeer Committee, which has encouraged landowners on the plateau to deny DNT access. Several landowners have followed this call.
DNT and the committee disagree on how measures to protect endangered wild reindeer should be designed. DNT believes that measures must follow public plans and be designed in a way that preserves simple outdoor recreation. As part of these plans, DNT will close the cabin Torehytten, close th cabin Hadlaskard in the winter season, make the Litlos cabin self-service, limit opening hours so that cabins in areas where the wild reindeer is especially vulnerable are only open during Easter plus two weeks in winter, and reroute or close several trails on the plateau.
"The government has conducted an extensive process to develop measures that will improve conditions for wild reindeer while also preserving outdoor recreation and other interests on the plateau. We are now seeing that process completely undermined, and what is a comprehensive, balanced, and knowledge-based plan is being entirely disregarded," says Blyverket.
She points out that the landowners' refusal could, in the worst case, lead to further negative consequences for the wild reindeer.
"We are now being prevented from facilitating for back-country skiing trips in areas that are less vulnerable for wild reindeer at this time of year, and which could be part of the solution for a more reindeer-friendly approach to outdoor recreation. Large parts of the eastern plateau will be closed off, and we fear this will lead to more traffic and increased pressure in vulnerable areas on the western plateau," warns Blyverket.
Winter skiing tracks in the mountains are are staked, with temporary tree branches or poles stuck in the snow or with permanent rods driven into the ground, often marked with red bands.
