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The Hardangervidda is unique in so many ways. It’s Europe’s largest mountain plateau, consisting of 10,000 sq. Kilometre of mountain, marshland and tundra habitats. The arctic flora and fauna is most varied, and the national park can boast that it is the only place in the world where species belonging in western climate, and those thriving in an eastern inland climate can be found side by side. Bird Watching on the Hardangervidda is a lifetimes experience, some of the species show no fear of man, while others, like the Snowy Owl may be harder to find. Thousands of reindeer roam the vast expanse but we will be lucky if we see a single one.

Day 1:
After arrival we will make our way through the suburbs of Bergen and head east to follow the road that borders the Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second longest. After crossing the fjord by ferry, we will start our assent to the plateau by driving up the winding Marabou road. On arriving at our accommodation we will check in and have our evening meal. After our evening meal there will be a short excursion to Isdalen. This area is near the guesthouse and offers a selection of some of the commoner species to be found on the vidda like Blue-headed Wagtail, Northern Wheatear and Ring Ouzel.

Day 2:
After breakfast we will head straight to the Tinnhøl road that will take us out onto the vidda. The road stops at Tinnholvatnet. This large lake is home for a host of species such as Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter and Velvet Scoter. The shores are just of interest, by July Temminck's Stint should be well into their breeding season. Other waders that we could stumble upon include Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper While we are walking European Golden Plover will be calling, a magnificent sight in full summer plumage, and we will also be on the lookout for Eurasian Dotterel. For those interested in passerines, you will not be disappointed. Seeing a male Bluethroat is always a sight to remember and there are other species like Horned Lark, Lapland Bunting and Snow Bunting to study as well. The expanse of the vidda is breathtaking, and even more so if a Gyr Falcon or a Long-tailed Skua roams by. Other birds of prey include Merlin and Common Kestrel, and if Lemming numbers are good then there should be a few Rough-legged Buzzard as well. After our days birding we will drive to our mountain lodge for our evening meal, but the day is not over. Later on that evening we will return to the vidda to look for Great Snipe.

Day 3:
After breakfast we will have about an hour’s drive to Geilo on the east side of the vidda. We will start in the woods looking for such species as Hazel Hen, Black Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker and Siberian Jay, then its back to the mountains, looking for summer plumaged Black and Red-throated Diver. Some of the mountain lakes may hold Red-necked Phalarope and both Hen Harrier and Common Crane are seen regularly. From the mountains we will drop down into the valley and make our way to Hovsfjorden. This small marsh is always at its best in the spring, but it would be foolish to drive past without checking it out. From here it is a two hour drive over the goats back mountain pass before we look down on the mighty Sognefjord. After a photo stop, and believe me you will want to take a photo, then it is onwards to Voss for our overnight stay. By July it never really gets dark so, for those who feel up to it we will check an area for Pygmy Owl.

Day 4:
After an early morning start we will head for the woodlands of Voss. Here the target species will be woodpeckers with Grey-headed and White-backed being the main target species. Northern Goshawk, Capercaillie and Eurasian Ryneck can also be found in this area along with such species as Crested Tit and both Common and Parrot Crossbill.From Voss we will head back to Bergen for your evening flight back to the UK.