Hardangervidda hiking restrictions implemented to protect wild reindeer

To protect the endangered wild reindeer population on the Hardangervidda plateau, Den Norske Turistforening (DNT) has announced significant restrictions on human activity. The organization plans to close seven mountain cabins and decommission 400 kilometers of hiking trails to minimize human disturbance in critical habitats.

While these measures have sparked debate, proponents argue that reducing human presence is essential for the reindeer's survival, as roads, cabins, and trails interfere with their living areas. This conservation effort coincides with the annual reindeer hunting season, which allows for the culling of up to 3,500 animals on the plateau through the end of September.