Hardangervidda

For the budget backpacker, Hardangervidda is a double-edged sword: the 'Right to Roam' (Allemannsretten) allows you to camp for free almost anywhere, but the gear required to survive the February sub-zero temperatures is prohibitively expensive. Currently, the vibe is intense and specialized; you won’t find the typical hostel social scene here, but rather a community of serious hikers and cross-country skiers. To save money, you must carry all your own food from budget supermarkets in Geilo or Eidfjord before entering the park, as the mountain huts (DNT cabins) charge significant premiums for supplies. The cheapest way to experience the plateau is by staying in self-serviced DNT cabins, which provide a bridge between wild camping and expensive hotels. Free activities are limited to the infinite trails and photography of the wild reindeer herds. Your daily budget will mostly go toward high-calorie food and the mandatory DNT membership, which pays for itself in just three nights of hut stays.