Wild reindeer, hunting and wildlife
Rauland, with its proximity to Hardangervidda, is a destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. In autumn, you encounter a landscape full of life - both for those who hunt and those who explore.
In the countryside, the wild reindeer roam majestically over the open plains, while the king of the forest, the elk, dwells in the deep forests. Rauland is close to the most important grazing areas for wild reindeer in Europe.
Read more: This is how you take care of the wild reindeer
Wild reindeer and hunting in Vinje
The wild reindeer on Hardangervidda are one of the last large populations of wild reindeer in Europe. This region has been an important area for reindeer husbandry for many thousands of years, and both hunting and trapping have been a central part of the cultural history here.
Management of the wild reindeer on Hardangervidda is strict, and hunting is carefully regulated to ensure a sustainable population.
The aim is to keep the wild reindeer population at a level that the area can support. If the stock becomes too large, it can lead to overgrazing, which in turn can damage the vegetation and threaten the vulnerable ecosystem. By regulating the population through hunting, you help to maintain a healthy and vibrant nature where both plants and animals can thrive.
IMPORTANT! Pay particular attention if you travel in the mountains during the hunting season - read more here
Hunting times:
- Deer: 10 August to 23 December
- Wild reindeer: 20 August to 22 September
- Deer: 1 September to 23 December
- Moose: 25 September to 23 December
Vinje municipality's advice to those who use the fields in autumn is:
- Dress visibly, preferably in bright colours.
- Use the dirt roads and the marked paths.
- Use the paths/vegans near the city centre, especially on the first weekends.
- Get in touch with the hunters you meet, ask where they hunt and where you should go.
- Show consideration for each other!
Hardangervidda is the largest area in Europe where wild reindeer have space and the opportunity to roam freely.
Source: Villrein.no
Here you have the greatest chance of meeting wild reindeer
The reindeer wander in large herds across the Hardangervidda. The reindeer are shy, and keep their distance from people and areas with a lot of traffic. It takes a lot for you and a herd of reindeer to be in the same place. At the same time, you may be lucky to come across it if you travel in the edge zone of Hardangervidda.
Skinnarbu, located near Rauland, is a gateway to Hardangervidda. This area is also known for having herds of wild reindeer that pass through. The Bitdal area, located in the mountains between Rauland and Hardangervidda, can also be a place where you can spot traces of wild reindeer.
The area from Falkeriset and towards Møsvatn gives a great view of the mountain and the plain, which can make it possible to spot flocks from a distance.
Learn more?
- Visit Hardangervidda National Park Centre, with its interactive exhibition about wild reindeer
- The Norwegian Wild Reindeer Center and the Wild Reindeer Council in Norway have collected all information about wild reindeer on a website: www.villrein.no
The king of the forest thrives in Telemark
The moose is far from a rare sight in Rauland. In the gray light, there is actually a high chance that you will encounter it.
In fact, it is so present that Rauland Høgfjellshotell offers moose safari in the summer where you can join a tour in the areas where moose live the most.
In contrast to the wild reindeer, which prefer the open mountain areas, the elk stays in forested areas below the tree line. The elk is adaptable and likes best in lush forests with dense vegetation and access to water, where it finds plenty of food such as twigs, leaves and shoots.
The elk is shy and usually stays away from people, but with a little luck you can spot this impressive animal in its natural habitat in Rauland. It is most active at dusk and early in the morning, and can typically be seen in areas around Øyfjell, in the forests near Totak and in marshy areas near Raulandsfjell.
Moose hunting time: 25 September to 23 December
Read more: Hunting time in Vinje
A rich wildlife along the Hardangervidda
Rauland, like the rest of Telemark, offers a varied wildlife from mountains to forests and water, whether you are on a mountain tour or exploring the lush valleys:
Mountain fox
The endangered mountain fox thrives in high-altitude mountain areas, especially near the Hardangervidda. It is adapted to life in cold, harsh conditions with its thick coat protecting it from the cold. The mountain fox is shy and difficult to spot, but with a little luck you might come across it.
Deer
The deer has become an increasingly common sight in Rauland. It prefers lush forests and open cultural landscapes, and often stays in lower areas than the wild reindeer. The deer is most active at dusk, so there is the greatest chance of seeing it early in the morning or late in the evening in the forest areas and along pastures near Rauland.
Hare
The hare is common in both forest and mountain areas in Rauland. In winter it changes color to white to camouflage itself in the snow, while in summer it has a grey-brown coat. Hares are fast and shy, but if you are walking in the woods, especially in the early morning hours, you may spot a hare hopping quickly past.
Birds of prey
Rauland has a rich birdlife, and you can often see birds of prey such as golden eagles and mountain vultures soaring over the mountains in search of prey. The golden eagle is particularly impressive with its majestic wingspan, and it lives on the steep mountain sides and over the plains. Keep an eye out for these birds of prey while hiking in the high mountain areas.
See autumn Rauland in 360!
