Telemark

A day out in the hills by myself on the eastern edge of Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau, with good views to the south, dominated by Telemark’s highest mountain, the quartzite ridgeback of Gaustatoppen (pictured), reminiscent of a volcano from many aspects.

A very steep ascent leads to the plateau, and I’m glad for a breather and a drink on the first summit I reach. The weather is beautiful, but it’s hot. The ground is drier than I’ve ever seen in Norway, with many mires tinder dry, and easily passable on foot.

The rocks I’ve come to see are spectacular, with the biggest mica crystals I’ve seen in the field. Impressive, with an impossible-to-photograph lustre.