The Hardangervidda plateau enjoys an alpine climate – why is this unusual at this latitude? What are the features of an alpine climate? What impact does it have on local ecosystems? How does the weather here compare to that in the nearby Folgefonna National Park?

Examine the impacts of climate change on the glaciers of Folgefonna National Park – does this support the established theory of global warming?

The remote Hardangervidda National Park is home to numerous arctic animals and plants despite its relatively southern position. Follow the quest for food and survival and how animals rear their young at the Hardangervidda Nature Centre.

Your accommodation in Kinsarvik is ideally located for studying fjord coastal processes and erosion. Combine your visit to Hardangerfjord with some time in the coastal city of Bergen to compare the features of an ocean-facing coastline with those deep inside the fjord.

Follow the trail upstream through the Husedalen valley to see the power of the wild Kinso River. Look for evidence of vertical erosion processes – the fast-flowing river provides great examples of hydraulic action and attrition, whilst the four spectacular and powerful waterfalls have created steep gorges.

The entire Hardangerfjord area is an outdoor classroom showcasing glacial processes, deposition and erosion – take a canoe trip on the fjord accompanied by expert guides to see things from a different perspective, or hike on the Folgefonna glacier, the third largest on mainland Norway (dependent on the time of year).

See how the Voringsfossen and Steindalsfossen waterfalls have carved their way through the land, and track the journey of Hardangervidda’s rocks over 550 million years at the Hardangervidda Nature Centre. Did you know these mountains were part of the ocean floor around 1,400 million years ago?!

When oil was discovered in the North Sea in 1969, it completely transformed the Norwegian economy. The government has invested the money wisely with a generous welfare model and high employment to show for it, but is the oil industry sustainable and what happens if it runs out?

Trace the journey of a salmon from smolt to the tables of the world’s top restaurants at the Aqua Centre.

Visit the large dam on the Hardangervidda plateau which provides water to the Sima HEP plant in the valley below. Why was the dam located where it is? Study the impacts of the dam and reservoir on the natural and visual environment. Why does seasonal variation affect the nearby Voringsfossen waterfall?

The Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry illustrates both the science behind the production of energy and the impact on the local community, whilst Sima Power Plant is one of Europe’s largest HEP stations. Norway leads the world in developing hydroelectric power.