The Eastern Highlands form a broad upland landscape in the Southern Scandes, stretching across eastern Norway and western Sweden. Rather than a single sharp ridge, this is a wide mountain-and-plateau region of forested slopes, open moorland, rounded summits and long, quiet valleys. It is a place for travellers who value space, solitude and changing terrain over crowded viewpoints. With elevations reaching 1,730 m, the area offers a distinctly Scandinavian mountain feel, especially in the more remote sub-ranges and high plateaus.
The Eastern Highlands lie in the southern part of the Scandinavian Mountains, within the Southern Scandes, spanning eastern Norway and western Sweden. The region covers a large support polygon of about 16,755 km² and includes a chain of named uplands and plateaus such as Gausdal Vestfjell, Hedmarksvidda, Bittermarka/Grøna, Gråfjell-Rømmundfjell, Hanestadkjølen, Rendalen Østfjell, Storvola, Trysilfjellet, Vulufjell, Sanfjallet, Långfjället, Flensmarka/Roros and Fermundsmarka. The landscape is broad and fragmented rather than linear, with many connected highlands separated by valleys, lakes and forest belts.
The Eastern Highlands are part of the ancient Scandinavian mountain system, shaped mainly by the Caledonian orogeny during the Paleozoic era. The bedrock is dominated by old metamorphic and igneous rocks, later worn down by long periods of erosion and repeatedly modified by Ice Age glaciation. That glacial history left smoothed ridges, shallow basins, scattered boulder fields and lake-studded plateaus. Compared with the sharper alpine parts of the Scandes, this region is more subdued, but its geology still creates a rugged, weathered mountain terrain with exposed crests and broad upland surfaces.
No single summit dominates the Eastern Highlands in the way a classic alpine range does, but the area still reaches 1,730 m and includes several well-known high points across its sub-ranges. Peaks around Trysilfjellet, Storvola, Vulufjell and the uplands of Långfjället and Fermundsmarka are important for hikers and ski tourers because they offer the highest, most open terrain in the region. For mountaineers, the appeal is less about extreme altitude and more about long approaches, winter conditions and the challenge of navigating broad, exposed highlands in remote Scandinavian terrain.
The Eastern Highlands are best known for quiet trekking, cross-country travel and multi-day routes through forest, bog, lake country and open upland. Trails in areas such as Femundsmarka, Långfjället and the Roros uplands are popular for long walks, hut-to-hut journeys and self-supported trips. Expect a mix of marked paths, boardwalks in wet sections and route-finding across open plateaus. Difficulty is usually moderate, but distance, weather and remoteness can make even straightforward routes feel serious. This is a strong region for trekkers who want solitude and a true Nordic backcountry atmosphere.
Mountaineering here is generally non-technical, with most objectives involving hiking, scrambling, winter travel and ski touring rather than steep rock or ice. The main challenge is often endurance, navigation and coping with changing conditions on open ground. In summer, many ascents are straightforward; in winter, the same terrain can demand strong route-finding, avalanche awareness and cold-weather competence. The Eastern Highlands suit climbers looking for remote, low-technicality mountain days rather than classic alpine faces. It is a good introduction to Scandinavian mountain travel, but not a place for first-time winter mountaineers without preparation.
The Eastern Highlands support a classic Scandinavian mountain ecology, with conifer forest at lower elevations, birch woodland higher up, then heather, moss, lichen and open tundra-like uplands. Wetlands, lakes and river corridors are common, especially in the plateau areas. Wildlife can include elk, reindeer in some areas, foxes, grouse and a range of alpine and boreal birds. Protected landscapes and wilderness-style areas are a major part of the appeal, especially around Femundsmarka and other highland reserves, where the sense of intact nature is one of the region’s defining features.
The climate is strongly seasonal and can change quickly with elevation and exposure. Lower slopes are influenced by inland Scandinavian weather, while the higher plateaus are colder, windier and more prone to sudden fog, rain or snow. Summer brings long daylight and the most reliable trekking conditions, though wet ground and insects can be an issue in some valleys. Winter is long and snowy, making the region attractive for ski touring but demanding for travel. Late summer to early autumn is often the best window for hiking, while spring and early winter can suit experienced mountain travellers.
Q: How do I get mobile signal in the Eastern Highlands, and should I carry a satellite communicator?
A: Coverage is patchy and can disappear quickly once you leave roads, valleys and settlements. Do not rely on mobile service for navigation or emergencies in remote uplands. A satellite messenger or PLB is a smart backup for solo trips, winter travel and any itinerary that crosses long, empty sections away from towns.
Q: Can I camp in a tent in the Eastern Highlands, or are there huts and refuges to use?
A: Both styles are possible, but the experience varies by sub-range. In some areas you can combine tent camping with simple huts or cabins, while other trips are best done expedition-style with full self-sufficiency. Book or confirm any staffed accommodation in advance, and plan for cold, wet ground and limited services outside the main access points.
Q: Do I need permits, border clearance, or special access for climbing in the Eastern Highlands?
A: There is usually no general climbing permit system, but you must respect local access rules, protected-area regulations and any restrictions near the Norway–Sweden border. Some zones may have seasonal or land-use limitations, especially for conservation or reindeer-related management. Always check the exact route and entry point before departure.
Q: Can I climb the Eastern Highlands independently, or do I need a guide or expedition company?
A: Independent travel is generally possible, and many hikers and ski tourers go without a guide. A guide is useful if you are new to winter navigation, remote travel or multi-day self-supported trips, but it is not normally mandatory. Solo travel is feasible for experienced mountain users who are comfortable with self-rescue and route-finding.
Q: How do I reach the Eastern Highlands, and how long is the approach to base camp?
A: Access is usually by road from towns and villages on both sides of the border, with the nearest practical transport hubs depending on your chosen sub-range. Expect approaches to trailheads to be straightforward, but the walk to a base camp or high camp can still take several hours to a full day. Pack animals are not typically part of standard access here.
Q: Is the Eastern Highlands a good first mountain range, and what skills do I need?
A: It can be a good first Scandinavian mountain region for fit hikers and ski tourers, but only if you are comfortable with navigation, changing weather and self-reliance. Technical climbing skills are usually not the main issue; winter travel, pacing and decision-making matter more. For a first visit, start with marked routes and short objectives before attempting remote crossings.
