Gaustatoppen

Telemark's majestic mountain towers a 1883 meters above sea level. Gaustatoppen is the country's most characteristic and known mountain peak and is regarded as the most beautiful one in all of Norway. The peak is easy accesible but still grants panorama view of Southern Norway. You are even able to see a sixth of all of Norway on days of great weather – an area larger than all of Denmark! Get more details about Gaustatoppen and Gaustabanen - the train inside the mountain. Gaustatoppen was first crested by geologist Jens Esmark and botanist Christen Smith in August of 1810. The scientifical expedition was going to measure the height to see if Gausta was Norway's highest mountain.

Marvelous tour up to Gaustatoppen

Around 30.000 tourists travel up to the top of Gaustatoppen each year to enjoy the fantastic view. There are several routes up the mountain, but the most common one is starting at Stavsro cabin, which lies 1173 m.a.s.l near the road between Tuddal and Rjukan. You can find parking possibilities here. The route up to the top has an altitude of 700 metres during the entire course, and the route is marked with the renowned red T's on the rocks. The hike is around 4 kilometers each way and will take up to 2 hours. The route you'll be hiking is made out of both large and small rocks, making good shoes for mountain hiking a necessity. The trip up to Gaustatoppen is a demanding, yet family friendly hike which is perfect for children who are used to hiking.

Cableway inside the mountain

Those who are looking for a simpler solution are able to take the Gaustabanen up to the top. Gaustabnen is a cableway build by the military inside of the mountain, which now is open for tourists. The cableway is open each day during the summer, and during weekend and holidays off-season – when both snow and weather conditions allow it.

The check in station at the foot of the mountain lies at Svineroi. The trip up Gaustatoppen by cableway is divided into two parts. The first one is a tram that goes 850 metres into the mountain. At end station the passengers hop on to the cableway.

The wagon goes on rails, just like Fløibanen, but it is inside of the mountain. The cableway is 1145 metres long and has an 45 degree climb. End station lies 1800 m.a.s.l where you'll end up at the top of the majestic summit of Gaustatoppen.

Tourist cabin at the top

Near the top lies Gaustatoppen's tourist cabin, also known as Gaustahytta. The tourist cabin is open each day in the summer season until september, and has a simple menu for visitors. The cabin is also open some weekends in september/october.

Gaustatoppen tourist cabin was built in 1893 with material retrieved from the summit itself.

Gaustahytta is open for accomodation in the summer season. This must be booked ahead of time by phone: +47 971 33 309. It is also possible to rent the cabin for events.

The most beautiful view from Gaustatoppen is from the summit's cairn. It lies a 15 minute hike away from the tourist cabin. For those traveling to this view point beware – you'll be looking a 1600 metres down to Rjukan along the way, which makes for an unforgettable memory.

Skiing from the top of Gaustatoppen

In the winter season – which does stretch in to late spring – Gaustatoppen offers challenges for ski enthusiasts, but which experts need to deem safe (due to dangers of  avalanches). Langefonn is always snowclad, and is accessible from the ending station of Gaustabanen. More challenging trips down Gaustatoppen start at the edge. Here lies a total of 7 courses with different grades of difficulty with a descent of 40 degrees. OBS! It is only allowed to go downhill with a guide!