Hiking in Telemark

Lårdalstigen, Tokke

"Tougher than Besseggen" say the locals of Lårdalstigen (literally Lårdal's ladder). This is a picturesque footpath between Lårdal and Dalen. A large part of the walk follows the mountain edge up to 800 metres above the Telemark Canal, Norway's most famous man-made waterway. The scenery is beautiful, and the path goes past several historic sites. Total length is around 14 kilometres, and it is a long day walk – although you can make it a two-day trip if you bring your own tent. There is also a cabin open for overnighting. This is a good walk to combine with a return by boat on the Telemark Canal. Allow six to eight hours. Challenging/very challenging terrain. Accessible: May-October. Remember to wear trainers with good soles or walking boots, and to bring plenty of water (at least two-three litres on warm days).

Hægefjell

Marked paths to Hægefjell start from either Vrådal or Fjone in Nissedal. Hægefjell is known among climbers from all over Europe, but the 1,021-metre-high top can also be reached on foot. It is a moderately demanting hike to the summit, which offers panoramic views over the area.

Solstien

This well-prepared path from Gvepseborg is the shortest way from Rjukan to the Hardangervidda. The trip starts with the Krossobanen cablecar, which brings you to Gvepseborg - the foot of Hardangervidda. From here, you follow the gravel road for about 800 metres, then the stone path for a further 1,1 kilometres to Kanonstillingen, a culture heritage site and viewpoint. Here you will see parts of the Germans gun emplacements used in World War II, and enjoy magnificent views towards Gaustatoppen, Vemork and Hardangervidda.

Gaustatoppen

Gaustatoppen has been a tourist attraction for more than 200 years, and is one of the most photographed mountains in Norway. More than 30,000 people make it to the summit every year. Well-marked paths will take you to the top, 1,883 metres above sea level, from where one sixth of Norway is visible on a clear day. The trip to the summit and back takes approximately five hours. If this sounds too taxing you can also take the Gaustabanen cable car, which will whisk you there in 16 minutes.

The Saboteurs' Trail

The Saboteurs' Trail is the famous route the Norwegian Resistance used during World War II to get from the Hardangervidda mountain plateau and down the steep gorges to Vemork, where they blew up the heavy water plant. The trail is eight kilometres long, and starts at Rjukan Mountain Lodge. It is marked and there are boards en route which tell the story. The unusual countryside makes this trip all the more special. Allow three hours. Rjukan and Tinn Guideservice arrange a guided tour along the trail in summer. Please note that this tour does not include the crossing of the gorge.

Further information

For further information about hiking tours in Telemark, please contact info@telemarkreiser.no or phone: +47 35 90 00 20.