Geography

Rauland is a part of Vinje municipality wich is the largest district in the county of Telemark, covering a ground area of 3,117 square kilometres. As 80 per cent of the district lies higher than 800 metres above sea level, it is a typical mountain region.

Vinje municipality lies in the northwest corner of Telemark, bordering on the counties of Aust-Agder, Rogaland and Hordaland to the south and west, and Buskerud to the north. The Telemark districts of Tinn, Seljord and Tokke lie to the east of Vinje.

The people

People have lived in here for centuries. The earliest signs of life are from 5,000 years ago, when people survived by fishing and hunting, or producing iron. Farming and animal husbandry were introduced later and quickly became the most important means of livelihood. It is only relatively recently that people started to work in transport, mechanical industry, forestry and tourism.  

Hardangervidda

The area has many large, open spaces, of which the mountain plateau of Hardangervidda is the largest and perhaps best known.

Rauland centre

The village of Rauland is located at 700 to 1,100 metres above sea level and has approximately 1,000 inhabitants. In the village centre you will find all the services you need such as bank, grocery shop, sports shops, hairdresser's, post office, souvenir shop, restaurant, petrol station, doctor, dentist and of course the tourist information office.