Gaustatoppen – what a view!

In Telemark, not far from the centre of Rjukan, you’ll find Gaustatoppen. The majestic mountain top is not the tallest peak in Norway, but it might just be the most beautiful. Weather permitting, you can enjoy a spectacular view of as much as one-sixth of the Norwegian mainland from the top, which towers 1,883 metres above sea level.

Easily accessible

Gaustatoppen is located around two and a half hours by car from Oslo. The Fv 651 between Tuddal and Rjukan takes you straight to the car park by Gaustabanen, which is clearly marked. However, if you plan on hiking to the top, Stavsro is a popular starting point. You can also start at Svineroi or Selstali, depending on how much of a challenge you want.

“What’s so great about Gaustatoppen is its accessibility thanks to the cable car. At the same time, there are so many different trails leading to the top. From families with children to experienced mountaineers, all hikers are bound to find a route they’ll enjoy,” says Henriette Hack of the Norwegian Trekking Association, Telemark.

Hiking routes

The easiest way to reach the summit is from the road between Rjukan and Tuddal. The car park at Stavsro is a good starting point, but it can fill up, especially on weekends with good weather forecasts. There is a free shuttle bus from Rjukan and Gausta/Gaustablikk (good parking options) from July 1st to mid-October, which stops at Gaustabanen and Stavsro.

Starting points

Stavsro: This is the starting point for the recommended main trail to the top, 4.6 km long. From Stavsro, it takes about 2.5-3 hours to walk up to the Gaustatoppen cabin and the viewing platform at 1,830 meters above sea level, and a slightly shorter time to hike back down again. There are good parking facilities here, but it can be full on popular days. The hike is considered moderately challenging, with an elevation difference of 700 meters. Towards the end, you walk through rocky terrain, so wear proper hiking boots. The hike can be well suited for children that are used to hiking. Hot tip: enjoy a hearty portion of rømmegrøt, sour cream porridge, at the café when you come down!

Svineroi or Gaustabanen: Another route starts from Svineroi seter, and is 3 km long, with an elevation difference of 850 meters. This trail is very steep and runs through some tricky terrain. It takes about two hours to the top.

If you want to go all the way to the top, the last part of the trail takes you across an open mountain ridge, so you shouldn’t cross it in bad weather. Most people therefore choose to hike to the viewpoint just a bit further up past the Gaustatoppen cabin.

The trails are all marked with red 'T's (on rocks and signs). No matter which route you choose, remember that the weather in the mountains can change quickly. It's important to bring water and snacks, wind and waterproof clothing, a hat and mittens, warm clothes, and not least a map and compass.

Reach the top in just 15 minutes!

If the hike doesn’t sound tempting, fear not. A secret dating back to the Cold War awaits you inside the mountain. The hidden cable car Gaustabanen will take you comfortably to the top.

Gaustabanen first opened in 2010 and is a big part of the reason why approximately 100,000 people visit Gaustatoppen each year. Despite the height of the mountain, it takes no more than 15 minutes to the top.

As you enter the mountain, you’re greeted with a cold rush of air. Your journey to the top begins with a tram ride to the starting point of the cable car, located 850 metres inside the mountain. Enjoy a 40-degree climb for 1,145 metres before you reach the magnificent view on the top.

A historic NATO station

The Gaustabanen plans started back in 1953 as a tourism project. In order to realise the plans, the Norwegian military was invited into the process.

As the project progressed and the Cold War heated up, there was an increasing focus on defence rather than tourism. Sharing a border with the Soviet Union meant that Norway needed to play an essential part in alerting the rest of NATO should anything happen, which in turn meant that the organisation should finance the project.

In his book about Gaustabanen, Helge Songe writes that all other plans for the site were set aside in 1954 when it was decided that NATO would finance the entire facility.

Following its completion, Gaustatoppen station was solely for the use of NATO for 50 years. A weather forecasting station and a broadcasting network were later added to the station, which became an essential part of Norway's military radio network.

Delicious waffles at the top

During the summer (until the first week of October), the cabin at Gaustatoppen also serves a small selection of food and offers accommodation. It can only house eleven people at a time, in a small room, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.

But don’t worry. There are several other comfortable and easily accessible places to stay nearby, including Rjukan, Hjartdal, and Gaustablikk. Many of them even boast stunning views of the majestic mountain top.

While in Rjukan, don’t forget to visit the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum at Vemork,which is just 15 minutes by car from the centre of Rjukan. Here, you can learn more about the industrial adventure that kicked off in the early 1900s, and how the town earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can also soak up some history dating back to the Second World War. Vemork was the site where eleven brave Norwegian resistance members sabotaged the Nazi's plans to use heavy water to make nuclear weapons.

The Krossobanen cable car (temporarily closed)

The good thing about this area is that nothing is too far away. Krossobanen takes you up to Hardangervidda. Built in 1928, the cable car was the first of its kind in Northern Europe, according to Visit Rjukan. It was built for the locals so that they could easily get to the top of the mountain and enjoy the scarce sunlight during the winter months. These days, the Krossobanen is considered a tourist attraction, and it’s usually open every day all year round, but in 2024 it was closed for essential maintenance until further notice.

There are many trails at the top, for every level. If you are travelling with small children, you can take the Solstien hike, which is just one kilometre long, and have lots of fun at the climbing adventure park.

Biking adventures

Bringing your bike on the Krossobanen is also a great option. You’ll find exciting biking trails in pretty much any direction from the top of Hardangervidda, and they’re well suited for every level. Don't worry if you don’t have a bike. You can rent one in Rjukan before boarding the cable car.

At the top of Hardangervidda, you can also head out with your fishing gear and a packed lunch for a full day of fresh mountain air. Why not venture out on the 30-kilometre-long hike to Kalhovd, known as one of Norway’s most beautiful hikes? You can also spend the night at one of the cabins at Kalhovd.

Want a serious rush of adrenaline? In that case, the bungee jump from the bridge across the Vemork gorge has your name written all over it!

Gaustatoppen in winter

The Gaustatoppen area is also very beautiful during the winter months, when the mountain is very popular with ski tourers. This time of year, the cable car turns into one of Norway's most unique ski lifts! You should always go with a local guide when ski touring, for a safer and more interesting adventure.

There is also a big ski resort by the foot of the mountain, Gaustablikk, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the majestic mountain while skiing. In addition, you can explore an extensive network of cross country slopes in the area.