8. Kiting and Snowmobiling
How about flying while skiing or snowboarding? The experience of kiting on snow with skis or a board is the modern version of when two tired hiking buddies would tuck their jackets into their poles and hold it between them, only to be blown home after a long day. Not to mention that the summit experience becomes a completely different story when you can use a kite to get to and from the slopes. It’s playful and joyful for both kids and adults. Rauland and Haukeli are perfect destinations for kiting.
You can now go snowmobiling in Rauland. Rauland has designated trails for recreational driving and several operators offering this service. Rauland Ski Center offers snowmobile safaris for groups, and you don’t need a snowmobile license or permit to drive. A snowmobile safari is a fantastic experience for everyone, with great trails at the foot of the Hardanger mountain plateau.
9. World-Class Ice Climbing in Rjukan
Are you an ice climber or want to give it a try? Then head to Rjukan. Ice climbers from around the world visit Rjukan. What makes Rjukan so special is that the sun is absent from the valley where Rjukan is located all winter long. This makes Rjukandalen completely unique for ice climbing. So when Rjukan’s many beautiful waterfalls freeze over in winter, you have the opportunity for world-class ice climbing.
You can choose from more than 150 ice climbing locations of all difficulty levels within a 15 km radius of Gausta. The waterfalls extend all the way down to the town center, so you can actually start your climbing adventure from there.
10. Stay Close to Nature
Telemark offers many different accommodation options, from hotels to cabins and apartments. But if you want to try something different, we have some cool suggestions:
The treetop cabin Å auge at Å Camp in Tessungdalen offers a spectacular experience of Norwegian nature, with a view overlooking the unregulated river Tessungåe. It’s easy to reach by car but still feels secluded, equipped like a mountain cabin. The treetop cabin is an adventure in itself, but if you feel like being active, there are great opportunities for cross-country skiing on the Hardanger mountain plateau. If you want to challenge yourself, Mount Gausta is also nearby, with ski center and off-piste options.
Stay in an Arctic Dome at Rauland with a skylight and a viewing window facing the beautiful Rauland mountains. Everything is set up for you to have a truly luxurious experience in the mountains. The dome is furnished with a large, comfortable double bed, two cozy armchairs, bedding, towels, a private toilet module, and is heated by a multifuel and wood stove. You can bring your own food, or you can order a local food box from Lega.
Experience the Norwegian wilderness in a luxurious Birdbox! Birdbox Tokke is located right by lake Åmlivatn, 100 meters from the parking lot. Here, you can sleep in a large double bed and wake up to an absolutely stunning view. You can disconnect from everyday life and feel the peace settle in untouched Norwegian nature.
See more unique accommodations in Telemark.
Stay in historic surroundings at the beautiful Tuddal Høyfjellshotel, one of Norway’s oldest and most charming mountain hotels, situated on the sunny side of Mount Gausta. There’s nostalgia in every corner, a rare atmosphere, and a tranquility that should be experienced. The hotel is run by Malin and Einar Gurholt and has been in the family for four generations. With a past at several Michelin-starred restaurants, Einar aims for the meal to be an experience, the highlight of your stay. The dining room, with its log walls and white tablecloths, set with porcelain and silver, creates the ultimate ambiance for meals. Here, you can enjoy the good life just as the elite from Kristiania did at the end of the 1800s. And remember, the ski trails are right outside the door.
See more historical hotels in Telemark.