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Gaustatoppen

Type:Scenic attractions

Stavsro, 3660, Rjukan

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 337 reviews337 reviews

Add Gaustatoppen to your Itinerary

the top of Gaustatoppen in foggy weather
  • the top of Gaustatoppen in foggy weather
  • couple enjoying the view from Mount Gauta
  • Mount Gausta
  • Gaustatoppen in Telemark
  • hiker at Mount Gausta
  • lady and 2 children stand on top of Mount Gausta
  • Gaustatoppen from Miland
  • Gaustabanen in the mountain
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About

Gaustatoppen (1883 meters) in Rjukan is claimed to be the most beautiful mountain in Norway! On a clear day you can see 1/6 av Norway from the top. 

Facts

Length: 4.3km one way
Time: approximately 2 hours one way
Season: June to September
Drop: 710 m

Gaustatoppen (1883 meters above sea level) majestically towers over Rjukan and is often referred to as Norway's most beautiful mountain.

Gaustatoppen is easily accessible and simple to climb, yet it offers the widest view in Southern Norway. From Gaustatoppen, you can see about one-sixth of Norway on a clear day.

Easiest Route to Gaustatoppen
The easiest way to reach Gaustatoppen is from the road between Rjukan and Tuddal. The hike starts from the parking lot at Stavsro, approximately 1100 meters above sea level.

The elevation difference is about 700 meters, but the trail is wide and clear. The surface consists of stones, both large and small.

As you approach the summit, the view becomes increasingly beautiful, and you can see the mountains of Telemark, Buskerud, and the Oslomarka in the distance.

The final stretch north along the ridge offers a great view in all directions, especially over Hardangervidda, which stretches out to the west.

Family-Friendly Hike
The hike to Gaustatoppen is a family-friendly summit hike suitable for active and experienced children.

Gaustatoppen Tourist Cabin
At the summit is Gaustatoppen Tourist Cabin, built in 1893 from natural stone sourced from Gaustatoppen itself. The cabin has been expanded and renovated in recent years, including a new café.

Gaustatoppen Tourist Cabin is a staffed DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) cabin and offers simple servings of sausages, waffles, coffee, and soft drinks.

Note: The cabin gets its water delivered via the Gaustabanen and cannot provide refills for water bottles. Water must be purchased.

It is possible to stay overnight during the season, but reservations must be made in advance by calling +47 35 09 41 50.

Alternative Route from Selstali
The fittest hikers can ascend from Selstali in the northwest. This route is longer but equally beautiful. Expect four hours up and three hours down.

Gaustabanen
For those seeking an easier option, Gaustabanen can transport you up. Gaustabanen is a unique railway inside Gaustatoppen itself.

Gaustabanen is open every day during the summer season, as well as weekends and holidays in winter when snow and weather conditions permit.

Gaustabanen starts from Svineroi (FV 651), about 2 km from the entrance to Gaustablikk.

For opening hours and prices for Gaustabanen, see www.gaustabanen.no.

Directions
Start in Rjukan Centrum. Follow RV 37 to Dale, approximately 4 km. Turn right towards the Gausta area and follow FV 651 for 13 km.

Accommodation
There are many accommodation options in the immediate vicinity. In the Gausta area, you can find everything from cabins, rooms, and apartments of all standards and price ranges. Pre-booking is recommended.

Contact the Rjukan Tourist Office for further information.

Map: Gaustatoppen - Tuddal 1:25 000

Bus to and from Gaustatoppen
For more information on bus connections to and from Gaustatoppen, see here.

Facilities

Activities

  • mountain hiking

General facilities

  • built - 0
  • café/cafeteria

Nature and terrain

  • lookout point

Other accommodation

  • tourist cabin

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      232
    • Very Good
      83
    • Average
      20
    • Poor
      0
    • Terrible
      2

    Recent Reviews:

    • Helena N
      Norway
      Delicious Waffles
      4 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 6th July 2021
      After visiting the area in chilly weather all you needed was a fresh baked waffles. I and familie went there during the fall season and it was already the mountain covered with snow, The snow... Read full review
    • Baross
      Spikkestad, Norway
      Trip Type:
      Solo travel
      A hard day at Gaustatoppen
      3 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 29th September 2021
      For second time in my life I went to Stavsro for walking up to Gaustatoppen. I thought I have been learning of my mistake for many years ago when I walked to fast in the beginning but no. I walked so... Read full review
    • anders_thid
      Malmo, Sweden
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Amazing views, amazing service
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 2nd April 2024
      The weather was exceptional. We were a bit slow down and the bus driver (for the bus includes in the ski pass) waited and drove us all the way home when the lifts had closed. Would definitely... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Contact

    Tel: 35 08 05 50

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    Related

    Gaustabanen in the mountainGaustabanen, TinnGaustabanen is a funicular railway, inside Gaustatoppen. This is a very unique touristattraction. No similiar railway is to be found in North-Europe!

    Gaustatoppen in TelemarkGaustatoppen from Stavsro, TinnIf you have a desire to hike to Gaustatoppen, the best place to start is Stavsro. The path is 4km one way, and suitable for both children and adults.