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Gaustabanen

Type:Cable car

Langefonn, 3660, Rjukan

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 216 reviews216 reviews

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Gaustabanen in the mountain
  • Gaustabanen in the mountain
  • people get on the Gaustabanen
  • Gaustabanen
  • people go up the stairs on Gaustabanen
  • couple sitting on top of  Mount Gausta in the evening sun
  • couple on top of Gaustatoppen in foggy weather
  • couple standing at the overview map at Mount Gausta
  • people with skis at Gaustabanen
  • people with skis at Mount Gausta
  • people with skis at Mount Gausta
  • ticket office for the Gaustabanen in winter
  • people with skis on top of Gaustatoppen
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About

About Gaustabanen
«Gaustabanen certainly would not be built today. It takes a lot of courage start building a tunnel up to the top of such a mountain»

Helge Songe, author of the book «Gaustatoppen».

Gaustabanen makes Mount Gausta available to everyone, regardless of age and physical conditions.

Gaustabanen is a battery-powered carriage on rails which transports passengers approx. 850 meters horizontally into the mountain. 
At this point there is an intermediate transfer station from which a shuttle line runs upwards at an angle of 39 degrees for 1045 meters to a height of 1800 meters above sea level.

On a clear and sunny day, just 15 minutes after entering the mountain you can enjoy the view of 1/6 of mainland Norway - 1800 meters above sea level. Then continue by foot a few hundred meters up to the Mount Gausta Tourist Cabin to enjoy a delicious waffle. The toughest then hike all the way to the edge of Mount Gausta´s highest point - 1883 meters above seal level - 20 minutes hike from the tourist cabin.

The tourist project which became a secret facility

The idea was first launched in 1953. The dream was to build a unique tourist facility so that most people would get to experience Mount Gausta. In order to finance the project, a collaboration was set up with the Norwegian Armed Forces.

Mount Gausta was much higher than the mountain tops nearby and was very suitable for radio communication. The Armed Forces worked on mounting radio lines and wanted access to the top, regardless of the weather, all year-round. A tunnel inside the mountain was a perfect solution.

When the facility opened in 1959, the bill was over 1 million 1959 dollars. What was supposed to become a tourist adventure had ended up as a hermetically closed NATO facility in one of Norway's most famous mountains, because of The Cold War.

Hiking to Mount Gausta

Mount Gausta is easily accessible and easy to climb if you are used to hiking in the mountains. For over 200 years, the mountain top has attracted happy hikers. It is easy to understand why, when you reach to the top. No other places in the country you can enjoy a packed lunch with a view of 1/6 of the mainland Norway. Many choose to hike one way and choose the facility Gaustabanen the other way.

One challenge several people should try is to go from the center of the city Rjukan and to the top - more than 1500 meters. Then it's good to go by Gaustabanen down again.

Freeride skiing from Mount Gausta

Mount Gausta is an eldorado for skiing enthusiasts. Regardless of skill level, the magic mountain has something for everyone.

With day passes to the historic Gaustabanen, it is easy to get up to the top so you can set off, again and again.

Facilities

General facilities

  • café/cafeteria

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      116
    • Very Good
      73
    • Average
      16
    • Poor
      7
    • Terrible
      4

    Recent Reviews:

    • wildtravellor
      Trip Type:
      Solo travel
      really interesting trip up the inside of mountain- friendly staff
      5 of 5 stars
      Friday, 1st November 2019
      sadly i was here in a blizzard so didnt see the view at all, but really interesting to hear all about this NATO built "train". Read full review
    • HappyNorwegians
      Bergen, Norway
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Everyone in the area should do this at least once!
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 26th September 2021
      We were very lucky on the day of our adventure. Not too many visitors, so the waiting time was short. The weather was perfect and the view at the top is fantastic. This place is very historical and... Read full review
    • DadandCab
      Coffs Harbour, Australia
      Must do if in the area
      5 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 13th June 2024
      This funicular seems expensive at first view but if you’re lucky enough to see clear skies at the top it’s worth every penny. We saw clear sky at the top from our hotel, so paid the return fare only... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Contact

    Tel: 45 50 22 22

    Awards

    • Stiftelsen Miljøfyrtårn Eco-Lighthouse

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    Related

    the top of Gaustatoppen in foggy weatherGaustatoppen, TinnThe mountain Gaustatoppen in Rjukan in Telemark county is easily accessable and one of the most beautiful mountains in Norway.

    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.