Gaustatoppen
Norway’s best view from Telemark’s highest mountain at 1,883 metres above sea level.
Norway’s most beautiful mountain
Gaustatoppen (1,883 m.a.s.l.) rises majestically above Rjukan in Telemark and is often referred to as Norway’s most beautiful mountain. From the summit, on a clear day, you can see almost one-sixth of the country – a view few other peaks in Norway can match. The mountain is both easily accessible and family-friendly, while also offering more challenging routes for experienced hikers.
Practical information
Gaustatoppen is a national icon and is known for being the mountain peak in Norway that offers a view of the largest part of Norway’s land area. The peak is a popular destination all year round, and is easily accessible to most people.
Most people start the hike from Stavsro. This is the easiest and shortest way up, and takes between 2–4 hours. There is a parking lot at Stavsro, and in high season there is a tourist information center, a café and kiosk at Zakkæus landhandel, and toilets.
Gaustabanen is a cable car inside the mountain, which takes you up to the top in 15 minutes. From June 27 to August 16, it runs between 10 am and 6 pm.
At the top you’ll find toilets, Gaustatoppen turisthytte (DNT) and Gaustabanen’s end station. At the tourist cottage you can buy coffee and cold drinks, waffles and rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge).
Be well prepared
Always check the weather forecast before you set out on a mountain hike – there can be a big difference in temperature between bottom of the mountain and the summit. At Gaustatoppen we always recommend good shoes, and feel free to bring an extra layer in your backpack.
Our packing list for Gaustatoppen
- A bottle of water
- Refill for the journey – like a banana, granola bars or a sandwich
- An extra layer, like a sweater or a thin jacket in the summer
- Extra pair of socks, and a hat or headband
- Fully charged mobile phone
- Sunscreen – the sunrays are strong, although it may feel colder in the mountains
Fjellbussen | The Mountain Bus
Planning a trip to Gaustatoppen but want to avoid parking stress?
The Mountain Bus makes your journey easier. It runs for most of the year between Rjukan, Gausta, the Gaustabanen and Gaustatoppen – completely free of charge. Sit back, enjoy the ride, and skip the queues and full parking at Stavsro.
Check the timetable and plan your trip.
Clothing
Dress appropriately when visiting Gaustatoppen. Conditions can be very different just a short distance higher up. Even on a warm summer day, the temperature inside the Gaustabanen remains between 5–8°C year-round, and the weather at the summit can change quickly. Good footwear and warm clothing are essential.
In winter, proper clothing is even more important. Choose warm, windproof layers and wear wool closest to your skin to retain heat.
Always check the weather forecast before your trip and be prepared for rapid changes.
Winter at Gaustatoppen
Rising 1,883 metres above sea level, Gaustatoppen is an iconic landmark and a true paradise for ski enthusiasts. A route down Langefonn is marked in winter and is considered relatively safe in terms of avalanche risk.
All activity on Gaustatoppen is at your own responsibility. Weather and snow conditions can change quickly, so it’s important to be well prepared. We always recommend checking updated conditions at Varsom.no.
For steeper runs and unmarked routes, hiring an experienced guide is strongly recommended.
Routes to the top
Distance: approx. 4.3 km one way
Elevation gain: approx. 700 metres
Duration: 2–4 hours ascent (5–7 hours round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
This is the most popular and family-friendly route, suitable for active and experienced children. The trail is wide and clearly marked all the way to the top.
The Gaustabanen is a spectacular railway inside the mountain, built during the Cold War. The journey begins with a tram ride 800 metres into the mountain, followed by a steep funicular with a 40-degree incline. From the base station to the top, the trip takes just 15 minutes. This option is perfect for families with children and visitors who prefer not to hike all the way up.
A demanding hike with extensive rocky terrain. The upper section is exposed in poor weather and strong winds, with a steep – at times very steep – ascent up to the cabin. Recommended for experienced hikers only.
This challenging hike to Gaustatoppen from Rjukan is around 10–12 km and takes approximately 6–9 hours one way. With an elevation gain of about 1,600 metres, it’s a full-day adventure for experienced hikers.
Start: Rjukan station, by the gravel road towards the mountain
Distance: approx. 12 km one way
Elevation gain: approx. 1,600 metres (from around 324 to 1,883 m.a.s.l.)
Duration: 6–9 hours ascent
Difficulty: Difficult
Family-friendly: No
Parking
The main parking area for Gaustatoppen is at Stavsro. This car park can fill up quickly during peak season and on days with good weather. Apcoa photo parking applies.
Alternative parking is available at Svineroi, Gausta (Bygget), and Gaustablikk Fjellresort. From these locations, free shuttle buses are available. You can also park in Rjukan and take the free Mountain Bus during the high season.
Please be considerate and do not park along the road where parking is prohibited. This can create serious challenges for emergency vehicles, shuttle buses, and other traffic.
We offer FREE shuttle buses with friendly hosts, taking you to Stavsro, Gaustabanen, Gausta, and Rjukan.
In winter, the road is closed from Svineroi towards Tuddal, making this the natural starting point for skiing to Gaustatoppen. It is also possible to start your hike from here during the summer season. Please note that parking capacity is limited here as well.
Paid parking is available at Gaustablikk Fjellresort and Bygget.
Park for free in Rjukan and take the Fjellbussen/Mountain Bus to Stavsro, both summer and winter.
Parking at Gaustabanen is reserved for Gaustabanens passengers and guests.
You may park your motorhome at the Stavsro parking area, but overnight stays are not permitted. Camping at Stavsro is not allowed.
See dedicated campsites: Tuddal Camping, Sandviken Camping, Tinnsjø Camping, Rjukan Hytte- og Caravanpark, as well as motorhome parking in Rjukan.
Don’t miss
-
Gaustabanen
Gaustabanen is a funicular railway, inside Gaustatoppen. This is a very unique touristattraction. No similiar railway is to be found in North-Europe!
-
Gaustatoppen Turisthytte
Gaustatoppen Turisthytte was built in 1893 and at a height of 1,850 meters, has the most fantastic views from the top of the mountain.
