Take the Mountain Railway to Gaustatoppen
Gaustatoppen is a mountain and viewpoint in Rjukan, Norway. The 1,883-metre summit can be reached by mountain trail or by the railway inside the mountain, subject to operating conditions.
- Trond Stegarud – Visit Telemark
- Ian Brodie - VisitNorway.com
- Thomas Rasmus Skaug - VisitNorway.com
About Gaustatoppen
Gaustatoppen rises 1,883 metres above Rjukan and is one of southern Norway’s most recognisable summits. On exceptionally clear days the view covers a large part of southern Norway, while the mountain also overlooks the Rjukan–Notodden industrial landscape. A staffed stone cabin near the summit has served walkers since the late nineteenth century.
Visitors can reach the upper mountain by a demanding marked hike or by Gaustabanen, a railway built inside the mountain for military purposes and later opened to the public. The railway does not eliminate outdoor conditions: the final summit area is rocky, exposed and frequently windy or cloud-covered. Snow and ice can remain outside the main summer season. Trailheads, Gaustabanen and parking areas have separate capacity, charges and operating information.
Visiting Gaustatoppen
Choose the hiking route or Gaustabanen in advance and verify parking and operating arrangements for that access point. Bring mountain clothing even when using the railway, check the summit forecast and remain on marked routes in fog, snow or ice.
