Gaustatoppen is one of Norway’s classic summit hikes, a broad pyramid that rises over the industrial heritage town of Rjukan in Telemark. On a clear day the view is famously wide, with the old saying that you can see one sixth of Norway from the top. Whether you want a straightforward summer walk with granite under your boots or a tougher shoulder-season outing across wind-polished stones, Gaustatoppen delivers that big-mountain feeling without technical climbing.
If you want the short answer, the most popular route starts at Stavsro and takes most hikers 4 to 6 hours round trip, with roughly 700 to 750 meters of elevation gain and about 8 to 9 kilometers total. The path is rocky but well marked with red Ts, and there is a staffed mountain cabin on the summit in season that serves simple food and hot drinks. There is also the historic Gaustabanen, an inside-the-mountain funicular, which some people use to go up or down.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of hiking Gaustatoppen.
Where Gaustatoppen Is and Why It’s Special
Gaustatoppen sits at 1883 meters above sea level, just southeast of Rjukan and a few hours’ drive from Oslo. The mountain dominates the skyline across the Vestfold og Telemark region and is known for its layered granite, broad ridges, and a wind-exposed summit plateau. The panorama stretches across Hardangervidda to the west, down the Telemark valleys, and far into the south on a clear, dry-air day. Rjukan itself is worth a stop for its World War II history and industrial heritage.
Best Time of Year to Hike
The standard walking season runs from late June to September in a typical year. Early summer can still hold snow patches higher up, and October to May brings winter conditions that require proper equipment and mountain experience. In shoulder seasons I have seen ice on the stones even when the parking lot felt like autumn. If there is fresh snow or a hard freeze, bring microspikes, and be honest about your comfort moving on rock with ice. Summer weekends are busy, so if you like quieter trails, start early or choose a weekday.
The Classic Route from Stavsro
Most hikers choose Stavsro as the starting point. This is the best-marked and most trodden path, suitable for fit beginners who are used to uneven ground.
What to expect on the trail:
- The first section climbs steadily through low heather and scattered rocks before transitioning to open, blocky terrain.
- The middle third is all about granite slabs and boulder fields. You will pick your feet a bit, but you do not need your hands for scrambling.
- The final climb eases onto the broad summit ridge where you will see the stone-built Gaustatoppen Turisthytte and the radio mast.
Timing and stats:
- Distance: about 4 to 4.5 kilometers each way.
- Elevation gain: roughly 700 to 750 meters.
- Time: most people need 2 to 3 hours up and 1.5 to 2 hours down.
Waymarking is clear with red Ts and cairns. In fog the markings are crucial, so do not drift from the line, especially on the descent when tired legs tend to wander.
Alternative Routes and Variations
If you prefer fewer people or want a slightly different angle, there are options.
Svineroi: A quieter approach that meets the main ridge farther east. It feels a touch wilder with bigger stone blocks. Expect slightly more effort underfoot and a similar total time.
Selstali: A beautiful start near the old mountain farms. This route is longer and less obvious for first-timers, better for hikers who are comfortable with navigation and longer days.
Gaustabanen combo: The inside-the-mountain railway runs from the north side up to just below the summit. Many families ride up and hike down, or hike up and ride down if weather moves in. It is not a tourist toy for bad-weather gambling. If conditions are marginal, choose the safer plan early.
Winter and spring ski touring are a different game entirely, with avalanche terrain and complex snowpack. If that is your plan, go with local knowledge, the right kit, and training.
Getting There, Parking, and Public Transport
From Oslo, drivers usually follow the E18 or E134 corridors toward Kongsberg and Notodden, then wind their way to Rjukan and up to Stavsro. The final approach is on a mountain road that is straightforward in summer. Parking at Stavsro is paid and fills early on sunny weekends. I aim to arrive before 9 in the morning in July and August.
Public transport is possible with a train and bus combination to Rjukan, and in peak summer there is usually a seasonal shuttle service closer to the trailheads. Schedules change year to year, so check connections in advance and leave buffer time for the return.
Trail Conditions and Difficulty
Gaustatoppen is not technical, but it is not a smooth gravel path either. Expect continuous rocky footing. Ankles get a workout, and trekking poles help many people, especially on the descent. Kids with hiking experience do fine if you pace snacks and stops. Dogs are allowed and love it, but mind paw wear on sharp stones and offer water often.
Even on warm days the summit can be cold and windy. The mountain catches the weather, and fog can drop in fast. Visibility can go from horizon-wide to fifty meters in minutes. If that happens, stick to the marked route, slow down, and consider turning around. Pride is cheap to swallow, rescues are not.
What to Pack
There is a cabin on top, but you should pack as if it were closed and windy. I always bring:
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip. Trail runners are fine if you are used to rocky ground.
- Layering for wind and chill, including a proper waterproof shell. Even in July.
- Hat and gloves in a pocket year-round.
- 1.5 to 2 liters of water per person in summer. There is very limited running water on the route.
- Snacks and a real lunch, not just a candy bar. The climb is steady and burns energy.
- Map app with offline tiles or a physical map. Signal is usually OK, but never rely on it entirely.
- Simple first aid and tape for hot spots on heels.
- Trekking poles if your knees appreciate help.
Food, Toilets, and the Summit Cabin
The Gaustatoppen Turisthytte is staffed in the main season and serves the sort of food that tastes twice as good at altitude. Expect waffles, hot drinks, and simple warm dishes. Seating is limited on peak days. There are toilets at the parking area and at the summit cabin, but queues are real midday in July. Carry your own toilet paper and a small bag just in case. Please do not leave tissue under stones. It does not vanish.
Using the Gaustabanen
The Gaustabanen is a piece of Norwegian engineering tucked inside the mountain. It starts with a horizontal tunnel and then a steep funicular section that delivers you near the summit. It is useful for mixed groups or for saving knees on the way down. In summer, expect queues during the middle of the day. Buy tickets on site and budget time. If the weather turns rough, the line can lengthen fast as more people choose to ride. Keep an extra layer handy for the wait outside.
Weather Wisdom and Safety
A few field-tested habits go a long way:
- Check the forecast for both Rjukan and the summit. Temperature and wind are often drastically different.
- Start early to avoid thunderstorms and afternoon clouds. Morning light is kinder for photos and you will have more space on the stones.
- Turn around if the rocks glaze with ice or the wind makes you stagger. There is no prize for pushing into a nasty squall.
- Stay on the marked route. It protects fragile lichen and vegetation, and it keeps you away from loose side slopes.
If you call someone to pick you up at an alternate trailhead after using the Gaustabanen, be clear about where you are. More than one visitor has learned that “by the mountain” is not helpful driving directions.
Hiking With Kids or Older Family Members
Plenty of families hike Gaustatoppen every summer. The keys are snacks, pacing, and expectations. For younger kids, set targets like the big cairn or the next red T. Build in time for rock-hopping and photo breaks. For older hikers, poles and steady footing make a big difference, and planning to ride down on the Gaustabanen can keep the day enjoyable rather than exhausting. If anyone in the group looks chilled at the ridge, add layers quickly. It is easier to keep warmth than to regain it.
Photography and The Famous View
The big view is not just about distance. Clear days after a cold front give the best contrast. If you want the postcard look, go early morning after rain when the air is scrubbed clean. The summit ridge offers several vantage points. Please keep a respectful distance from the radio installations and do not climb fences for a shot. The best compositions often come a few minutes from the hut where the ridge opens and the land folds away in layers.
Responsible Hiking and Local Etiquette
Gaustatoppen is popular because it is accessible and beautiful. Pack out everything, including fruit peels and tissue. Stay on the path through sensitive moss and lichen fields. If you bring a dog, keep it under control when you meet others on narrow sections. A simple “hei” as you pass goes a long way up here. If you are new to Norwegian mountains, know that people will often share quick weather notes or footing tips on the way. It is part of the culture. Add your smile to the mix.
Local Tips From A Lifetime In Norway
I grew up a few hours from Telemark and have hiked Gaustatoppen in sun, fog, and once in a sideways sleet that made my coffee taste like salt. A few small tricks stuck:
- Tape your heels before you feel a hotspot. The rocks demand a bit of edging and that can rub even good boots.
- Bring a spare dry base layer in a zip bag. Change at the summit on windy days and you will thank yourself.
- Snack at the half-height boulder field, not only at the top. A steady energy drip keeps the hike pleasant.
- Take the quiet line off the main path for photos, but only where it rejoins within sight. You do not need to wander far to frame the ridge without people.
- If visibility drops, pause for 60 seconds and listen. You will hear other groups and feel the direction of the wind. Then follow the red Ts patiently. Rushing creates mistakes.
Gaustatoppen is a mountain that meets you where you are. On a blue-sky July morning it can be a friendly stone staircase to a cinnamon waffle. In October it can remind you that Norway is a country of weather and granite, and both deserve respect. Either way, it is one of the great accessible summits in the country, and it gives you a real taste of our mountains in a single steady climb. Pack right, start early, and you will have a day that lingers.