In the Alps, helicopter flights to mountain peaks are popular, but Gausta does things differently. Gaustabanen, a unique cable car inside Gaustatoppen, has been running since 1959. In just 15 minutes, it transports you to the 1800-meter summit.
About Gaustabanen
The starting point of the train is at an altitude of 1150 meters. It runs to the top station, located at 1800 meters above sea level. From the top station, you can continue to climb 30 meters up to Gaustatoppen Turisthytte which serves refreshments and overnight accommodation. If you climb up and continue along the ridge, you will finally reach 1883 m above sea level.
Thanks to Gaustabanen, nearly anyone can explore the mountain, regardless of age or physical condition. Many hikers opt to use the Gaustabanen for their ascent or descent (note: the bottom station is 4 km from the typical starting point for hikes at Stavsro). Since its commercial opening in 2010, Gaustabanen has annually transported over 75,000 visitors, with the highest traffic in July, August, and during the ski season.
Gaustabanen
Discover Gaustatoppen
A unique dining experience that combines 3-course meals and stories from the Cold War - perfect as a corporate event or the end of a conference or kick-off
Join a guided tour of Gaustatoppen, where you'll hear the intriguing history and explore the hidden rooms that were once of vital importance
Provianten is a cozy kiosk serving freshly made 'sveler' (a Norwegian pancake) and baked goods every day. Indulge in a delicious treat while enjoying the breathtaking views.
Facts about Gaustabanen
- A one way trip from the starting point to the mountain top takes about 15 minutes.
- Each departure can carry 25 passengers during summer, and 18 during winter.
- Gaustabanan is powered by electricity and is radio-controlled, which means it can be controlled from either the engine room or carriages.
- Gaustabanen is actually two trains – one that runs horizontally 850 m straight into the mountain. Then you change trains and travel 1050 m up at a 39-degree slope.
- The temperature in the tunnel is always the same, about 5-8 degrees, so remember to dress warmly for your visit.
Gaustabanen as a military historical heritage site
In addition to the train, which is open to passengers, there is a 600 sqm defence facility inside Gaustatoppen. This area is left from the time when Gaustabanen served as a secret military base for NATO during the Cold War.
The idea of building an underground train to Gaustatoppen started as a civilian tourism project in the early 1950s. But when NATO got wind of the plans it became a top-secret military project. The railway was completed in 1959 and used to ship staff and supplies to the NATO radio station based on the summit. In 2010 Gaustabanen was no longer considered confidential and was opened to the public.
Gaustabanen as a ski lift
During winter, Gaustabanen functions as a ski lift inside the mountain. The train transports skiers from all over the world to the mountaintop for great off-piste skiing.
Here you step out above Langefonn, an off-piste run marked out with poles on the south side. This is open to the public. If you continue upwards along the ridge, you will finally reach 1883 m above sea level. You can ski the couloirs with a guide and require full avalanche equipment.
