
Gaustabanen
In the Alps, it is popular to fly by helicopter to the mountaintop. At Gausta, however, things are done differently. Here, a cable car has been running inside the mountain, all the way to the top, since 1959. Gaustabanen is a truly unique cable car that operates inside Gaustatoppen. In just 15 minutes, it takes you all the way up to the summit at 1800 meters above sea level.
Thanks to Gaustabanen, almost anyone can go hiking and explore the mountain, regardless of age or physical abilities. Many visitors also choose to hike up to Gaustatoppen and take Gaustabanen down, or vice versa (please note that the bottom station of Gaustabanen is located about 4 km away from the usual starting point for hiking up - Stavsro).
Since its commercial opening in 2010, Gaustabanen has transported over 75,000 people each year, with the highest number of visitors in July and August, as well as during the ski season.

About Gaustabanen
Gaustabanen is an underground train, which runs inside the mountain of Gaustatoppen. 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.
Gaustabanens opening hours
Gaustabanen is open both summer and winter. During opening hours, the train runs continuously with several departures per day. During the summer, the Gaustabanen departs approximately every ten minutes. There are fewer departures during winter as many visitors have skis and other equipment with them.

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. On sunny days with good snow, there is fantastically advanced off-piste skiing.

Events and activities at Gaustabanen
Every year, Gaustabanen hosts several popular events and activities. Some are hosted together with Gaustatoppen Turisthytte, such as the popular Easter breakfast during spring. They also organize activities, such as guided tours of the old defence facility and Top Secret Dining. The latter is a 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.