Gaustatoppen
Telemark’s highest mountain, rising majestically 1,883 metres above sea level, with views across one-sixth of Norway.
Gaustatoppen Year-Round
Experience Gaustatoppen, Telemark’s highest mountain and a natural highlight of any stay at Gausta. The mountain can be visited year-round, with great hiking opportunities in summer and autumn and skiing in winter. Gaustabanen provides easy access to the summit throughout the year, making Gaustatoppen an experience for both adults and children.
Gaustatoppen is just a short distance from Gausta. Here you’ll find a range of accommodation options, from cabins and apartments to hotels, as well as shops, restaurants and wellness facilities, all less than a 10-minute drive from Gaustabanen.
Hike to Gaustatoppen and enjoy a view of one-sixth of Norway from the summit.
Hike to Gaustatoppen and enjoy a view of one-sixth of Norway from the summit.
Take the Gaustabanen to the summit in 15 minutes for a unique journey and stunning views.
Gaustabanen
Gaustabanen takes you to the top of Gaustatoppen at 1,800 meters above sea level in just 15 minutes. Thanks to Gaustabanen, Gaustatoppen is considered one of Norway's most accessible mountains.
The railway was originally used to transport military equipment to the secret NATO base hidden inside the mountain. Join us and discover the secrets Gaustatoppen.
Experience the history of Gaustatoppen
A unique dining experience that combines 3-course meals and stories from the Cold War - perfect for groups and conferences
Join a guided tour in Gaustatoppen and uncover its history, and explore its crucial hidden rooms.
Built in 1950 for military purposes, this historic railway whisks you up to Gaustatoppen in just 15 minutes, offering breathtaking views.
Skiing from Gaustatoppen
Gaustatoppen offers exciting and accessible off-piste terrain for experienced skiers. The marked route down Langefonn offers around 650 vertical metres of skiing in spectacular surroundings. The route is marked but not groomed and requires good skiing skills and experience skiing outside prepared slopes.
There are also opportunities to ski the couloirs along the ridge of Gaustatoppen. These are significantly more challenging and involve a higher avalanche risk, and are only suitable for highly experienced skiers with the necessary knowledge and equipment.
Gaustatoppen is also a great destination for ski touring or backcountry skiing. Svineroi is a natural starting point, where you can park and continue up the mountain on skis.
All skiing on Gaustatoppen is at your own risk.
Weather and Conditions on Gaustatoppen
The weather on Gaustatoppen can change quickly, and conditions may be very different from those lower down the mountain. Always check the weather forecast and current conditions before setting out, regardless of the season. Webcams on Gaustatoppen and around Gausta provide an up-to-date view of conditions on the mountain.
In winter, you should also check snow conditions and the current avalanche forecast on Varsom.no. Make sure you have the necessary knowledge and appropriate equipment for the trip you are planning.
Always adapt your plans to the weather and conditions, and follow the Norwegian Mountain Code.
Best time to visit Gaustatoppen
Gaustatoppen can be visited all year round. The mountain is just as beautiful regardless of the season, and each season has its charm. In the autumn the mountains are coloured in red and orange. During winter the snow is sparkling and the skiing is magical, and the summer's long and bright days offer fantastic hikes.
The best months for hiking are usually July - September, with a peak in late July and early August. At this time, there can be long queues along the path from Stavsro. If you want to experience the mountain during this period, we recommend going up extra early or later in the day. And it is well worth it, since you also get to experience the sunrise or sunset!
The best months for skiing are usually early spring during March and April. During this time of the year, the days are longer and there is usually more snow, while the weather conditions are milder compared to earlier in the winter. The snow usually stays all the way into May. Many even celebrate Norway's National Day, May 17th, on skis from Gaustatoppen (!)
