Hike to Gaustatoppen from Stavsro

The easiest and most popular hike to Gaustatoppen takes you along the southern side of the mountain and begins in Stavsro. The hike is 4.5 km one way and takes around 2 hours. 

Hike to Gaustatoppen from Stavsro

The easiest and most popular hike to Gaustatoppen takes you along the southern side of the mountain and begins in Stavsro. The hike is 4.5 km one way and takes around 2 hours. 

Hike to Gaustatoppen from Stavsro

The easiest and most popular hike to Gaustatoppen takes you along the southern side of the mountain and begins in Stavsro. The hike is 4.5 km one way and takes around 2 hours. 

The route in brief

Start: Stavsro 
Length: 4.5 km one way
Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours one way 
Vertical rise: ca 700 m (approx. 1,170-1,883 metres above sea level) 
Difficulty: Easy/medium 
Child-friendly: For children used to hiking 
MAP

Getting there

Park at Stavsro, where there is a small pay car park with a limited number of spaces.  If there are no spaces available, you could park at Bygget or Gaustablikk and take the bus to Stavsro instead.  

The mountain-top hike from Stavsro to Gaustatoppen begins at Stavsro car park. The hike is steep but the trail is wide, which makes it easy to walk. The trail is clearly marked with red ‘T’s painted on stones. Follow the trail to the summit and, on a clear day, a view of one-sixth of Norway. 

Useful information

Gaustatoppen is known for its changeable weather so make sure to bring both rainwear and sun protection – you never know what to expect. The best time to do this mountain-top hike from Stavsro to Gaustatoppen is in the summer, from the beginning of July until September. 

 As the hike includes an ascent of a couple of hundred metres and rocky sections, it’s described as ‘Easy/medium difficulty’ – but it’s quite a simple  hike for anyone used to hiking in the mountains. We recommend wearing hike-friendly trainers or hiking boots. 

Hiking to Gaustatoppen

Gaustatoppen from Stavsro
A popular and easy hike

Begin your Gaustatoppen adventure from the Stavsro parking lot and follow the popular route along the southern side.

Gaustatoppen from Svineroi
Short & steep

Experience a fantastic summit hike from Svineroi to Gaustatoppen and be rewarded with a spectacular view from Norway's highest mountain.

Gaustatoppen from Selstali
Beautiful and challenging

Take part in an exciting summit hike from Selstali to Gaustatoppen and experience the beautiful nature up close.

Gaustatoppen from Rjukan
For experienced hikers only

With a climb of 1600 meters, the north side of Gaustatoppen is a full-day adventure if you start from Rjukan.

Hikes on Gausta

Hike around Skipsfjell
Easy

Start: Pose & Sekk Grocery
Length: 5.1 km round trip
Time: 1–2 hours
Child-friendly: Yes

Hike to Ørnenipa
easy/moderate

Ørnenipa is a popular mountain in Vatnedalen, located in the northeastern part of Gausta with fantastic view.

Hike to Toreskyrkja from Heddersvatn
Moderate

This moderate hike to Toreskyrkja starts at Lake Heddersvatn next to Stavsro. 

Hike to Toreskyrkja from Vatnedalen
Moderate

This challenging hike takes you from Vatnedalen to Toreskyrkja at 1,371 metres above sea level. 

BOOK A GUIDED TOUR

Guided tours at Gausta

During the summer, you can book one of the many guided tours in the Gausta area. A great way to discover more of the mountains! 

BOOK A GUIDED TOUR

Guided tours at Gausta

During the summer, you can book one of the many guided tours in the Gausta area. A great way to discover more of the mountains! 

BOOK A GUIDED TOUR

Guided tours at Gausta

During the summer, you can book one of the many guided tours in the Gausta area. A great way to discover more of the mountains! 

Remember

Remember

Dress appropriately and follow the Norwegian mountain safety code, which is a set of rules and advice that you should always have with you when you go out in the mountains. For example, make sure that you always plan your hike carefully and be prepared for bad weather and the cold, even on short hikes.

Download the Gausta app

Download the Gausta app

Would you like to download the map to your phone? Download the Gausta app from App Store or Google Play! The app also has plenty of other useful information for your visit to Gausta.