Tiring but technically easy ascent to the "summit", below which is the exit of the Gaustabanen and the DNT hut "Gastatoppen Turisthytte", where there is food and overnight accommodation during the season. Above (and already on the way) you have a magnificent view of the Hardangervidda, Norefjell and what feels like the whole of southern Norway.
However, this tour makes the tightrope walk to the actual summit really worthwhile. Between huge boulders, it goes partly over firn sections (mid-May) to the summit cross. From time to time the hands have to be used for easy climbing. Overall, however, the section is neither too exposed nor technically too difficult - provided you stay on the right side of the boulders. So always follow the red T!
Just so that it doesn't lead to misunderstandings: The Gaustatoppen is not the second highest mountain in Norway (that is the Glittertind with almost 2460 m).
Gaustatoppen, often just called Gausta in the local language, is a mountain in the Norwegian province of Vestfold og Telemark south of the town of Rjukan. With a height of 1883 moh. it is the highest mountain in the province.
Gaustatoppen
Gaustatoppen and Ryukan
Altitude 1883 mh. Location Norway, Vestfold og Telemark Coordinates 59° 52′ 52″ N, 8° 34′ 59″ E
Its cone shape makes it stand out from the landscape. With good visibility it is possible to see one sixth of Norway, which is about 60,000 km². The view extends to the Swedish border in the east and to the sea in the south.
The southern slope of the mountain is very steep and inaccessible; the wreckage of an airplane lies there and was never recovered due to the location.
RiseEdit

The ridge to the summit
Several paths lead to the summit. The easiest climb starts from the Stavsro parking lot (1173 m) on the Rjukan-Tuddal road. The walking time to the summit is between 2 and 3 hours. The sometimes very rocky path overcomes a difference in altitude of approx. 700 m over a length of 3.5 km and is marked with a red T. There is also a route to the summit from Tuddal, but the walking time is longer.
There is also a path from Selstali[1] west of Gaustatoppen. This path is very steep. It is also marked with a red T.
The summit itself can be reached via a narrow ridge.
mountain hut
Military use and mountain railwaysEdit
Mountain hut and radio tower near the summit
Due to the mountain's height and location, it was used as a radar and radio station during the Cold War. Military use only ended in 1995. A 55 m high antenna was erected on the mountain in 1970 and used for radio and cellular communications.[3] In order to be able to reach the summit all year round, a mountain railway ("Gaustabanen") was driven into the rock from Rjukan between 1954 and 1959. It consists of an 850 meter long horizontal "flat railway" and a steep funicular with a 1045 meter inclined length. The construction costs at that time amounted to around 1 million US dollars. In order to refinance the costs, the railway should also be used by tourists from the beginning, but due to the secrecy during the Cold War, this only happened much later. Even local residents were not aware of the existence of the railway.[4] The mountain railway starts on the road between Rjukan and Tuddal at 1170 m with a horizontal railway. After a journey of 860 m, there is a transit station inside the mountain where passengers have to change trains. From there the funicular begins, which climbs 650 meters over a length of 1,050 m. The mountain station is at 1800 m and thus about 75 m below the mountain hut, at the end of a tunnel in the mountain. The funicular has a gradient of 39°.[5] The mountain railway has been used by tourists since 2004.
Gaustatoppen is the 2nd highest mountain in Norway and is a short distance from Rjukan in Telemark. According to the Norwegians, when visibility is good, you can see 6% of the country.
After 3 days of continuous rain we set out for the Gaustatoppen. Of course we are not the first to come up with the idea. The exit is like a procession. Hundreds of people left before us. Nevertheless, it's worth it. The ascent is difficult. Mostly it goes over boulder fields. If you are not sure-footed, you should wear sturdy shoes.
When you get to the top you will be rewarded. The view is incredible. After the rain of the previous days, the landscape shines in the most beautiful colors. In the hut just before the summit there are delicious waffles. We stay for a whole hour and enjoy the view and the great weather.
Translated by Google •
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