It started with a joint ascent with Radio Wataha
On 10 August 2024 Wataha Integrasjon Forening and Radio Wataha invited Poles and other residents of Norway to a joint ascent of Gaustatoppen.
It was not just about reaching the summit. It was an integration meeting – an opportunity to meet new people, spend a day in Norwegian nature and together reach one of Telemark's most characteristic peaks.
The expedition also included Dawid Maciaszek, who at that time already had 86 ascents of Gaustatoppen behind him.
The event is already history, but the idea remains current: you can go to Gaustatoppen alone, with family or a group of friends.
And you do not have to wait for another organized expedition.
Gaustatoppen – 1883 metres above Rjukan
Gaustatoppen is 1883 m above sea level and is the highest peak in Telemark. In good visibility from the summit you can see an area corresponding to almost one sixth of Norway's surface. visitrjukan.com
The most popular period for a hike is usually the months from July to September. In the middle of summer the route can be very crowded, so Gausta recommends considering an early morning start or later in the day. gausta.com
Current information about Gaustatoppen
The simplest route – start from Stavsro
For most people the best choice will be the ascent from Stavsro.
The trailhead is located on the road between Rjukan and Tuddal, at an elevation of around 1100 metres. The official VisitRjukan gives about 4 km one way and about 700 metres of elevation gain. The trail is clear, but largely runs over rocks. visitrjukan.com
In practice it is sensible to allow several hours for the ascent, a rest on the summit and the descent. The route map on UT.no gives about 9.3 km round trip and about 5 hours of walking. UT
See the Gaustatoppen route from Stavsro
What to bring?
Do not be deceived by the fact that Gaustatoppen is a popular peak.
Down below it may be warm and calm, while on the summit it can be cold, windy and foggy. Conditions can change very quickly. The official Gausta site recommends checking the weather, cameras and current conditions immediately before the trip. gausta.com
Most useful are good shoes, a rainproof and windproof jacket, an additional warm layer, water, food and a charged phone.
You do not have to climb up and down on foot
Gaustatoppen has something special.
Gaustabanen operates inside the mountain.
The system was originally built for military purposes. Today, in about 15 minutes it transports tourists from the lower station to an altitude of about 1800 meters. From there a short stretch remains to Gaustatoppen Turisthytte, and further you can walk along the ridge to the actual highest point 1883 m. gausta.com
You can buy a ride:
up,
down,
or both ways.
This gives a very good option: to hike on foot, rest at the summit and descend by Gaustabanen, if your legs say "enough".
Opening hours and prices change seasonally, so check them directly before your trip.
Gaustabanen – hours, status and tickets
You can take a break at the top
Just below the summit is Gaustatoppen Turisthytte.
You can rest there, buy something to eat and drink, and during certain periods also stay overnight. UT
After a few kilometers of walking a hot drink and a waffle at about 1850 meters taste a bit different than down below.
How to get there and where to leave your car?
The main starting point for the hiking route is Stavsro.
However, the parking can fill up quickly on nice summer days. VisitRjukan also runs seasonally the Fjellbussen, which connects Rjukan, Gausta, Gaustabanen and Stavsro. In 2026 the bus operates from the end of June to October. visitrjukan.com
Therefore, instead of fighting for the last space at the trailhead you can leave your car lower down and use transport.
Current Fjellbussen and transport to Gaustatoppen
Want to sleep in a tent? Not "anywhere"
In the old description of our event we wrote about the possibility of sleeping in a tent. It is worth clarifying this.
The Norwegian allemannsretten allows pitching a tent in utmark, basically a minimum of 150 meters from an inhabited house or cabin. Without the owner's consent you can usually remain in the same place for a maximum of two nights, with exceptions for high mountains and areas far from settlements. You must also respect local restrictions. Miljødirektoratet
Camping and overnight stays are not allowed in the Stavsro camping parking itself. VisitRjukan points to nearby campsites and camper spots as an alternative. visitrjukan.com
Gaustatoppen is only the beginning. Head down to Rjukan
If you are coming here from Oslo, Drammen, Kongsberg or another part of Norway, it's a pity to return home immediately after reaching the summit.
Rjukan has much more to offer.
Vemork and the history of heavy water
One of the most important places is Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum in Vemork.
It is here that you can learn the history of heavy water production and one of the most famous sabotage operations of World War II. An exhibition related to the discovered heavy water cellar – Tungtvannskjelleren – is also currently available. NIA
Rjukan is part of the UNESCO World Heritage
Rjukan and Notodden were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015.
The protected heritage includes not only individual buildings but the entire industrial landscape: hydroelectric power stations, factories, transmission lines, transport and the towns that grew up around Norsk Hydro’s industry. UNESCO World Heritage Centre
As a result, an ordinary walk through Rjukan can become a lesson in the history of Norwegian industrialization.
Rjukan–Notodden on the UNESCO list
Solspeilet – the sun directed at the square
Rjukan lies in the shadow of the surrounding mountains for much of the winter.
Therefore, three computer-controlled mirrors above the center direct sunlight onto Rjukan Torg.
The idea appeared more than a hundred years ago, but it was only realized in 2013. visitrjukan.com
The mirror itself can be seen from the town center. However, one should not assume that it is currently possible to walk the trail directly under the installation – VisitRjukan marks Solspeilstien as closed. visitrjukan.com
Rjukanfossen – the waterfall where it all began
Rjukanfossen is about 104 metres high, but today most of its water is diverted through pipes to the Vemork power plant.
Therefore, you will not always see the huge wall of water known from old paintings and photographs. When the water is released, the waterfall once again displays its power. visitrjukan.com
Rjukanfossen – VisitRjukan information
What about Krossobanen?
Krossobanen was built in 1928 to carry residents of Rjukan from the valley, which is shaded in winter, up to the sun.
It is an important part of the town's history.
However, its status should be checked before planning a visit. As of the update of this article VisitRjukan reports that Krossobanen remains closed indefinitely. visitrjukan.com
Therefore we no longer include it as a guaranteed item in a one-day itinerary.
Have one more day? Head towards Hardangervidda
About 25 kilometres from Rjukan, by Møsvatn, there is the Hardangervidda Nasjonalparksenter in Skinnarbu.
You will find an interactive exhibition about nature and wild reindeer, VR, a cinema and a view of Møsvatn and Hardangervidda. visitrjukan.com
It’s a very good choice especially for families and for people who want to get to know Hardangervidda but don’t plan a multi-hour trek across the plateau.
Hardangervidda Nasjonalparksenter
You can reach Gaustatoppen in your own way
Our joint Radio Wataha expedition from 2024 has already ended.
But that’s precisely why this article should no longer be an invitation to an event.
Let it be an invitation to the place.
You can walk up from Stavsro.
You can take Gaustabanen up and down.
You can bring your family.
You can stay overnight in the area, the next day visit Vemork, walk through Rjukan, see Solspeilet or continue on toward Hardangervidda.
Gaustatoppen is one of those places where it’s hard to convey everything with a photo.
It’s best simply to one day stand on the summit and see it for yourself.
Information checked: 26 September 2026.
