Gausta is a perfect summer destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers stunning mountain views and endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and swimming. Accommodation and ferry crossing are included in the price.
Take in the breathtaking views of Telemark, explore the rich mountain heritage at the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum, or feel the rush from Norway’s highest bungee jump. A holiday at Gausta opens the door to a true paradise of culture, history, adventure, and unspoiled nature.
Gausta is one of Norway’s most popular hiking destinations, offering trails for all levels and breathtaking mountain views. One of the most famous hikes is to the summit of Gaustatoppen.
Families and beginners often enjoy the gentle trails around Stavsro and Gaustablikk, while more experienced hikers might choose routes like the steep trail from Selstali or longer ridge hikes across the surrounding highlands. Whether you’re looking for a short walk or a full-day adventure, Gausta offers memorable hiking experiences in every season.
At 1,883 meters above sea level, Gaustatoppen is the highest mountain in Telemark. From the summit, you can see one-sixth of Norway on a clear day — from the Swedish border in the east to the Skagerrak coast in the south. Even from a distance, Gaustatoppen is an impressive sight, with its snow-capped peak beautifully reflected in the clear waters of the surrounding mountain lakes.
Gaustabanen is a unique underground funicular railway inside Gaustatoppen mountain in Telemark, Norway. Originally built in the 1950s for military use, it was later opened to the public, allowing visitors to travel through a tunnel to near the mountain’s summit. Today, Gaustabanen offers an easy and fascinating way to experience one of Norway’s most iconic viewpoints, with panoramic views over a large part of the country.
Read more at gaustabanen.no
Rjukan is a small town with a big history, which has led to its nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1810, geology professor Jens Esmark reported to the king in Copenhagen that the highest waterfall in the world had been found at Rjukan. However, Esmark had made incorrect measurements, and Rjukanfossen’s 104 meters was not enough to earn that title. Nevertheless, the waterfall has attracted travelers from all over the world to Rjukan near Gausta to experience Rjukanfossen — the “smoking waterfall.”
In 1943, one of the most significant acts of sabotage of the Second World War took place at the Vemork hydroelectric power station. Today, Vemork has been transformed into the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum, where visitors can learn how Norwegian saboteurs prevented the Germans from producing nuclear weapons. If you want to add an adrenaline rush to your historical experience, Vemork is also the place to be.
Here you’ll find Norway’s highest bungee jump — an 84-meter leap from a suspension bridge into a deep gorge, making you feel as if you’re disappearing into a funnel of towering rock walls.
Read more at visitrjukan.com
MB Fjellvåken, drives daily round trip Skinnarbu – Mogen, on Møsvatn. Read more at visitrauland.com
Rjukanbadet is a popular family-friendly water park offering pools, slides, a wellness area, and fun activities year-round.
The Rjukan area offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy walks along lakes and valleys to challenging mountain routes with spectacular views.
Plan your trip to Gausta with ease – find directions, distances, and tips for shopping and restaurants.
Follow the directions Rjukan/Gausta via road 37 from Oslo, Larvik, or Kristiansand.
From Oslo: 184 km
From Larvik: 200 km
From Kristiansand: 300 km
Gausta offers a variety of cozy mountain restaurants where you can enjoy everything from local Norwegian flavors to casual family‑friendly meals, all with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Find restaurants at gausta.com
Gausta offers a selection of charming shops where you can browse outdoor gear, local specialties, and essentials for a comfortable mountain stay.
In Rjukan you can find a wider selection og stores.
Read more at visitrjukan.com
If you have general questions about your holiday destination, send an email to hello@gausta.com, or download the Gausta app so you have all the information right at your hands.
Hotel stays, as well as stays in holiday apartments and cabins, are available in Gausta. We have selected the best summer holiday offers and hope you find the perfect accommodation.
Price example 5 nights: Accommodation in a studio apartment including final cleaning at Gausta Ski Resort for 4 people, including 1 car and round-trip ferry crossing from Hirtshals, with arrival on Sunday in week 34, 2026. Status: December 11, 2025.