Gausta - fantastic experiences in natural surroundings
Situated in Telemark, at the foot of Northern Europe’s largest mountaintop plateau, you can easily spend a holiday in Gausta filled with incredible experiences in nature.
Foto: Gausta.com
Hiking
Gausta is a real mecca for hikers. The jewel in the crown is of course the climb up to Gaustatoppen, for which you can take a number of different routes – or take the easy option of riding the Gaustabanen through the mountain – but the surrounding area of Western Norway and, naturally, Hardangervidda National Park, will also tempt you with short and long outings in varied terrain. So, there are plenty of opportunities to find an excursion where you can enjoy the fantastic landscape and natural surroundings without coming across anyone else along the way.
Cycling
The area around Gausta – especially Hardangervidda National Park – offers a wealth of unique cycle paths, whether you prefer mountain biking or road cycling. Here you’ll find beautiful routes for day trips, but also longer excursions with overnight accommodation in cabins along the way – and whatever you choose, you’ll be treated to an abundance of natural experiences.If you don’t want to bring your own bikes to Norway, you’ll have no trouble renting mountain bikes for the whole family.
Foto: Thomas Rasmus Skaug / VisitNorway.com
Climbing
If you’re looking for a challenge, Gausta and especially Rjukan, next door to Gausta, offer fantastic options, whether you’re a beginner and want to practise at the climbing centre, or are an old hand and want to tackle mountaineering or bouldering. In winter you can also have a completely unique experience on Rjukan’s many waterfalls, which attract ice climbers from all over the world.
Fishing
The municipality of Tinn, where Gausta is located, boasts no less than 800 different fishing waters – from large lakes to small streams and roaring rivers. Fishing permits can be purchased from inatur.com or locally in the area. The season stretches from June to late summer, but in some places, including Kvitåvatn right next to Gausta, you can fish all year round – including ice fishing in winter.
Foto: Telemark Brand Image
Hunting
Gausta is located next to the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, which is a popular destination for hunters. You’re allowed to hunt small game, grouse, hare, fox, goose and ducks – with the chance of seeing large birds of prey, predators and large cloven-hoofed animals. In the municipality of Tinn, where Gausta is located, you can also hunt deer and moose. Hunting permits can be purchased at inatur.no, and the different areas require different permits.
Water activities
An enjoyable outing in a canoe, kayak, rowing boat or on a paddle board with views of Gaustatoppen, fishing trips with the chance of a big catch or a refreshing dip in the cold lake followed by the comforting heat of one of the lake’s floating saunas – Kvitåvatn offers water activities for every taste.
Foto: Gausta.com