Try the Viking Challenge route on your own

Hike one way: approximately 7 hours or 8.5 hours
Level of difficulty: Demanding

With a difference in elevation of 1,600 metres from Rjukan to Gaustatoppen, this is a great hike for very fit hikers. The first two hours from the Rjukan railway station ascend steeply along a waymarked trail up to the trail crossing at Lislestaul. Here, you have two options:

If you choose the western side of Gaustatoppen Mountain, you will go into Gausdal Valley via Selstali and along Aslakstaulvatnet Lake. From here, you continue through the pass toward Gaustaråen and up to the trail toward Stavsro. Then follow the trail markings to the top. This trip takes seven hours.

The other option is to hike on the east side of the summit via Svineroi. You must allow 8.5 hours for this trip.

Both routes from Rjukan to the summit on Gaustatoppen are demanding. If you choose not to go to the summit at the trail crossing to Stavsro, the two routes make up a part of the round-trip around Gaustatoppen mountain. The highlight of the trip is nevertheless the impressive mountain top.