Frequently Asked Questions

Gaustabanen is a unique mountain funicular inside Gaustatoppen in Telemark, Norway. Originally built as part of a top secret NATO facility during the Cold War, it opened to visitors in 2010.

The journey takes you 850 metres into the mountain aboard the tram before you transfer to the funicular, which climbs another 1,050 metres to the Summit Station. The trip takes 15 minutes. From there, it's just a short walk to the summit of Gaustatoppen.

First, you travel 850 metres horizontally into the mountain aboard the tram. At Brekket, you transfer to the funicular, which climbs 1,050 metres at a 39 degree incline to the Summit Station.

The entire journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

Gaustatoppen stands 1,883 metres above sea level and is one of Norway's most iconic mountains. On a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of more than 60 mountain peaks and see as much as one sixth of mainland Norway.

Gaustabanen is open year round, except during scheduled maintenance periods. Opening hours vary throughout the year. Please visit our Opening Hours page for the latest information.

Ticket prices vary depending on the season and ticket type. Visit our Tickets page for the latest prices and available ticket options. Children under 5 travel free of charge. Companions accompanying visitors with disabilities travel free of charge upon presentation of a valid companion card.

We recommend purchasing your tickets online before you arrive, especially during weekends, holidays and the summer season. Tickets can also be purchased at the Lower Station, subject to availability.

Yes, dogs are welcome. A dog ticket can be purchased at the welcome centre at the lower station and costs NOK 50 for a one-way trip and NOK 75 for a return trip. All dogs must be kept on a lead within the premises.

Gaustabanen is accessible for wheelchair users with a foldable travel wheelchair. The entrance door is 50 centimetres wide, and people who are unable to walk unaided must be carried up two staircases of 20 steps each. You must bring any necessary assistance with you.

The two parts of the funicular journey together take about 15 minutes to reach the top. Including boarding, disembarking and time spent at the summit, you should allow at least one hour for the whole visit.

At the upper station there is a café, a kiosk and toilets. Gaustatoppen Turisthytte offers light refreshments and the option to pre-book dinner and overnight accommodation. It is also possible to walk further up to the summit itself at 1,883 metres above sea level for a 360-degree view. Inside the facility you will find the historic Listening and Transmission Hall and the King's Lounge from the former NATO defence installation.

Even in summer, it is important to dress warmly. Inside the mountain, the temperature is 5–8 degrees Celsius all year round. At the summit, the weather can change quickly, and it is recommended to bring windproof clothing and sturdy shoes regardless of the season. In winter, warm and windproof clothing with wool as a base layer is required.

Gaustatoppen is located about two and a half hours by car from Oslo. There is dedicated parking on county road 651 between Tuddal and Rjukan. The road from Tuddal is not ploughed in winter, so during that season arrival via county road 37 is the only option by car. During the high season, it is recommended to park at Gaustablikk Høyfjellshotell or Stavsro and use the Gaustaekspressen shuttle bus.

Yes, Gaustabanen offers tailored experiences for groups and businesses, including guided tours of the historic defence facility, lunch in the Listening and Transmission Hall, and events such as Top Secret Dining, featuring historical dramatisation and a three-course dinner.

Gaustabanen can carry 75 people inside the mountain at any one time: 25 on the tram and 25 in each of the two cars. Capacity is 200 people per hour in winter and 250 people per hour in summer. Each year, Gaustabanen carries close to 100,000 travellers to and from Gaustatoppen.

Yes, Gaustatoppen is well marked and equipped with staircases and paths. Gaustabanen is responsible for its guests within the funicular facility itself, but all walking and skiing on Gaustatoppen is undertaken at one's own risk.

Yes, you can bring skis and snowboards on Gaustabanen and ride down from the summit. We mark a recommended route down, but outside this route there can be significant avalanche danger. Please also be aware that rocks and other obstacles may occur along the route. In poor conditions, for example insufficient snow, we reserve the right not to permit the transport of skis. All skiing on Gaustatoppen is undertaken at one's own risk.

Yes, it is entirely possible to walk up to Gaustatoppen and take Gaustabanen down. It is a pleasant walk up, and you can buy a one-way ticket online or at the upper station when you reach the summit.

Yes, Gaustatoppen offers a truly unique setting for a wedding celebration. Contact us to hear more about the possibilities at post@gaustabanen.no or call +47 45 50 22 22.