Rjukan – Nature and culture in a class of its own
The town of Rjukan, around 20 minutes drive from Gaustablikk, is in many ways unique – and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In winter, the town is completely shaded by the surrounding mountains, but illuminated by a sun mirror that shines down on the town square. The city was also the centre of one of Norway's most dramatic sabotage operations during World War II – If you're just a little interested in World World Two, you have probably seen the film "Heroes of Telemark" or the series "The Heavy Water War", both of which are about this episode at the Vemork power station.
If you visit Rjukan, you can go on a city walk, visit Vemork, which is now also a museum – and not least take a ride on the cable car Krossobanen, which was built in 1928 to give the city's inhabitants the opportunity to get up in the sunlight during the dark winter months.
From the top of the Krossobanen (at 886 metres) you can take a pleasant hike on the family–friendly "Solstien" trail. The beautiful tour is around 4.3 km long and runs on the edge of Hardangervidda Nasjonalpark. On the way you will pass several viewpoints, which give you a fantastic view over the beautiful high mountain plateau.
Rjukan is also known for its more than 200 waterfalls, where rushing meltwater from Hardangarvidda pours down the dark mountain walls – a spectacular sight, regardless of the size of the waterfall!
Look around on Rjukan – Nature and culture in a class of its own
