Rauland – Holiday gem on the edge of Hardangervidda

In Rauland, nature experiences in a class of their own await the whole family – whether you want to experience the high mountain nature by car, on your own, by dog sled, by water or via a railway inside a mountain.

Experiences in Hardangervidda Nasjonalpark

Rauland is close to the large high mountain plateau that makes up Hardangervidda Nasjonalpark – Norway's largest nature reserve. There are plenty of great walks for all the family to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the area's many wild animals, including huge herds of wild reindeer – or why not go on an elk safari and get up close to the "king of the forest"? You can also go on a guided horseback ride in the high mountains or zoom through the countryside behind an eager dogsled – a fun experience for the whole family!

Hardangervidda Nasjonalpark route

Rauland is located in the middle of the fantastic Hardangervidda Nasjonalpark route, which runs from Haukeliseter in the west to Heddal Stavkirke in the east. The route offers a pearl of natural and cultural experiences, from unique viewpoints to exciting museums of old and recent Norwegian history. Drive the whole route or use it as inspiration for day trips during your stay in Rauland.

Beautiful nature experiences on the water

When you holiday in Rauland, two fantastic cruise experiences are just around the corner. At Møsvatn, you can go on an idyllic high–mountain cruise on the beautiful lake, and just 45 min. From Rauland, one of Telemark's greatest nature experiences awaits: a cruise on the Telemark Canal in a charming historic cruising boat.

If you prefer to explore lakes, rivers or even the Telemark Canal on your own, there are also plenty of opportunities for canoeing and kayaking – and don't forget to visit the beautiful sandy beach of Fagersand, which definitely lives up to its name.

Experience history

The area around Rauland offers a wide range of historical experiences – from cosy hours in the traditional farms of Telemarkstunet to the exciting museums in Rjukan and Vemork, which tell about the area's amazing industrial history and one of Norway's most dramatic sabotage actions, known from the film Telemark's Heroes and the series The Heavy Water War.

Don’t forget…

Rauland is only around one hour from Gaustablikk, where you can reach the top of Gaustatoppen, said to have Norway's most beautiful views. If you don't want to go all the way to the top, you can ride up and down on the Gaustabanen – a unique railway inside the mountain.

Accommodation in the middle of beautiful nature

In Rauland you can choose to stay in a nice room at Rauland Høgfjellshotell – with access to e.g. restaurant and bar as well as, for example, spa, sauna, fitness area– or in a cosy cabin in Rauland Feriesenter. Whatever you choose, you'll be living with the area's beautiful scenery right outside your window!

Your guide to a great holiday in Rauland

Read more about what to do, see and do in Rauland below and find inspiration for your holiday in our Rauland travel articles.