Travel guide
Summer in Rauland
Long light evenings, open plateaus and mountain water — Telemark at its best between June and September.
Rauland is a mountain village in Telemark at the edge of Hardangervidda. Summer here is quiet rather than crowded: marked trails straight from the door, trout lakes, and evenings when the light lingers until close to midnight.
Rauland Høgfjellshotell has welcomed guests since 1949 and works well as a basecamp — breakfast before you head out, a free indoor pool when you come back, and dinner at Restaurant Falkeriset from 19:00.
What to do
- —Hike Gaustatoppen (1,883 m) — about an hour's drive, 3–5 hours return.
- —Walk or cycle into Hardangervidda, Europe's largest mountain plateau, 15 km away.
- —Fish for trout in mountain lakes, or paddle a canoe on calm water.
- —Swim, sauna and steam in the hotel's wellness area, free for guests.
- —Visit local craft, art and history in Rauland village, 8 km from the hotel.
A good three-day plan
- —Day 1: arrive in the afternoon, short walk on the ridge behind the hotel, dinner at Falkeriset.
- —Day 2: early start for Gaustatoppen, back for the pool and a late dinner.
- —Day 3: packed lunch and an easy day hike into Hardangervidda before you drive home.
Getting here
Rauland is roughly three hours from Oslo via the E134 and about four from Kristiansand. The nearest airports are Oslo Gardermoen and Torp Sandefjord; a rental car is the practical way to reach the trailheads around the village.
Parking at the hotel is free and there are charging options for electric cars in the area.
Key facts
- Location
- Høgfjellsbakken 1, 3864 Rauland, Norway
- Elevation
- 1,000 m above sea level
- Drive from Oslo
- About 3 hours via E134
- Best months
- June–September
- Breakfast
- Buffet included for hotel guests
- Pool and sauna
- Free for guests, 07:00–21:00
- Dinner
- Restaurant Falkeriset from 19:00
- Check-in / check-out
- From 16:00 / by 11:00
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Rauland?
About 3 hours by car from Oslo via the E134. The address is Høgfjellsbakken 1, 3864 Rauland, with free parking at the hotel.
How high is the hotel?
Rauland Høgfjellshotell stands 1,000 metres above sea level with views towards Hardangervidda.
Is breakfast included?
Yes — a breakfast buffet is served daily at Restaurant Falkeriset and is included for hotel guests.
Is the pool free?
Yes. The pool, sauna, steam room and gym are free for hotel guests and open 07:00–21:00 every day of the year.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 16:00, check-out by 11:00.
Can we bring a dog?
Yes, pets are welcome for NOK 100 per night per unit. Call reception on +47 99 35 90 00 to confirm.
Is the restaurant open to non-residents?
Yes, Restaurant Falkeriset serves dinner from 19:00 daily and welcomes cabin owners and day visitors.
Stay at the basecamp
Rauland Høgfjellshotell is the closest mountain hotel — indoor pool, breakfast buffet and dinner at Restaurant Falkeriset after your day outside.