Gaustatoppen

Infobox Mountain
Name = Gaustatoppen
Photo = Gaustatoppen_peak.jpg
Caption =
Elevation = convert|1883|m|ft|0|lk=on
Location = Tinn, Telemark, NOR
Range =
Prominence = convert|950|m|ft|0|abbr=on [http://www.ii.uib.no/~petter/mountains/PF600.html Petter Bjorstad's mountain site] ]
Coordinates = coord|59|51|14.9|N|8|39|01.2|E|type:mountain|display=inline,title
Topographic

First ascent = 1810 by Jens Esmark
Easiest route = hike
Listing = 8 at List of highest points of Norwegian counties

Gaustatoppen is the highest mountain in the county Telemark in Norway. The view from the summit is impressive, as one can see an area of approximately 60,000 km². There is an elevator system inside the mountain, built for military purposes, that lately has become accessible to the public. This ascends from the base of the mountain almost to the summit. The mountain is popular for downhill skiing in winter, and competitions have been held on its slopes. These competitions include the "Norseman Xtreme Triathlon", billed as "the world's most brutal iron-distance triathlon. It starts in Eidfjord and finishes at the top of Gaustatoppen." The summit is relatively easily accessible on foot in the summer, on a rocky pathway, although the southern side of the mountain is very dangerous and inaccessible. The wreckage of an airplane crash lies there, as it is too difficult to remove it.

ee also

*List of highest points of Norwegian counties

References

External links

* [http://www.visitrjukan.com/ Rjukan Tourist Information]
* [http://www.nxtri.com/ Norseman Xtreme Triathlon]