Welcome to the Gausta Wild Traverse - an exclusive premium wilderness experience that fuses cultural heritage, untouched nature, and physical challenge into a compact, unforgettable 2-day loop. Date for this adventure is July 12-13, 2025.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, adventurous couple, or a team in search of deeper connection and shared challenge, this is the expedition that redefines what a weekend in the wild can be.

Culture Meets Comfort

The adventure kicks off at Selstali Seter, a traditional mountain farm where the air smells like woodsmoke and fresh grass. Inside, breakfast is something special — flatbrød still warm from the griddle, creamy sour cream, salty cured meats, and cold milk straight from the goats out back. It’s simple, real, and ridiculously good. The kind of meal that doesn’t just fuel you — it connects you to the place you’re about to explore.

We also offer a vegan alternative to the traditional seter food.

Paddle.. Camp.. Learn.. Breathe..

After breakfast, you’ll gear up, grab your packraft, and head into the wild. The route winds across three mirror-still alpine lakes — a peaceful paddle through spruce forest and towering rock faces that feel worlds away from the hustle.

The afternoon is yours. Maybe you join the map-and-compass session and learn to read the land the old-fashioned way. Maybe you fish. Maybe you lie in the grass and let the sun warm your boots. When the fire’s lit and dinner is cooking, conversation gets easy. You fall asleep to the sound of breeze in the pines and water lapping at the shore.

The mountain calls! And the ridge awaits!

Day two starts early — trail breakfast, packed bags, and a steady climb toward the wild western side of Gaustatoppen. This isn’t the tourist route. There are no trains, no crowds, no kiosks. Just you, your group, and a rugged trail that rises through birch, rock, and cloud.

At the top? The DNT hut is waiting with hot drinks and a mountain lunch (vegan alternative available), and on a clear day, you’ll see one sixth of Norway from up there. But the real thrill is yet to come.

The ridge traverse takes you back — a challenging, beautiful descent along wild trails and quiet passes, dropping down through alpine rock and dense forest until you loop right back to where it all began.

No pickups. No backtracking. Just a full-circle adventure — self-contained, soul-filling, and unforgettable.

What makes this trip different?

This isn’t a tourist hike. It’s not a race either. It’s something in between - a compact, handcrafted expedition that blends tradition, challenge, and connection.

• You’ll paddle, hike, sleep outdoors, and summit a mountain.
• You’ll learn real skills, not just follow a path.
• You’ll feel remote, but you’re in good hands - guides, gear, and meals are all sorted.
• And best of all: it’s a true loop. No shuttles or transportation. Just legs and water and grit.

Practical information

📅 July 12-13

👫 Maximum 8 participants

💰 5800 NOK per person

🦸‍♂️ 2-3 experienced wilderness guides

✉️ Booking enquiries to: info@rjukanadventure.no

An all inclusive adventure

All necessary camping equipment such as tents/lavvo, cooking equipment, as well as canoes, safety jackets etc. will be provided by Rjukan Adventure.  All meals are included, please let us know if you have specific preferences such as vegan, allergies etc.

How physically demanding is the Gausta Wild Traverse?

The Gausta Wild Traverse is a moderately to highly demanding two-day expedition designed for participants with a good base level of fitness and prior hiking experience. You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you should be comfortable with:

• Paddling a canoe for 3–4 hours on alpine lakes (weather-dependent).

• Carrying a light pack on uneven terrain.

• Hiking steep mountain trails with a significant ascent (900+ meters of elevation gain).

• Navigating a full-day ridge traverse that includes rocky and occasionally exposed sections.

The terrain is wild and remote, and the second day involves a long and physically challenging route that may take 8–10 hours. Participants should be in good physical condition and accustomed to being outdoors for extended periods.

This is an unforgettable wilderness experience — but it’s not a casual walk in the park.

What you need to bring

• Good hiking boots
• Weatherproof layers
• Daypack
• Sleeping bag and mat (for summer conditions)
• Personal items