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Gausatoppen

Gaustatoppen is not the highest mountain in Norway (that's Galdhøpiggen which Eric has also climbed many years ago).  However it is perhaps the most spectacular given the way it dominates its surrounding hills.  From the top on a clear day (which we had), you can see one sixth of all of Norway.


The day may have been clear but it was windy and cold when we set out to hike to the top.  In fact the wind was so strong in the first kilometre we strongly considered turning back given we were probably carrying one less layer of clothes than we should have.  At least this kept us moving!  The scenery was fabulous which helped keep us motivated.


Gaustatoppen is a very popular hike and there was a lot of people (and dogs) enjoying the good weather.  For Norwegians it was probably one of the best (and warmest) days of summer so everyone was taking the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.



The summit was very crowded.  A tiny train runs up the mountain (inside) so those who considered the walk too tough could do it the easy and expensive way.  There is also a shop and café which we used for shelter but not food - much to Samuels disappointment as he really wanted a hot waffle.

Photobombed



On the walk down we took a steeper, more direct route than the climb up which had a few slippery moments...

After we got back to civilisation we headed back down the valley to the town of Rjukan where we enjoyed a few hours in the local swimming complex which had a very spectacular and scenic outside spa and pool where you could soak away the aches and pains from walking (and an indoor waterslide which Samuel loved).

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