Southern Norway - Norway - page 265

The best hiking map to use for this part of the plateau is Telemark Turistforening's
Hardangervidda Sør-Øst, at a scale of 1:60,000. It's available from the tourist office
for Nkr98.
Ice-Climbing ICE-CLIMBING
It might not appeal to all, but if the idea of hauling yourself up a giant vertical icicle that
looks suspiciously as if it's going to crack and send you tumbling to an early grave sounds
like your idea of fun, then Rjukan is fast gaining a reputation as the place for ice-climbing.
There are more than 150 routes in the immediate area of the town. The tourist office (
35 08 05 50; www.visitrjukan.com ) can put you in touch with guides and instructors
or check out Climb Inn ( www.climb-inn.com ) , who can put together climbing packages
including guides, equipment rental, accommodation and food.
Bungee Jumping BUNGEE JUMPING
( 99 51 31 40; www.telemark-opplevelser.no ; per session Nkr690; Jun-Sep, exact
times vary) Described as Norway's highest land-based bungee jump, this 84m plunge
into the canyon from the bridge leading to the Norwegian Industrial Workers' Museum is
Rjukan's biggest adrenaline rush. We'd like to say that this author was brave enough to do
it, but in fact he felt sick merely looking at the bridge. Book through the tourist office.
Skiing SKIING
The whole area around Rjukan is pockmarked with excellent ski-runs. The tourist office
( 35 08 05 50; www.visitrjukan.com ) has a wealth of information and its Gaustablikk
Skisenter brochure provides the definitive guide to all things white and powdery. The main
ski area is the Gaustablikk Ski Centre. One-day adult/child passes cost Nkr340/265.
Moose Safari MOOSE SAFARI
( 35 06 26 30; www.visitrauland.com ; adult/child Nkr350/250; 10pm Mon-Tue
& Thu 28 Jun-23 Aug) You can get up close and personal to the largest member of the
deer family in Europe on one of the moose safaris organised through the tourist office in
the village of Rauland (on the RT37 southwest of Rjukan).