Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Gautefall – and a place in fact called Himmelrike – Kingdom of Heaven – and it’s easy to find – two kilometers (1.4 miles) only from the popular ski center Gautefall in the municipality of Telemark in Norway.
After a slight uphill walk over boulders, heather and paths, the glory is revealed before you. Himmelriket, also known as Jørundskårheia, traverses vegetationless areas, mountains, pine tress groves and heath oases. One of the most popular hiking trails at Gautefallheia is 3.9 km long and is marked by blue poles from the Gautefall Ski Lodge. At the end you will experience large, smooth, glacial granite slopes, a formation created by a glacier during the last ice age. There is also a large, abandoned bear cave located here.
Gautefall may not be as popular as other ski destinations in Norway, but don’t let that fool you. Gautefall is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
Kingdom of Heaven in Norway – more below….
It undeniably feels a little otherworldly when the Kingdom of Heaven appears in all its glory and with all its shades of color. However, the rocky area with the divine name is nature’s own creation. The large open area is reminiscent of a Roman amphi theater in the middle of one of Telemark’s best ski areas.
Gautefall Ski Resort is one of the largest alpine centers in Telemark. It is home to 15 slopes, 1 chairlift, 5 surface lifts, and a roll band. It has a total capacity of 7000 people per hour. The terrain park also offers small jumps, big jumps, and various rails. The children park has conveyor belts and a ski school. The ski center connects to 100 km (62 mi.) of cross-country skiing trails. It is popular for winter sports such as Telemark skiing, alpine skiing, snowboarding, slalom skiing, cross-country skiing, as well as hiking.
Gautefall is about an hour’s drive from the coastal town of Kragerø, between the center of Drangedal and Treungen in Nissedal.
The center of Gautefall consists mostly of vacation homes and cabins. Enjoy this mountainous area whether you like skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, or other recreational activities. We have a hunch that if you include this destination in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.
Kingdom of Heaven in Norway, written by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top): © Visit Telemark