Easy Hike to Himmelriket – Nature’s Own Amphitheater in Norway
A short and family-friendly hike in Norway, to Gautefall’s unique glacier-carved rock formation in Telemark
If you’re road tripping through Southern Norway and looking for a short but memorable hike, Himmelriket at Gautefall is a stop you’ll want to make. Despite the heavenly name – which means “Kingdom of Heaven” – this hike is not about climbing to a lofty summit with endless views. Instead, it leads you to one of Telemark’s most remarkable natural rock formations: a giant amphitheater carved by the forces of the last Ice Age.
Starting point – easy access from Gautefall Lodge
The hike begins at Gautefall Lodge, right in the heart of the Gautefall mountain area in Drangedal, Telemark. Parking is available at the lodge, and if you’re traveling by campervan or motorhome, you’ll find a dedicated motorhome parking area just behind the hotel – open year-round with facilities. From here, a marked trail takes you directly into the mountains.
👉 Traveling with a campervan? Check out our tips for Wild camping in Norway – rules, tips, and the right to roam.
Why Himmelriket is so special
The official historic name is Jørundskarsvåene, but over the years hikers and locals began calling it Himmelriket – “Heaven” – because the place feels otherworldly. Sitting here, surrounded by waves of stone that seem to stretch towards the sky, it’s easy to see why the name stuck.
Himmelriket is a vast field of smooth, wave-shaped granite slabs polished by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Over time, the ice carved out soft, flowing shapes that look like a natural amphitheater.
When you arrive, it feels as if nature has created its own stage – an open-air arena where the audience seats are stone ledges and the “show” is the timeless beauty of Telemark’s highland landscape. It’s less about the faraway view and more about the unique feeling of standing inside a giant sculpture shaped by nature.
The hike itself
- Start point: Gautefall Lodge – large parking (Google Maps)
- Length: About 3.9–4.3 km round trip
- Time: 1–2 hours including breaks
- Elevation gain: ~120–150 meters
- Highest point: ~720 m (Gautefall Lodge sits around 600 m)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate – some rocky sections, but not technical
- Trail: Marked path across heather, granite slabs, and open mountain terra
The trail climbs gently at first before leading you across open rock. The final approach reveals the great amphitheater-like rock formation. Many hikers bring a snack or coffee and simply sit down on the stone benches to soak in the silence.
Tip: If you want a wider panorama, you can extend the hike up to Jørundskårheia just above the formation.
Practical info
- Season: May–October (depending on snow conditions)
- Family-friendly: Yes, but children should be steady on their feet as the granite can be slippery when wet
- Shoes: Hiking boots or sturdy shoes with good grip are recommended
- Leave no trace: Don’t light fires directly on the rock surface – the polished slabs are part of the area’s natural heritage
👉 Looking for more short walks? Read our guide to the Snøhetta Viewpoint – easy hike with epic mountain views.
A memorable stop on your Telemark journey
Whether you’re spending a weekend in Telemark or passing through on a longer road trip, Himmelriket is a rewarding detour. The hike is short, the access is easy, and the natural amphitheater you find at the end is unlike anywhere else in Norway.
We’ve done this hike twice, and the uniqueness of the rock formation amazes us every time. Quiet, sculptural, and unforgettable. There’s something about sitting in this natural amphitheater of polished rock that never loses its magic – a place that feels both quiet and grand at the same time.
So park at Gautefall Lodge, lace up your hiking boots, and walk into Himmelriket. It might not be heaven itself – but it certainly feels close.
Happy hiking from Anne Bente 🙂
👉 Would you add Himmelriket to your Norway itinerary? Share your thoughts in the comments – or tag us in your photos if you’ve been there!
Want to plan your hike? Here are some useful links:
- UT.no – Himmelriket Trail Description – official Norwegian hiking guide with maps and route info.
- Gautefall Lodge – start point of the hike, with parking, hotel, and motorhome facilities.
