Rauland


Rauland is a mountain village in Telemark County, Norway. It is situated in the traditional region of Vest-Telemark.

Overview

The former municipality of Rauland was created in 1860 from the districts of Rauland in Vinje and Øyfjell in Lårdal as a border adjustment. The new municipality had a population of 988. On 1 January 1964, Rauland was incorporated into Vinje. Prior to the merger Rauland had a population of 1,656.
Rauland is known for hiking, recreation and skiing. It is the largest winter destination in Telemark with three ski resorts, 49 slopes, 18 lifts and 150 km of cross-country trails. Well-known snowboarding celebrity, Terje Håkonsen, started his career in Rauland.
Telemark University College has a campus in Rauland. Rauland Church was built in 1803. It was constructed based upon designs by architect Jarand Rønjom.
Rauland Art Museum include sculptures, paintings, graphics and drawings by the sculptor Dyre Vaa.

Notable residents

The municipality is named after the old farm, Rauland, since the first church was built there. The first element is the genitive case of rauði m 'bog-iron', the last element is land n 'land, farm'.