Picture yourself waking to the crisp mountain air at 961 meters elevation, stepping onto your stone terrace with a steaming cup of coffee, and watching the sunrise paint the Norwegian peaks in shades of amber and rose. This is your morning ritual at this handcrafted log chalet in Rauland, where the groomed cross-country trails lie just 100 meters from your door and alpine slopes begin 400 meters away. The scent of pine mingles with wood smoke from your open fireplace as you plan the day's adventures, whether that means carving fresh powder in winter or hiking to crystal-clear mountain lakes in summer.
This is not just property ownership; this is your gateway to the authentic Norwegian mountain lifestyle that locals treasure and visitors dream about. The main chalet and separate annex combine to offer 12 sleeping spaces across 110 square meters, creating the perfect base for extended family gatherings, friend reunions, or establishing a thriving vacation rental business in one of Norway's most active four-season destinations.
Rauland sits in the heart of Telemark, a region that invented modern skiing and continues to draw outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The area delivers 150 kilometers of meticulously groomed cross-country trails that wind through forests and across frozen lakes, while seven nearby ski centers operate 27 alpine runs serviced by 12 lifts. The reliable snow season typically runs from November through April, with the elevation ensuring consistent conditions even during warmer winters. Local ski schools cater to all levels, and terrain parks challenge advanced riders while gentle slopes welcome beginners.
Summer transforms the landscape into a hiking paradise, with trails ranging from family-friendly lakeside walks to challenging mountain ascents. The region's numerous mountain lakes offer swimming in water so clear you can see the rocky bottom meters below. Sandy beaches fringe several larger lakes, and fishing permits grant access to waters teeming with trout. Mountain biking trails crisscross the area, from technical single-track to scenic gravel roads perfect for families. The midnight sun of Norwegian summer means you can hike until 11 PM, returning to your terrace for a late dinner as twilight finally settles.
The cultural richness of Rauland adds depth to the outdoor recreation. This region celebrates its folk music heritage with festivals throughout the year, where traditional Hardanger fiddles fill mountain valleys with haunting melodies. Local artisans maintain centuries-old crafts, and you can visit workshops where woodcarvers, weavers, and silversmiths create pieces rooted in Norse traditions. The Rauland Academy of traditional arts attracts students globally, infusing the small community with creative energy. Weekly summer markets showcase local cheeses, cured meats, and baked goods that reflect Telemark's culinary traditions.
Built in 2003 by Flatdal Handlaft, a renowned Norwegian log cabin builder, this property exemplifies quality construction that honors traditional methods while incorporating modern comfort. The solid timber walls, hand-selected and carefully joined, provide exceptional insulation and create the distinctive character that defines Norwegian mountain architecture. Turf roofs, a practice dating back centuries, not only insulate but also blend the structures seamlessly into the landscape. Inside, the living room's three-sided windows frame the mountains like gallery art, while the open fireplace serves as both practical heat source and social gathering point during long winter evenings.
The kitchen balances rustic charm with functionality, featuring solid wood throughout and an open layout that keeps the cook connected to family and guests. After days in the mountains, the sauna becomes your sanctuary, the traditional Norwegian response to cold and exertion. The slate and wood bathrooms echo mountain streams and forests, creating spaces that feel connected to the landscape rather than separated from it.
The 32-square-meter loft space adapts to your needs, functioning as a children's dormitory during family visits or a quiet reading room when you need solitude. The separate 22-square-meter annex offers valuable flexibility, whether housing visiting friends, teenage children seeking independence, or serving as a home office for those combining remote work with mountain living.
The 878-square-meter plot provides privacy while remaining accessible year-round by car, a crucial consideration in Norwegian mountain regions where many properties become inaccessible during winter. The stone-paved terrace wrapping around the west and south sides captures maximum sunlight, extending outdoor living through shoulder seasons when the sun warms stone even as temperatures cool. The private parking area accommodates multiple vehicles, essential when hosting groups or managing rental turnover.
Rauland village, a ten-minute drive away, provides grocery stores, restaurants, and equipment rental shops. The community maintains a welcoming attitude toward second-home owners, with many services specifically designed to support vacation property management. The bus stop seven minutes away connects to Notodden and beyond, offering car-free access for guests arriving by train or those choosing to leave vehicles behind occasionally.
The investment perspective deserves consideration. Norwegian mountain properties, particularly those offering ski-in access and quality construction, maintain strong value in the second-home market. Rauland's growing reputation as a family-friendly alternative to more crowded resorts increases rental demand. Properties like this, offering 12 beds and immediate trail access, can generate significant rental income during both winter and summer peak seasons. Norwegian rental management companies specialize in handling international owner properties, managing bookings, maintenance, and guest services.
Norway's legal framework welcomes international property buyers, with straightforward purchasing processes and no restrictions on EU/EEA citizens owning vacation homes. The property comes fully furnished and ready for immediate use, eliminating the stress and expense of equipping a mountain retreat. Move-in ready condition means you can start enjoying ownership from the moment papers are signed, whether that means a family Christmas in the snow or a summer hiking holiday.
The practical aspects of Norwegian mountain ownership work in your favor. The solid construction requires minimal ongoing maintenance, and the property's 2003 construction date means systems remain modern and reliable. The combination of private well water and standard electrical connections keeps operating costs reasonable. Norwegian building standards ensure structures withstand harsh winters, and the turf roofs, while traditional in appearance, provide excellent protection and longevity.
Seasons bring distinct character to mountain living here. Winter creates a snow-covered wonderland where ski tracks lead from your door into forests heavy with powder. Spring brings rapid transformation as snow melts, waterfalls thunder with runoff, and the first flowers emerge. Summer delivers nearly endless daylight, warm days perfect for lake swimming, and festivals that bring communities together. Autumn paints the birch forests gold and red, while berry picking becomes a treasured tradition and early snow dusts the highest peaks.
The surrounding region offers day-trip possibilities that expand your vacation experience. Historic stave churches, some dating to the 12th century, dot the landscape. The Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage sites, UNESCO-listed, tell stories of early 20th-century innovation. The Hardangervidda plateau, Europe's largest mountain plateau, lies within reach for more ambitious hiking. Coastal fjords, including the famous Telemark Canal, offer contrasting landscapes just a few hours' drive away.
Key features include 12 sleeping spaces across main chalet and annex, two full bathrooms including sauna, open fireplace in living room, fully equipped kitchen with solid wood throughout, 32-square-meter loft space with four beds, separate 22-square-meter annex with fireplace and bedroom, traditional turf roofs and log construction, stone-paved terraces on west and south sides, 878-square-meter private plot, year-round car access with parking, 100 meters to cross-country trails, 400 meters to alpine slopes, furnished and ready for immediate use, built 2003 by Flatdal Handlaft, and surrounded by 150 kilometers of prepared trails.
This property represents more than square meters and sleeping capacity; it offers entry into a lifestyle that balances adventure with tranquility, community with privacy, and tradition with comfort. Whether you envision family traditions built around winter holidays, summer retreats filled with hiking and swimming, or an investment property generating income while appreciating in value, this Rauland chalet delivers. Contact Homestra today to schedule a viewing and begin your Norwegian mountain adventure at Svineglupvegen 19.
