Botn – Post Station History at Haukelifjell

Botn Post Station: Travel History at Haukelifjell

Botn Post Station is the only historic post station complex in Telemark that remains intact. As a historic post station, it was located on the road across Haukelifjell. The old main road over the mountains once ran through the farm; after the war, the road was rerouted. In the past, the station accommodated Norwegian and international tourists travelling from Dalen. Horses could rest or be changed here. Botn was therefore a place where overnight stays and changing horses came together as part of historic travel.

Botn Post Station has previously hosted the Cultural Heritage Days.

A Stabbur with Its Own Building History

The station building was erected in 1864. The storehouse at Botn Post Station was moved here from Edland; its wooden core dates from around the 1660s. Its exterior is characterised by large roof overhangs and a carved outdoor gallery; inside, it is decorated with faux-marbling. In 2019, Botn Post Station and its owner, Trude E. Wilskow Botn, received the national plaque from the Cultural Heritage Fund (Kulturminnefondet) in recognition of good conservation work. The Stabbur is a landmark in Vinje. Botn thus brings together two historical perspectives: the station tells the story of travel across the mountains, while the relocated storehouse represents an older architectural era.

Marked Trails and Mountain Lakes Nearby

A marked trail to Kroktjønn starts at Rafdalsmoen, about 2 km east of the former Botn Post Station, and passes by the lake. Kroktjønn is at an elevation of 962 m. A marked trail passes Greivshyl; the lake is at an elevation of 756 m, and the route can be started at the former Botn Post Station. Nordsjøen is at an elevation of 914 m. From the former Botn Post Station, a trail crosses the bridge over Vågslidvatn. Kliningstjønn is at an elevation of 869 m; turn off the E134 about 1 km east of the former station and continue along the road for approximately 2 km. The elevations listed range from 962 m at Kroktjønn, through 914 m at Nordsjøen and 869 m at Kliningstjønn, to 756 m at Greivshyl. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a hike.

Vinje as the Wider Destination

The wider destination of Vinje offers additional cultural and sporting attractions. The Vinje Centre (Vinjesenteret) is a museum of literature and journalism, with a focus on Aasmund Olavsson Vinje, Aslaug Vaa, Tarjei Vesaas and Halldis Moren Vesaas. Visitors can explore exhibitions, play games about evaluating sources, use a children’s trail and read in a reading corner. Another attraction is Rauland Ski Centre (Rauland Skisenter): it operates the Vierli, Tiur and Holtardalen ski areas, with a total of 12 lifts and 26 runs. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can distinguish Botn as a local focus from these additional attractions in the wider Vinje area: the key question is whether you want to focus mainly on the post station’s history and nearby trails, or also include a literature museum and ski areas in your holiday plans.

Discover more destinations: Vinje, Vinjesvingen, Edland, Rauland

Go to the wider travel overview: Vinje.