Botn – Historic Post Station and Nearby Routes

Botn is best known for Botn skysstasjon, the only intact historic post station complex still standing in Telemark. Nearby, routes lead to lakes and high-altitude destinations. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the two: the station tells the story of travel and postal services in the past, while the destinations mentioned have their own starting points and elevation figures.

The post station on the road over Haukelifjell

The Botn skysstasjon building was constructed in 1864. The history of the storehouse goes back further: it was moved here from Edland, and its wooden core dates from around the 1660s. The complex therefore brings together two different dates—the year the station building was constructed and the approximate age of the wooden core. The storehouse stands out for its large roof overhangs and carved exterior gallery; inside, it is decorated with a marbled finish. Botn skysstasjon’s Stabbur is also a landmark in Vinje.

In 2019, Botn skysstasjon and its owner, Trude E. Wilskow Botn, received the national plaque from Kulturminnefondet in recognition of good conservation work. The old main road over the mountains once passed through the station yard and was rerouted after the war. In the past, Botn skysstasjon accommodated Norwegian and international tourists travelling from Dalen; horses could rest or be changed there. Botn has also previously hosted the Cultural Heritage Days.

Routes to nearby lakes

The destinations differ, among other things, in their starting points. The marked route to Kroktjønn starts at Rafdalsmoen, about 2 km east of the former Botn skysstasjon, and passes the lake. Kroktjønn is at 962 m. At Nordsjøen, at 914 m, the route starts from the former station and crosses the bridge over Vågslidvatn. A marked route runs along Greivshyl; the lake is at 756 m, and the route can be started at the former Botn skysstasjon. Rafdalsmoen is therefore the stated starting point for Kroktjønn, while the former station is the starting point for Nordsjøen and Greivshyl.

Further north of Vågslid, Uføretjønn lies in the mountains at an elevation of 1,147 m. A marked route to Ålmannvegen can be taken from Vågslidtun Hotell or Haukelifjell Gjestehus (Botn Skysstasjon). The elevation figures set these destinations apart: Uføretjønn is higher than the lakes mentioned—Kroktjønn, Nordsjøen and Greivshyl.

Directions from E134

Kliningstjønn and Bordalsvatn can also be located using the turn-offs described. Kliningstjønn is at 869 m. Turn off the E134 about 1 km east of the former Botn skysstasjon and follow the road for about 2 km.

Bordalsvatn is at 891 m. The turn-off from the E134 is about 1 km south of the former station; from there, follow the road to Margittjønn. When the reservoir is full, Margittjønn is part of Bordalsvatn. You can continue along the road for about 4 km, with Bordalsvatn on your left the whole way. Together with the route starting points, these distances and elevation figures provide practical directions to the destinations around Botn.

Discover more destinations: Rauland, Vinje, Edland, Vinjesvingen

Return to the main travel overview: Vinje.