Raulandsgrend
Raulandsgrend or simply Rauland is a village in Vinje Municipality in Telemark county, Norway. The village is located in a mountainous area along the north shore of the lake Totak, about to the northwest of the village of Krossen. The lake Møsvatn lies about to the north and the vast Hardangervidda National Park lies about to the northwest. The village was once the administrative centre of the old Rauland Municipality which existed from 1860 until 1964.
History
The settlement's origins trace back to the Viking Age, with archaeological evidence indicating early habitation. Notably, the area features rock carvings at Sporaneset, depicting both hunting scenes and agricultural motifs, suggesting a transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled farming communities.During the medieval period, Rauland became a significant religious center. The first known church in the area was a stave church constructed in the 13th century. This church was replaced in 1801, and the current Rauland Church, a wooden cruciform structure designed by architect Jarand Rønjom, was consecrated in 1803.
In 1860, Rauland was established as an independent municipality. The municipality encompassed a vast mountainous region, with approximately 90% of its area situated above 900 meters above sea level. Rauland served as the administrative center, housing the municipal government and key institutions. In 1964, Rauland Municipality was merged into the newly formed Vinje Municipality.
The 19th century saw Rauland emerge as a hub for Norwegian folk music, largely due to the influence of Targjei Augundsson, known by his stage name Myllarguten. His home, Myllarheimen, has been preserved as a museum, celebrating his contributions to Norwegian musical heritage.
In recent decades, Raulandsgrend has experienced significant development, particularly in tourism and cabin construction. Since the early 1970s, the area has been among Norway's most popular cabin destinations. This trend accelerated in the early 2000s, driven by deliberate policies aimed at promoting sustainable development and preserving the region's cultural heritage.