For a number of years, Rauland has been among the most popular cabin areas in Norway.
Ever since the early 1970s, there has been annual construction to a greater or lesser extent in this small mountain village in the middle of Norway.
Conscious politics
Through a completely conscious policy by politicians and residents, the development really gained momentum from the early 2000s.
The municipal master plan for the Rukkemo - Torvetjønn area was approved after several years of work on 27 September 2001. This plan took account of major developments in the coming years, and laid down the conditions for where the development was to take place.
An important principle was the desire for densification in an already rather heavily developed area, while at the same time it was desirable to have corridors out into untouched nature.
Large investments
At the same time as the municipal sub-plan came the implementation of the municipal development of water and sewage. Through large investments, Vinje municipality arranged for public water and drainage for large parts of the cottage areas between Austbø and Torvetjønn.
Later, other areas have been added.
Rapid development
Both existing cabin owners and residents in the area felt at times that the development was proceeding quite quickly. In the time that followed, there were occasional statements such as "we should never have water and sewage in the cabin".
However, history has shown that a large number of new and older cabins are now connected to the public network, with, among other things, major environmental benefits as a result.
