Hike through a diverse landscape and discover astonishing views of Hallingskarvet.
This roundtrip hike begins at the center of Geilo and ascends to Geilohovda via Urundberget, leading you onward to Prestholtseter. Along the way, you'll traverse a diverse landscape, winding through forests, across expansive mountain plains, and alongside rivers and waterfalls.
Upon reaching the summit of Urundberget, you'll be treated to breathtaking views encompassing Geilo, Ustedalsfjorden Lake, the Hallingskarvet Mountain Range, and the vast Hardangervidda Plains.
At Prestholtseter, indulge in a hearty, traditional meal before retracing your steps back to Geilo, completing the looped hike.
The hike is challenging due to its considerable length and elevation gain. Nevertheless, you'll follow well-marked trails that are easy to navigate. An option is to return to Geilo from Urundberget for a shorter hike. Remember to take breaks along the way to savor the views and the serene nature surrounding you.
Geilo offers various accommodation options, including cabins and hotels.
Author’s recommendation
Situated at the base of Hallingskarvet, Prestholtseter serves as the starting point for Prestholtrunden, a roundtrip trail leasing into Hallingskarvet National Park and ascending to the summit of the Hallingskarvet Mountain Range. If you plan to undertake Prestholtrunden, ensure you are physically prepared for this challenge. Despite being "just" 6km, Prestholtrunden is a very highly demanding trek due to the altitude (1705 masl) and rugged, rocky terrain.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileTips and suggestions
Food and drinks areoffered at Prestholtseter café. Here, you can indulge in Norwegian specialties such as cured meats, sour cream porridge (rømmegrøt), and soft potato bread (lefsekling).
Roadbook
From the tourist office in Geilo, head towards the train station. Follow the road leading to Dr. Holms Hotel (the large white wooden building on the other side of the railway). Cross the railway using the pedestrian bridge. After passing the hotel, take the first road to the left, a wide gravel path running uphill (Slaattavegen).
As you approach the timber houses along the road, watch for the marked 'Pilveien' hiking trail that veers right, leading uphill towards Geilohovda. Feel free to take a break at one of the numerous benches or viewpoints scattered along the trail.
After reaching the ski lift atop Geilohovda (1,170 masl), you'll have a view towards the Hallingskarvet Mountain Range in the northwest. Prestholtseter is located at the base of this range. To proceed from Geilohovda, follow the signs leading to Urundberget, which is 4 kilometers away.
The route towards Urundberget and Prestholtseter predominantly traverses flat terrain. Follow one of the paths leading west towards the Hallingskarvet Mountain Range. For optimal views, hike along the ridge. The trail passes by the western ski lift at Gullsteinhovda (1,109 masl) and ascends a hill to Marapiggen, which marks the final ascent of the roundtrip. Take a moment to catch your breath before proceeding to Urundberget, where breathtaking views await.
If you prefer to conclude your hike at Urundberget, return to Geilo by following the descending path leading to Tuftelia Valley (2.5 kilometers). To reach Prestholtseter, continue along the sign-posted trail (4.5 kilometers).
Recharge with a home-cooked meal at Prestholtseter before heading back to Geilo. Take the trail that crosses the expansive plains (on the right when coming from Prestholtseter). This trail winds through the moorland until it intersects with the Eima River. Follow the trail as it descends alongside the river, passing waterfalls and gorges formed by the rushing water. Beyond the river, the trail continues its descent into the birch forest.
Cross the railway lines at the foot of the hill. Follow the marked route 'Ustedalsfjorden rundt' back to Geilo. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Geilo Beach before heading back to the town center.
Parking AMFI
El-Car Charging: Geilojordet parking lot
Longterm parking at the railway station
Police station
Eimafossene (Eima waterfall)
Geilo Legesenter (Health care center)
Geilo Beach
Prestholtseter
Hegnavegen 23
Geilo Kulturkyrkje - Geilo Cultural Church
Aktiv Helse
Factory Tour
Spark World Cup 2021
Bowl & Dine Dr. Holms
SPA Dr. Holms
Geilojordet
Cacao ceremony
Fekjo's Friends
Konsert with Trygve Skaug
Public transport
By train from Bergen and Oslo, and by bus from Oslo. Find all public transport options in Norway at www.entur.no.
Directions
Car
Located on the border between eastern and western Norway, Geilo is easily accessible from either Bergen or Oslo. Road Rv7 over Hardangervidda, Fv50 Hol-Aurland, and Rv52 over Hemsedal is open all year round, as long as the weather conditions are not too harsh.
Call the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens Vegvesen) on +47 815 48 991 to ensure that the roads are open.
The journey takes 3 hours and 30 minutes from Oslo and 4 hours from Bergen.
Parking
There's a big parking lot at Geilojordet in the town center, located across Rv7 from the tourist office.
Bus
From Oslo, catch the Vy Ekspress bus from Oslo Bus Terminal. The journey to Geilo takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. You can book your tickets and check schedules here.
Train
Geilo is approximately halfway along the train route between Oslo and Bergen. The journey takes about 3 hours 30 minute, with five departures daily. You can book your tickets and check schedules here.
Parking
Geilojordet
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions