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Hiking Trail recommended route Hiking Trail  · Geilo

Prestholtseter Loop - long dayhike

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  • Photo: Petter Olsen, Visit Geilo

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    Hike through a diverse landscape and discover astonishing views of Hallingskarvet.

    difficult
    Distance 21.8 km
    9:00 h
    580 m
    499 m
    1,265 m
    766 m

    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.

    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    1,265 m
    Lowest point
    766 m
    Best time of year
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    Track types

    Show elevation profile

    Tips 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.

    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

    DD
    60.533620, 8.205790
    DMS
    60°32'01.0"N 8°12'20.8"E
    UTM
    32V 456416 6711104
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

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    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    21.8 km
    Duration
    9:00 h
    Ascent
    580 m
    Descent
    499 m
    Highest point
    1,265 m
    Lowest point
    766 m
    Round trip Scenic

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

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