Buskerud

Buskerud is a county in southeastern Norway, stretching from the Drammensfjord in the southeast to the high mountains of the Hardangervidda plateau in the northwest. The region features a diverse landscape: fertile valleys, extensive forests, serene lakes, and dramatic mountain areas. Key geographic features include the river Drammenselva, the lush valleys of Numedal, Hallingdal, and Ringerike, and the forested Finnemarka area.

Hardangervidda National Park offers optimal conditions for both experienced hikers and beginners. Large high mountain plateaus and an enormous variety of species characterise the landscape of Hardangervidda National Park and make fishing, hunting and berry picking possible.

Geilo is known regionally for some of the largest ski areas in the country: Here you will find 20 lifts and up to 39 different downhill slopes. Snowboarders can also try their hand at snowboarding in the snowboard park.

Some of the trails, such as the Ustedalsfjorden cross-country ski tour, are groomed as early as November. The tour around the lake of the same name to the west of the city center is a pleasant tour for beginners, which you can complete in both classic and free style. There are plenty of rest stops along the 10 km route - ideal for a family outing.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in Norwegian cross-country skiing culture, take provisions such as hot tea and sausages with you and make yourself comfortable away from the trails. Dogs can also be taken on the trails on a lead. There are several other tours around Geilo with great views, including some medium-difficulty tours with ascents and a length of around 15 km.

Hemsedal's ski centre has developed steadily since it opened in 1961 and today has 21 lifts and 53 slopes. In winter, it is one of the most popular resorts for winter sports in Norway. Not far away is the Gravset ski arena with its own cross-country skiing arena, through which several circular trails of varying difficulty and length run. In addition, the arena has floodlit trails (until 11 p.m.) and a ski playground.

The mountains around the municipality of Flå are a worthwhile destination for ski mountaineers. The tours combine ascents such as the Ranten (1419 m) or the Vardefjellsryggen (1121 m) with rapid descents back down to the valley. Most of the ski tours in the region are also suitable for beginners due to the low altitude difference and total duration.