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Geilo
Centrally located between Oslo and Bergen, Geilo is one of Norway's best-known mountain destinations.
Geilo specialises in mountains and mountain sports. In summer there are countless activities to discover: Hiking and mountaineering, cycling and mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, horse riding and much more.
In winter you will have fun skiing with a wide range of slopes and cross-country ski trails and great experiences for the whole family. These include ice swimming, snowshoeing, tobogganing, fatbiking and sauna.
In Geilo town centre there is a wide choice of shops and restaurants, and the hotels offer great spa facilities and children's play areas.
Attractions in Geilo
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Highlights
Hol municipality took over Dokken in Sudndalen in 1959.Here are the old houses (7 pcs. + Built-up ...
Hol Bygdemuseum is an outdoor museum located in Hagafoss in Hol Municipality. The museum is built ...
A peak between the eastern and western valleys in Hol municipality.
A little cabin where is room for few persons inside. The door is always open. You get a nice view ...
Nice view spot on top of Havsdalshovda (1163moh) both sommer and winter.
The charming village museum in Dagali will have its buildings open in the summer of 2024. Outside of ...
In this 84 square metres apartments you will find 3 bedrooms and sleeps up to 7 people ( 1 x double, 1x 3-beds og 1x 2-beds. Note: Doublebed in ...
Cosy cabins (30m2) with 2 bedroom (one with bunk bed and one with family-bunkbed.
Good location, only 2 km east of the Geilo town centre. Cosy cabins with 2 bedroom (4 beds)
Discover Geilo all year round!
In summer, Geilo is best known for its beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails. But many other exciting activities are also becoming increasingly popular, including white-water rafting, canyoning and horseback riding. The numerous lakes in the area are popular fishing spots. The town is also a great place to stop off before setting off on the popular Rallarvegen cycle route.
The high altitude of Geilo (798 m above sea level) means that the winter is long and snow is guaranteed. Some of Norway's oldest ski resorts are located here, and there are slopes on both sides of the valley. In Geilo you can ski all the way down to the town centre! Geilo is a real ski town with slopes for all levels of skiers, ideal for families and beginners. An extensive network of cross-country ski trails snakes out and around Geilo. If you are looking for a break from skiing, there are plenty of opportunities for dog sledding, snowmobile safaris, snowshoeing or ice fishing.
The picturesque town has an active yet relaxed pace. Take a stroll through the village centre, go shopping or sample Norwegian specialities in one of the many restaurants. There are also many festivals and events throughout the year.
Geilo is easy to get to: The Bergensbanen railway between Oslo and Bergen runs through the town, as does one of the main roads between the two cities.
Read on and learn more:
- Why you should visit Geilo
- Geilo: the entrance to two national parks
- The best experiences and excursions in Geilo
- The best time to visit Geilo
We hope this information will help you plan your holiday in our fantastic region. You are most welcome in Geilo!
Photo: Paul Lockhart, Visit Geilo
Why visit Geilo?
- Easy access with the famous Bergensbanen – 3.5 hours from Bergen or Oslo
- Hiking, cycling and skiing directly from the city centre
- The famous Rallarvegen is just around the corner
- Access to Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet National Parks
- Short distance to the fjords, only two hours to Eidfjord and Flåm
- Varied activities all year round, such as dog sledding, fatbiking, white water rafting, horse riding and much more
- Great choice of accommodation, restaurants and cafes
- Focus on sustainable tourism
- Norway's oldest tourism destination with a long history
Geilo: The gateway to two national parks
Photo: Jan-Dirk, Adobe Stock
Hardangervidda
Two national parks border directly on the town of Geilo. The most famous of them is Hardangervidda: the largest Scandinavian plateau is known worldwide. Large areas are located in the municipality of Hol, and from Geilo you have easy access to short day hikes and long long-distance hikes. In summer you can take the chairlift up to the starting point of your hikes, or you can take the bus towards Eidfjord, which will take you right into the middle of Hardangervidda.
You won't get bored on the plateau of Hardangervidda, as there are great local differences in altitude, climate and wildlife. On the wide-open east side, you can see as far across the open landscape. For novice hikers, we advise starting on the east side and working your way up to the west side, which has more elevation changes and rocky terrain.
Accomodation along the trails
You can pitch your tent while hiking in accordance with the Norwegian Allemannsretten (Freedom to Roam) or stay in a hut, where you can also order food and drink. The hiking trails are marked with signs and the red „T“ of the DNT (Norwegian Mountain Association). In winter, the trails are marked with sticks in the snow.
Plant and animal life
An important concern when the national park was established was to secure the grazing areas of Europe's largest wild reindeer herd. Hardangervidda is considered the southern limit of several Arctic plants and animals, especially the mountain fox and the snowy owl, which can still migrate here without major obstacles. Within the national park there is a rich vegetation and a variety of animal and bird life. Hardangervidda is also known for its many lakes and waters with ideal fishing opportunities.
Photo: Paul Lockhart, Visit Geilo
Hallingskarvet
The Hallingskarvet mountain massif rises from the surrounding moorland, with steep cliffs to the north and south and Folarskardnuten rising 1,933 metres above sea level. Between the barren high mountain plateau and the fertile surrounding countryside lies the characteristic steep cliff edge that has given the area the name Hallingskarvet. Skarv means bare mountain or rock.
When you visit Hallingskarvet, you can find hopping hares or follow the sound of the wind whistling down from the bare mountain. You can follow paths that others have walked before you, or just wander around without anyone to show you the way. In summer, the marked trails lead from hut to hut over mountain passes and fertile hills. In winter, follow the kilometres of marked or prepared ski trails that keep you on the right track, or make your own tracks in the snow.
Infrastructure and trails
There are no serviced huts in the national park. Hol/ Hovet, Geilo, Ustaoset and Finse are the best places to pitch your tent, as per Norwegian Freedom to Roam. There are marked and unmarked hiking trails, and in winter there are both groomed cross-country trails and marked back-country trails. At the very edge of the park, the Sherpa Stairs with its 2239 steps is a popular hike for all ages. The staircase was built by Sherpas from Nepal to protect the cliffside from erosion.
Plants and animals
Life is hard in the mountains. However, some have learned to cope with the conditions. The wild reindeer wander around the massif all year round in search of pasture, and the glacier buttercups turn their faces to the sun to gather light and warmth.
The most beautiful routes in the national parks around Geilo
Experiences and activities
Your holiday will be too short to visit all the authentic, historical and cultural sights of the region, discover all the hiking trails and experience all the activities and guided tours. Geilo is a year-round destination with something for everyone in both summer and winter, and an ideal base for a longer holiday in Norway. Here are our favourite activities:
Riding a bike
How about a bike ride? For example, on the famous Rallarvegen! From Geilo, take the train to the starting point, Norway's highest railway station, Finse at 1222m, and cycle down to the sea level. Or try an e-bike route along romantic mountain roads up to nature areas and romantic summer farms where you can buy local cheese. On your mountain bike you can ride on natural trails and artificial flow trails in the bike park. In recent years, the Hallingdal region has expanded its biking opportunities for families, e-bikers and extreme bikers.
Whether you want to do strenuous trails or a quiet family trip in the mountains, Geilo has the right route for you. Bring your own bike and push your limits at Geilo Summerpark, or rent a bike and explore the technical flow trails at the versatile Vestlia bike park.
Geilo is on its way to becoming a real cycling paradise with innumerable ways to experience the mountains from a bicycle seat. We can offer guided bicycle tours, a wide selection of biking trails ...
Water fun
Jump into a cold mountain lake on the Hardangervidda plateau, try your luck at fishing in the many lakes and rivers, or pitch your tent and watch the sunset over Hallingskarvet. Close to Geilo you can find one of the best rafting rivers in Europe. Venture down the wildest rapids or take part in a peaceful hike for the whole family. In Geilo there are several companies that offer rafting and other river sports for families with children who want to have a fun and exciting day: Explore a hidden gorge, abseil down, jump and slide down waterfalls and get an exciting memory of your visit.
Or rent a canoe or SUP on the Ustedalsfjord / Veslefjord! There is nothing better than splashing around in the summer heat on the fjord in a fantastic mountain environment. A perfect experience even on grey days - maybe you'll spot the beaver that lives in the area? SUP rental is available at Vestlia Resort.
Geilo Summerpark
Here you will find a summer café, a free play area for children, a climbing park, a zipline, frisbee golf and last but not least the bike park with jump lines, skill courses, paved pump track and flow track with lift. Experience the feeling of flying! The Geilo Zipline is 1100 metres long and guarantees a fun experience for the whole family. Perfect for those who like a little tickle in their tummy! Spectacular views over Geilo and towards Hallingskarvet! In the high ropes course you can challenge your balance skills and climb from tree to tree with a big smile on your face! The best thing about Geilo Summer Park is the summer lift and the view of Hardangervidda National Park, especially for hiking enthusiasts. The summer lift is equipped with a bike carrier, so you can easily bring your bike up the mountain!
Motorsports
Action and speed, strap in and try go-karting with friends or take the family to a car slalom on an old airport runway.
Have you heard of the Powerturn buggy? Imagine a vehicle that looks like a big go-kart with a rollover. Both rear wheels have an independent motor that is controlled by the riders with levers, making the wildest stunts possible! And the fun doesn't stop there, two people can drive the buggy at the same time by operating one lever each. The right word is probably „organised chaos”.
Natural activities
Join an experienced glacier guide on the Hardangerjøkulen glacier and experience what ice can tell us. Start with the train ride on the Bergensbanento Finse and experience a full day on snow and ice. Guides from the region will take you on a guided tour of the mountains.
In addition to a good dose of mountain air, you will learn a lot about nature, local history and life in the region.
Or experience the high mountains from horseback! In Geilo there are great horseback riding trips in the high mountains, suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.
Fishing trips with a local guide are also possible. Try your luck at fishing and learn how to prepare the catch for a wonderful mountain meal.
Bad weather activities
You are not the type to run around in rain and storms? Then Geilo also has indoor activities to offer. How about a relaxing spa and massage, a Sunday movie or yoga and mindfulness? Maybe a trip to the gym or swimming pool? Geilo also has a playground for children, bowling and 40 different shops. In addition, you will find a lot of culture in the municipality of Hol, with a number of churches, art exhibitions and large art collections in the hotels, and you can visit the workshops with proud handicrafts and good deals on knives and axes.
More than alpine skiing and snowboarding - in winter
Geilo is a classic winter sports resort and one of the most varied and popular winter destinations in Norway. With great mountain scenery, an atmospheric town and plenty of skiing opportunities, the area is made for enjoyable winter holidays. Few ski resorts in Norway have so many accommodation options, activities and services - and all in the centre of town. In Geilo, with its long tourist history, you will find real fun skiing with the children at the centre.
For a change of pace from the ski slopes, you can walk for miles on groomed trails or find your own track on snowshoes. Build a small fire and heat up your hot chocolate. In Hardangervidda National Park you can ski from hut to hut.
The best thing about snowshoeing is that you get the opportunity to experience nature off the beaten path. All you need is nature, and you don't have to follow a trail. In this list, we have made ...
The best time to visit Geilo
Geilo is a year-round destination with plenty of activities for the whole family. If you want to find the best conditions for your favourite activity or avoid the crowds, there are a few things to keep in mind. Geilo and Hallingdal are popular holiday destinations with the locals, and you can expect it to get crowded on summer and winter weekends, as well as during school holidays.
The start and end of the seasons vary depending on snowfall and general weather conditions. The Norwegian National Meteorological Service provides detailed weather reports and forecasts for Geilo in English.
Winter
The winter season starts in December, and the time between Christmas and New Year is very popular for skiing. January and February are the coldest months with an average daily high temperature of around -4 degrees Celsius. The Norwegian winter school holidays run for several weeks in February, and if families haven't escaped to the south to soak up the sun, they are probably skiing in the mountains. Real winter experiences such as dog sledding, ice fishing, sleigh rides and snowshoeing are possible.
Spring
Easter means for Norwegians to escape to their homes to ski and read by the fireplace. The streets, public transport and the service sector are busy. From May onwards, it gets really spring-like, and hiking is possible in the lower areas. Water activities begin, but remember to dress in layers to stay warm.
Summer
The hiking season starts in July with warmer days and a thinner snow cover at higher altitudes. The Norwegian summer school holidays start at the end of June and last until the end of August, with July being the busiest month. Summers are cool, with high temperatures below 20 degrees. Rafting and canyoning are in full swing throughout the summer.
Autumn
In September the weather cools down and the landscape turns beautiful autumn colours. Hiking and other summer activities come to an end in early October and the first snowfall is usually not far away. You may be able to go cross-country skiing later in October, and the ski resorts often open in November.
The four different areas in Geilo
The village of Geilo lies in the Hallingdal valley. The small town is surrounded by mountain ranges, each with its own name and character. On the south side of the valley is the Vestlia area with many activities in summer and winter. A large ski centre with slopes for beginners and advanced skiers. In summer, the Geilo Summer Park offers activities such as zipline, climbing park and bike rental. With two accommodations to choose from, this is the perfect area for families.
From Vestlia you can easily get to the Kikut area, the entrance to Hallingskarvet National Park and a beautiful hut area, by chairlift or hiking trails. In winter there are several cross-country ski trails and alpine slopes. In summer, hours of hiking are possible in all directions. From the Kikut area, which is only a 10-minute drive from Geilo, you can easily travel on to Skurdalen and Dagali. The latter village is known as a paradise for rafting.
Geilo is easy to reach by train, and you can take short family-friendly hikes or longer trips into the mountains from the town centre. Perfect for sustainable trips, where you don't need a car. In the centre of Geilo there is a nice shopping street with over 40 different shops and several places to eat. There are hotels and two campsites to choose from only about 2 km from the centre. The entire mountainside is covered with ski slopes.
From the centre you can get to the Havsdalen area on foot, by bike, on skis or by car. Now you are very close to the Hallingskarvet National Park. On this site there is accommodation and a beautiful private, large hut area. From the Havsdalen region, hiking trails start in all directions, both to Hallingskarvet and the next valley.
Trip planning
Weather
Webcams
Getting there
Directions
Geilo is easily accessible from both Oslo and Bergen. National Road 7 passes through Geilo and and is a main route between eastern and western Norway. Additionally, Geilo is a stop on the famous Bergensbanen railway that connects Oslo and Bergen. Make sure to grab a window seat to enjoy the views. From Geilo it is a short train ride to either Haugastøl or Finse for the Rallarvegen bike route. If you are taking your own bicycle you are required to buy a ticket for it.
Oslo to Geilo
The drive to Geilo from Oslo is 220 km and takes about 3.5 hours. From Hønefoss the route joins National Road 7 which leads up through the beautiful Hallingdal valley. There are many places to stop and explore before reaching Geilo.
The 3.5 hour train journey to Geilo from Oslo is an experience in itself. There are five trains per day from Oslo to Geilo with three in the morning, one in the afternoon, and an overnight service.
Bergen to Geilo
The spectacular drive from Bergen to Geilo is 250 km and takes 4 hours. The route passes through Voss, before joining National Road 7 and travelling over Hardanger Bridge (Norway's longest suspension bridge) and into Eidfjord. From Eidfjord to Haugastøl the road forms the scenic route Hardangervidda and a stop at Vøringsfossen waterfall is a must.
The train ride from Bergen to Geilo is around 3 hours and passes over the fascinating Hardangervidda mountain plateau. There are five trains daily, with two in the morning, two in the afternoon and an overnight service.
