Drive it Yourself: the Hardangervidda Tourist Road
Cross the Hardangervidda Plateau on this scenic mountain pass turned tourist road.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 2,500 / 60.3 degrees north
Geilo, Norway
Geilo is one of the most famous ski towns in Norway. The establishment of the Bergen Railway is what led to Geilo becoming the first ski resort in Norway, and it is still one of the largest. It also has some of the most luxurious and expensive cabins in all of Norway. The ski season in Geilo lasts from late October to late April.
Fun Facts About Geilo
Latitude: 60.3 degrees north
Population: 2,500
Hol Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Geilo
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Geilo
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Please note – the links provided are affiliate links. I only recommend experiences that I have researched and/or tested and focus on providing unique, local things to do!
Experience
Glacier Trekking
It’s possible to book a guided tour to go glacier trekking out at Hardangerjokulen, a nearby glacier.
Experience
Tobogganing
Head to nearby Dagali and take part in a two hour toboggan adventure!
Experience
Mountain Cart Racing
Who said there’s nothing to do in summer? Join this mountain cart excursion in Dagali.
Hiking
Prestholtstien
Prestholtstien is a 6.5km round-trip hike that is graded as a medium hike. It’s a stone staircase up and back, so the trip can be challenging for some.
Road-Trips
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Geilo
The Numedal Valley (Fv40)
The Numedal Valley is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in Norway. Located between Kongsberg and Geilo, the valley contains the largest number of medieval wooden buildings in Norway; an impressive 40 ancient farm buildings and 4 stave churches. On this drive, you’ll see these beautiful historic sites.
The Rv7 from Hønefoss to Eidfjord
The Rv7 is a relatively modern highway in Norway. The earliest road here was in the section between Hardangervidda and Eidfjord in the Måbødalen valley. It’s believed there was a road there in the 16th century. Construction of the highway as we see it today began in sections at the turn of the 20th century. The most difficult part was the stretch over the Hardangervidda plateau, which was finished in 1943. Today the stretch across Hardangervidda is one of Norway’s 18 national tourist roads.
Self-Guided Walks
I currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Geilo
Geilo on YouTube
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Geilo
Uniquely Geilo
Here are some things that you must do and try in Geilo
Skiing
Ski Resort
Geilo is Norway’s oldest ski resort, so there’s really no better place to go skiing! The ski season lasts from late October until late April, and there are numerous ski centres making up the Geilo Ski Resort.
History of Geilo
Geilo is considered to be the site of the first ski resort in Norway. The resort town was built up after the opening of the railway in 1909.
Geilo Today
Geilo is a small town with several shops and facilities. There’s a cinema, library and school here as well as a sports hall.
Around 2,500 people live in Geilo year-round.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: No airport.
Drive: Geilo is located on Highway 7 on the eastern side of the Hardangervidda National Park.
Train: Geilo is a stop roughly halfway between Bergen and Oslo.
Ferry: No ferry access.
Getting Around
Buses connect the town centre to the various ski areas.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Halling-Stuene is a traditional Norwegian restaurant.
Places to Stay
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
There are so many cabins for rent in Geilo. Do your research on which one is best for you.
Camping
Lodges & B&Bs
Øen Turistsenter is a small hostel with cabins and dorms.
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Dr. Holms Hotel has been a hotel here for over 100 years and was established as a place for relaxation and recuperation amid the mountains. There’s a restaurant and bowling alley inside.
All Posts About Geilo
Everything You Need to Know About the Bergen Railway
Here’s my practical overview to the Bergen Railway, plus a guide to the stations & scenic points.
Seeing Double at Torpo Stave Church
The only preserved stave church in Hallingdal, Torpo Stave Church is famous for its unique interior paintings; some of the oldest in Norway.