A mountain village in central Norway at 800 meters above sea level, known for skiing since 1909. Winter sports destination with 39 slopes and 550 km of cross-country trails.
At 800 meters above sea level between Oslo and Bergen, Geilo welcomes skiers to its 39 slopes and 220 kilometers of cross-country trails. You can mush a team of huskies across frozen Ustedalsfjorden lake, pedal fat-tire bikes through snow-covered pine forests, or trek through the rugged terrain of Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet National Parks. In the village center, restaurants like Hallingstuene serve mountain dishes such as wild reindeer steak and brown cheese from the century-old Hol Ysteri dairy.
Winter Sports in Geilo
From late October until late April, you can ski 39 slopes spanning 33 kilometers. The resort spreads across multiple areas: the slopes next to town center, Havsdalen behind the mountain, and Geilolia (formerly Vestlia) which links to Kikut area. Cross-country skiers will find 220 kilometers of tracks, including a 5-kilometer floodlit section for evening skiing. Children under seven ski for free, and you'll find equipment rental shops throughout the resort.
Winter Activities Beyond Skiing
Steer a dog sled team across frozen Ustedalsfjorden lake or race electric karts on ice tracks during winter months. Drive snowmobiles through the Dagali area, 25 minutes from Geilo. Rent fat bikes with extra-wide tires to explore snow-covered forest paths. For more adventure, join guided ice bathing sessions in mountain waters or learn snowkiting on the wind-swept plateaus.
Getting to Geilo
Take the Bergen Railway from Oslo (3.5 hours) or Bergen (3 hours) to reach Geilo. The train winds through mountains and valleys, passing fjords and glaciers. If driving, follow National Road 7 (RV7) between Oslo and Bergen. In winter, free shuttle buses run between Vestlia and Geiloheisen ski areas.
Summer in the Mountains
Summer opens up mountain biking trails from gentle forest paths to steep downhill tracks. Two national parks border Geilo: Hardangervidda, with its arctic fox and wild reindeer, and Hallingskarvet, known for its 1,933-meter-high ridge. Cycle the historic Rallarvegen route from nearby Haugastøl, or go rafting on Numedalslågen river's rapids. Three lakes - Slåttahølen, Vestlefjorden, and Ustedalsfjorden - welcome canoeists.
Food and Culture
Visit Hol Ysteri dairy to taste their award-winning brown cheese and fresh dairy products made from mountain farm milk. At Hallingstuene, housed in an 1800s timber building, chefs prepare Norwegian mountain dishes using wild game and foraged ingredients. Each December weekend, the Christmas market fills the village center with stalls selling smoked meats, handwoven textiles, and carved wooden items.
Sustainable Tourism
Geilo's Sustainable Destination certification shows its environmental commitment. The village follows strict guidelines to protect its surrounding nature while supporting community businesses. Local tour operators, hotels, and restaurants work together to minimize their environmental impact through waste reduction and energy-efficient practices.
