Geilo: Culture, Trails and Activities

Geilo can be discovered in a variety of ways: along trails by Ustedalsfjorden, at historic sites, and through outdoor activities. When planning your stay, these highlights can help you shape your days around your interests – whether that means exercise, culture, or seasonal offerings.

Trails and Time by Ustedalsfjorden

The ten-kilometre circular trail around Ustedalsfjorden is car-free and suitable for hiking, walks with a stroller, and cycling in summer. Allow at least two to three hours on foot; by bike or skis, the loop takes about an hour. The estimated times therefore vary depending on how you travel. In winter, the circular trail is groomed as a cross-country ski trail; snow and seasonal conditions may affect it.

The circular trail passes through Fekjo Cultural Heritage Park, which can be reached on foot along this route. Signs along the nature and cultural trail by Ustedalsfjorden provide information about local flora and fauna, culture, and early settlement. The topics range from nature observation to the history of settlement.

Cultural History at Fekjo and Geilojordet

Fekjo Cultural Heritage Park contains cultural heritage sites from prehistoric and historic times, as well as landscape art by Gunnveig Nerol and Terje Isungset. The burial mounds there date from the Viking Age. During an investigation in 1923, finds from the 10th century were discovered in 10 of approximately 20 burial mounds. Art, monuments, and archaeological finds offer different ways to explore the park’s history.

Geilojordet is in the centre of Geilo. The site includes historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, originating from several farms in the municipality of Hol. There are exhibitions in the barn, and all the houses are open to visitors. Geilojordet is open daily from mid-June to mid-September; check seasonal visitor information before your trip. Storytelling theatre takes place there in summer. There is also an outdoor café in summer serving Rømmegrøt, coffee, and Lapper.

Activities and Seasonal Offerings

The Bike Park in Vestlia is located below Vestlia Resort. It features the largest asphalt pump track in Hallingdal, five jump lines, bike features, and the Røyskatten Skill Trail. The pump track in Geilo is suitable for skateboarders, inline skaters, scooter riders, and cyclists. As facilities or operating conditions may change, it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.

Geilo Aktiv rents out two canoes on Ustedalsfjord in the centre of Geilo and offers guided snowshoe and fatbike tours. Canoe rental availability depends on the operator; seasonal tour availability may vary. At Husky Glimmer, guests receive instructions from experienced mushers before setting off on their own dog-sled ride. Two guests share a team and can switch places halfway through. Husky Glimmer also operates dog-sledding camps within walking distance of central Geilo, as well as a dog-sledding tour on Ustedalsfjorden. The offering is seasonal and weather-dependent.

Travelling by Train

The Bergen Railway stops at Geilo station several times a day. The village’s transport hub is at the station in the centre. If you are travelling by train, check the current timetable when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Haugastøl, Ustaoset, Hol, Eggjareir, Hovet, Dagali.

Back to the main travel overview: Hol.