Set among snow-capped mountains, Geilo is one of Norway’s original alpine resorts. The town offers access to more than 40 ski slopes, with runs for every skill level. Sign up for lessons and improve your technique or head to nearby Hallingskarvet for exhilarating runs and lashings of powder.
After a day on the slopes, refuel at one of the cosy cafes in town. Syrup-covered waffles, cured meat and “lefsekling” sweet Norwegian flatbread are perfect for warming up.
In summer, Geilo is a launchpad to Hallingskarvet National Park, a spectacular pocket of Norway defined by soaring cliffs and lush evergreen forests. The park is laced with trails that take you to scenic lookouts and historic huts. As you hike, watch for arctic foxes prowling in the forest.
Beautiful Hardangervidda National Park is crisscrossed with crystalline rivers and streams. Hardangervidda is also an important habitat for wild reindeer herds, so keep an eye out for the majestic creatures grazing in the forest.
Getting there
Geilo is located in southern Norway, a 3.5-hour drive from Oslo and four hours from Bergen. Trains run between Oslo and Geilo in around 3.5 hours. Rental cars are a good way to explore the region at your own pace.