Autumn in the mountains can be romantic, active, relaxing, fun, and much more! Geilo offers a wealth of hiking opportunities, a wide range of activities, exciting festivals, and delicious culinary experiences. With beautiful colors, majestic mountains, and a sparkling fjord, it’s the perfect setting for a memorable autumn getaway. Let us guide you through the must-see experiences when you visit Geilo!
Sissel, Ivar, and their dogs are preparing for winter with off-season training in the beautiful Skurdalen, and they invite you to join them. You’ll get to help prepare the dogs, learn how to handle a sled, and of course, take part in the adventure. Ivar is one of Norway’s most experienced dog mushers, so this is a great opportunity to ask him anything you’ve ever wondered about dog sledding and dogs. Sissel, a national team member in dog sledding and a top competitor in Norway for several years, brings her faster-paced dogs along. This tour is perfect for those who have tried dog sledding before and are looking for a bit more speed and excitement.
Rafting in Dagali offers the chance to experience one of Europe’s premier rafting rivers! Numedalslågen, Norway's third-longest river at 352 km, originates from Hardangervidda. Its crystal-clear, fresh water flows through Dagali and down Numedalen, eventually reaching the sea at Larvik. The river features a varied course suitable for everyone, whether you’re looking for a safe, family-friendly adventure with gentler currents or a more extreme experience with challenging rapids and wave surfing. Dagali is just a half-hour drive from Geilo, and the rafting season typically runs from late May to September/October.
Experience an authentic fishing adventure in the heart of nature and savor the freshest fish right from the water! Spend a few engaging hours pulling in nets from the boat, cleaning, and preparing the fish. After your catch, head to your guide Hilde’s garden, where she will prepare a delicious meal for you. Enjoy the stunning views of Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda while tasting a locally-sourced gourmet dish. The dinner also includes a touch of Norwegian song tradition, and after the meal, you can indulge in coffee and cake, with hot cocoa for the kids and roasted marshmallows by the campfire.
The last weekend of September, Geilo hosts its annual wine festival, a weekend packed with wine experiences and delicious food! The festival kicks off with a "Wine Walk" on Friday afternoon, where you can explore various venues and sample wines from both importers and producers, while learning more about the world of wine. On Saturday, the festivities continue with a wine fair in the heart of Geilo's town center. Here, you'll find a wide range of wine importers, producers, and suppliers, along with opportunities for wine tasting, shopping, and expert information. The festival concludes with the "Winemaker's Dinner," a culinary experience where wine importers and producers team up with local restaurants and hotels to offer an exquisite gourmet meal paired with carefully selected wines. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a weekend dedicated to the joys of wine!
The Norwegian Food Festival (Norsk Matglede) celebrates the best of Norwegian food culture and local ingredients! In Geilo, you will have the opportunity to experience a varied menu of traditional dishes and modern dining experiences, prepared with love and consideration. The event brings together local restaurants, chefs, and producers who share their passion for food and want to inspire visitors to explore the flavors of Norway. Through various activities, tastings and cooking demonstrations, you can discover unique combinations of ingredients from the mountains and fjords. The Norwegian Food Festival is a perfect opportunity to enjoy good meals in good company, while at the same time getting an insight into the rich traditions and craftsmanship that lie behind the Norwegian food culture.
Geilo offers several family-friendly hotels with convenient locations and excellent amenities. Ustedalen Hotell & Resort is sunny and centrally located, featuring apartments and hotel rooms, as well as Restaurant Anno 2022, a fitness room, swimming pool, and sauna. Vestlia Resort, situated in Vestlia, provides access to activities such as Geilo Sommerpark, Høyt & Lavt climbing park, bike trails, and a pump track, along with a restaurant, gym, swimming pool, and spa. Dr. Holms Hotel, located in the town center, is close to hiking trails, shops, cafes, and restaurants, and also includes a restaurant, gym, swimming pool, playroom, bowling alley, and spa.
Langedrag Naturpark offers a unique experience where you can get up close to both wild and domestic animals. Here, you can meet wolves, lynxes, arctic foxes, moose, reindeer, and many other animals among the park's 200+ residents, spread across over 30 species. Each day, you can participate in feeding wild boars, reindeer, and moose in the morning, and wolves, lynxes, and arctic foxes in the afternoon. On the farmyard, you can interact with domestic animals like horses, cows, goats, and rabbits. The park also features extensive play areas for children, with activities such as nature trails, play and learning stations, a hobby horse course, zipline, seesaw, and sandbox, all included in the entrance fee. Langedrag is just a 45-minute drive from Geilo.
In Hol, along FV 50 between Oslo and Bergen, you'll find Ostebygda and Stundo – a charming country kitchen located in the same building as Hol Ysteri and the local food store. Here, you can explore a range of intriguing local products from nearby farms while enjoying a freshly brewed coffee paired with a tasty treat.
If there's one hike in Geilo you absolutely can't miss, it's Prestholtstien, also known as Prestholttrappa. Built by Sherpas in 2013, this trail spans about 3 km one way, with 2000 steps forming part of the route. These Sherpa steps have made the ascent to the top more accessible for everyone. At the summit, approximately 1705 meters above sea level, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Hallingdal, Hardangervidda, and on clear days, even Gaustatoppen. The hike up and down is suitable for most, and you don't have to reach the top; many choose to stop at Prestholtskaret, around 1600 meters above sea level. The journey starts at Prestholtseter, a charming café serving pastries and homemade food.
The rides start at Geilo Hestesenter in Vestlia and take you through diverse terrain, including areas like Slaattahølen, Bruslettstølen, and Gamle Skurdalsvegen, depending on the length of the ride. A 2-hour ride will lead you through the forest and the lighting trail network in Vestlia. For experienced riders, the guide will add some extra speed and excitement along the way! Their longest ride, lasting 4 hours, ascends the hillside through varied terrain towards Kikut and Bruslettstølen. During the ride, there's a planned break to stretch your legs while enjoying a stunning view of Hallingskarvet.
