Geilo Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Geilo, including hiking and biking routes, cultural and natural attractions, where to stay, what to buy, and the best time to visit.


Introduction to Geilo

Geilo is a charming village in the Buskerud county of Norway, situated in the heart of Scandinavia. This picturesque, all-year-round destination is surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a popular spot for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities.

Aside from being a natural paradise, Geilo has cultural attractions that highlight the region’s rich history and heritage. The village provides visitors with an authentic Norwegian experience, so it’s no surprise that tourists from all over the world flock to Geilo to experience its charm.

Discover the best things to do in Geilo, including hiking and biking routes, cultural and natural attractions, where to stay, what to buy, and the best time to visit.

List of Places to Visit in Geilo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Geilojordet Museum

The Geilojordet Museum gives visitors a glimpse into life in the region during the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum contains several historical buildings, including a farmhouse, a blacksmith’s shop, and a storehouse. The farm has animals around, which contributes to the farm’s authentic atmosphere.

Hallingskarvet National Park Center

Located in the center of Geilo, the Hallingskarvet National Park Center is an excellent starting point to explore the area. The center provides information about the area’s geology, flora, and fauna. Visitors can get tips on hiking trails and wildlife watching.

One of the best things about the center is the panoramic views of the mountain landscapes that surround Geilo. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as the Hardanger plateau.

Natural Attractions of Geilo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hiking Trails

Geilo has no shortage of hiking trails, paths, and mountain areas to explore. Hiking courses here range from easy and short to longer and more strenuous such as the 25km-long path from the center of Geilo to the opposite side of Hallingskarvet through the north side of the National Park.

Overall, it does not matter whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner; Geilo has something for everyone.

Geilo Summer Park

Geilo Summer Park is a must-visit for adventure lovers. The park has an array of activities including downhill cycling. Hiking, and zip lines, bungee jumping, fishing in the river, ATV tours, and mini-golf. ATV and cycling rentals are also available for both adults and children.

Geilo Ski Resort

The Geilo Ski Resort is a popular choice among skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. With over 40 km of cross-country skiing terrain and 33 slopes to choose from, the Geilo Ski Center offers fun for both beginners and professionals. At the ski resort, visitors can find local ski schools, ski rentals, and guides too.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Geilo

Hardangervidda National Park

The Hardangervidda plateau is the largest mountain-plateau in Europe and sits nearby Geilo. There are countless hiking, mountain biking, and cycling trails in the park. The national park area consists of diverse hiking terrain that suits the needs of all visitors, whether they want to tackle a challenging, strenuous hike or an easy path.

Rallarvegen

Rallarvegen is an iconic cycling and trekking route from the early 1900s that runs between Haugastøl and Finse. The 80-kilometer-long route once served as a railway line to connect the two cities, but is now closed.

Today, the route passes through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Norway, including snow-capped mountains, glacier landscapes, and tranquil streams. For the more adventurous types, the Rallarvegen route is a must-do when visiting Geilo.

Best Things to Do in Geilo: Activities and Tours

Horse Riding

Experience the beauty of the Norwegian countryside on horseback, a traditional way of transportation in the region. Horse tours are perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike, as the local horse guide will find the right tour that suits your experience and interests.

Fishing Tours

Fishing enthusiasts can’t leave Geilo without trying their luck in one of the local rivers. There are several tour operators offering guided fishing tours in the region. The cold and crystal-clear rivers in the area contain several fish species, including trout and Arctic char.

Week-Long Itinerary for Geilo

Day Activity
1 Hiking in the vicinity of Geilo (Budalen)
2 Rallarvegen - cycling, trekking route, or train journey
3 Hardangerjøkulen Glacier visit
4 River Rafting
5 Horse Riding Tour
6 Mountain-biking tour
7 Snowmobile safari and happy hour at Geilo’s bars and restaurants

Food and Drink Scene of Geilo

Must-Try Dishes

Pinnekjøtt

One of Norway’s traditional dishes is pinnekjøtt. It consists of salted lamb ribs smoked over birch fire or tree bark. The best way to eat it is with potatoes and swede mashed together and beer or aquavit to drink on the side.

Rakfisk

The Rakfisk is a seasonal Norwegian dish, available only in autumn. It consists of trout that has been fermented for up to a year and usually served with flatbread or on bread with sour cream, onion, and mustard sauce on top.

Local Beverages

Aquavit

Aquavit is a traditional Norwegian liqueur made from potatoes or grains and spiced with herbs and spices such as cardamom, caraway, and dill. One of the popular local brands is Linie aquavit, which is aged at sea in oak casks.

Beer

Beer in Norway is high in demand, and microbreweries are on the rise all over the country. You should try out various local breweries like Aegir Brew Pub, located in Flåm, known for craft beers and their food menu.

Where to Stay in Geilo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Geilo has several accommodation options, from upscale hotels to guesthouses and hostels. During the peak season, it is recommended to pre-book accommodation in advance.

Here are our top picks:

  • Dr. Holms Hotel
  • Geilo Hotel
  • Geilolia Ferieleiligheter
  • Geilo Vandrerhjem

What to Buy in Geilo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Souvenirs are an excellent way to bring the memories of Geilo back home. Some local products to buy in Geilo include:

  • Handmade wool clothing
  • Local arts and crafts like pottery, wooden toy figures, woven items, etc.
  • Local delicacies like brown cheese

Local Culture and Customs of Geilo

Norwegians are polite, and manners matter. It is customary to greet locals when you meet in shops, restaurants, or tour guides on the street.

Best Time to Visit Geilo

Geilo’s peak season is during the winter months when the ski resorts are in full swing. However, summer in Geilo offers a range of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and fishing, while the autumn months offer splendid fall foliage. Spring is the most tranquil season, perfect for outdoor or indoor spa therapies.

Do’s and Don’ts of Geilo

Do:

  • Respect nature and don’t litter
  • Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing
  • Wear comfortable and warm clothes according to the Norwegian season

Don’t:

  • Smoke in prohibited areas
  • Take photographs of locals without permission
  • Be loud or behave disruptively late at night

Safety and Health

Safety in Geilo

Norway is a safe country even at night, and Geilo is no different. Visitors should, however, be cautious while hiking in the vast wilderness, head out with a ranger guide and carry emergency contacts and first aid kit. Use mosquito or sun repellants, and safety jackets while exploring the region’s bodies of water.

Health in Geilo

There are several clinics and pharmacies in Geilo that work on a rotating schedule, but it is still advisable to carry adequate medical coverage from one’s home country or insurance policies. During the summer months, visitors may need to watch out for ticks, and in winters, dry air might cause dehydration or even nosebleeds.

Getting to Geilo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Geilo

  • Oslo Airport Gardermoen is 230 km away from Geilo.
  • Bergen Airport Flesland is 245 km away from Geilo.

From these airports, visitors can use private taxis or bus services that connect them directly to Geilo.

Bus Stations Near Geilo

Geilo has several bus options, connecting them to nearby cities such as Oslo, Bergen, and Haugastøl. These services are available varying schedules from weekends to daily departures.

Other Options

For visitors traveling from other Scandinavian countries, it is possible to take the train or bus and make the cross-country journey.

How to Get Around in Geilo

It’s relatively easy to get around in Geilo as the village is compact with several tourist destinations in its vicinity.

  • Public bus services are excellent and connect to nearby towns and attractions.
  • Cycling is another popular mode of transportation, with numerous rental options.
  • Rental cars are also available at the airports.

Whatever transportation mode you choose, be sure to check the weather and forecast as Norway’s seasons can impact the offered transport options.

Where to Go Next from Geilo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Haugastøl (41 km)
  • Hardangervidda National Park (71 km)
  • Flam (87 km)
  • Bergen (245 km)
  • Oslo (240 km)

Conclusion

Geilo is no doubt, one of Norway’s natural gems, ready to be explored. Visitors can enjoy a broad range of outdoor activities and immerse themselves in the rich local culture and customs. The village’s natural beauty, combined with delicious food and local beverages and comfortable accommodations, ensures that travelers experience nothing but memorable moments at any time of the year.

Geilo Geilo Geilo station Geilo station Geilo is easy to find by road 7. Geilo is easy to find by road 7.