Geilo is a picturesque village located in the fjord region of western Norway, surrounded by imposing mountains. At 750 meters elevation, it offers an ideal destination for nature lovers, winter sports enthusiasts, and hikers. Welcoming a wide variety of visitors, Geilo stands out for its accessibility and spectacular landscapes, making it a perfect base for exploring the beauty of Norwegian mountains.

History of Geilo

Geilo began its development in 1909 with the opening of the Bergen railway, transforming a small farming village into a sought-after tourist destination. The Ustedalen railway station and a modest guesthouse marked the beginning of this growth, and Geilo quickly became a popular destination for winter sports, thanks to its strategic location between Oslo and Bergen.

Geilo Today

Today, Geilo remains a popular destination, particularly in winter, with its ski resort and numerous outdoor activities. The village experiences heavy traffic during Christmas, Easter, and winter school holidays, with a more vibrant atmosphere than the rest of the year. Nearby villages, Haugastøl and Ustaoset, also offer magnificent landscapes and complementary activities.

What to Do in Geilo?

• Alpine skiing and snowparks: Geilo offers 46 alpine slopes and several snowparks suited to all levels, easily accessible from the village center.
• Cross-country skiing: With more than 550 km of marked cross-country ski trails, Geilo is an excellent choice for this sport, offering incredible mountain panoramas.
• Diverse winter activities: Enjoy dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and fatbiking on snowy terrain, all accessible in Geilo.
• Family skiing: Geilo is ideal for families, with designated children's areas, ski schools, and childcare facilities. Children under 7 ski free.
• Relaxation and wellness: After a day on the slopes, unwind in local spas or savor traditional dishes in a cozy village restaurant.
• Geilolia Sommerpark: In summer, this park offers activities like rafting, canoeing, and hiking.

What to Do Around Geilo?

• Hiking and mountain exploration: The Geilo area offers guided hikes in the Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda national parks, perfect for experiencing stunning landscapes.
• Langedrag Nature Park: An hour's drive away, Langedrag Nature Park lets you discover Norwegian wildlife and participate in educational activities on mountain animals.
• Cultural excursions: Explore traditional mountain farms and discover Norwegian culture while sampling local products.
• Neighboring villages: Haugastøl and Ustaoset offer equally impressive landscapes and are perfect for additional outdoor activities.

When to Go?

The ideal time to visit Geilo depends on the activities you wish to pursue. If you're a ski enthusiast, January and February are ideal for snowfall, while in March you'll enjoy more sunshine. In summer, from June to September, hiking and mountain biking are at their peak.

Getting There

• By train from Oslo: The train journey from Oslo to Geilo takes approximately 3 hours and offers splendid views of the mountains.
• By train from Bergen: The train journey from Bergen to Geilo takes approximately 2 hours and 52 minutes, allowing you to enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding landscapes.
• By bus from Oslo: The VY175 bus connects Oslo to Geilo in 3 hours and 40 minutes, offering a more economical option though slightly longer than the train.
• By car: Geilo is accessible by car from Oslo and Bergen, with a scenic drive through Norwegian landscapes.
• By plane: The main airport is located in Oslo. You'll then need to take another form of transport to reach Geilo.

Getting Around

• Ski-bus: A free ski-bus connects different parts of the resort and surrounding valleys, offering great convenience.
• By train: Geilo station is served by the Bergen line, offering connections to Oslo and Bergen.
• By bus: Regular bus lines serve Geilo, allowing you to reach other towns and villages in the region.
• Airport shuttle: A shuttle connects Oslo-Gardermoen airport to Geilo for easy access to the resort.
• Car rental: You can rent a car in Geilo to explore the region at your own pace.
• Taxi: Taxis are available for local trips, though more expensive than other options.