Hiking

Mountain Hikes in Geilo and Surroundings – Explore Geilo’s Beautiful Mountain Landscape

Geilo is a popular destination for hiking in Norway, offering a variety of hiking opportunities in scenic surroundings. As a year-round destination for nature experiences, Geilo provides fantastic trails for both beginners and experienced hikers. You can choose from family-friendly day hikes to challenging mountain treks in stunning highland terrain.

National Parks around Geilo – Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet

Geilo is an ideal gateway to both Hardangervidda National Park and Hallingskarvet National Park, two of Norway’s most renowned mountain areas. Hardangervidda is Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau, providing hikers with access to an open, vast landscape teeming with wildlife, including Europe’s largest wild reindeer herd. Hallingskarvet is known for its dramatic mountain peaks and steep terrain, making it perfect for those looking for a challenging mountain hike with spectacular views.

Popular Mountain Hikes in Geilo and Surroundings

Prestholtrunden
Prestholtrunden is one of the most well-known hikes in Geilo and takes you through Hallingskarvet National Park. The hike begins at Prestholtseter, where stone steps built by Sherpas lead you up the mountainside. At the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views over Hardangervidda and nearby mountains. This is a challenging yet beautiful round-trip hike for those seeking a good workout and a spectacular nature experience.

Ustetind (1371 m)
Another popular hike is Ustetind, which begins at Ustaoset and offers hikers stunning views over both Geilo and Hardangervidda. This hike is suitable for those wanting a moderately challenging trek with varied landscapes, ranging from open mountain heaths to beautiful views of lakes and valleys.

Budeierunden
Budeierunden is a family-friendly and easy hike that starts at Tuva Turisthytte on Hardangervidda. Here, the whole family can walk along marked paths through beautiful heathlands and meadows, with opportunities to enjoy a picnic in scenic surroundings. This is an easy hike with little elevation gain, offering a taste of the Hardangervidda landscape.

Rallarvegen
Rallarvegen is a historic route from Haugastøl to Flåm, popular for both cyclists and hikers. The area around Haugastøl and Finse can be explored on foot, with beautiful mountain areas and varied terrain offering a combination of nature and cultural history.

Tips for Hiking in Geilo

Accessibility: Most hiking trails start near Geilo town center or at well-known mountain lodges such as Prestholtseter, Tuva, and Ustaoset.
Equipment and Weather Conditions: Mountain weather can change quickly, so bring appropriate gear and clothing. Be sure to check the weather forecast before embarking on longer hikes.
Mountain Lodges and Rest Areas: Many hikes pass by local mountain lodges, offering hot drinks and simple meals—perfect places to take a break.
Geilo is a fantastic place for hiking, where you can experience Norway’s spectacular nature at its finest, whether you are seeking peace in the mountains or a challenging trail with breathtaking views.

Find more information about mountain hiking here.