Cross-country skiing, Geilo
Pin This
Open Media Gallery

Cross-country skiing, Geilo

© Creative Commons / Graham Lewis (Grinner)

Geilo resort information & après-ski

Après-ski

Most après-ski in Geilo takes place in the resort’s various hotels and restaurants. Some can get lively, although high alcohol taxes in Scandinavia can dampened the party mood a little.

Skibaren in the Dr Holms Hotel (tel: +47 32 095 700; www.drholms.no) is a popular piano bar for more mature (and well-heeled) grown-ups, while Sofias Cafe & Bar (tel: +47 32 094 100) is a cosy all-rounder, with an attached bakery.

After the sun goes down, the Off Pist Lounge (tel: +47 32 092 888; www.off-pist.no) fills up; one of the main nightclubs in the town.

Eating out

Peppes Pizza (tel: +47 22 22 55 55; www.peppes.no) is a good first stop to sample a top quality meal – expect fresh-out-the-oven pizza, and anything else from chicken burgers to kale salads.

For a nice cafe stop, try A Tartiner Bakeri (tel: +47 95 848 623), known for its great coffee and cakes (the chocolate buns are especially recommended), but also does great salads and sandwiches.

The retro Bowl & Dine in the Dr Holms Hotel is a fun homage to the 1950s American diner. The same hotel also has a French-inspired Brasserie serving a great selection of classic dishes.

For a truly sophisticated dining experience with an atmosphere more typical of the region, try Restaurant Hallingstuene (tel: +47 32 091 250; www.hallingstuene.no) in Geilo town centre, which is run by TV chef Frode Aga who uses local ingredients in his immaculately presented creations.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Geilo has a lot to offer in terms of activities other than skiing and snowboarding. Snowshoeing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, snow kiting and a high ropes course are all on offer. In addition, there are two bowling alleys, a cinema and several swimming pools, spas and gyms in the town itself.

The resort is home to Norway’s longest toboggan run at 1.8km-long (1.1 miles) in Dagalifjell Park (tel: +47 32 093 332). Consisting of straight stages and curves, the custom-built sleds you hire here can apparently reach a speed of 70km/h (43mph). Airboarding (tobogganing on inflatable sledges) is also offered here.

Visitors should also take some time to explore the two national parks that are within easy reach of the ski resort. Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet National Parks both offer stunning scenery and plentiful opportunities for snowshoeing, winter hiking and ice fishing.

Family fun

Childcare is offered at Geilo’s delightfully named Trollklubben (the Troll Club) in Vestlia (tel: +47 32 09 00 00; www.geiloholiday.no), and dedicated child-only ski areas are available within four of the ski areas: Kikut, Vestlia, Slaatta and Havsdalen.

Tobogganing for small children and those a little bit older (10 to 14 years) is a popular activity at Geilo. The family parallel slalom competitions are always great entertainment, while treasure hunting and ski orienteering are other enjoyable options.

The biggest hotels in Geilo have children's playrooms and swimming pools.

Retail therapy

There are around 40 shops in Geilo town centre, including grocery stores, sports/ski shops (the oldest of which dates back to the 1920s), clothing boutiques, a bookshop, perfumeries, gift shops and florists.

For browsing, Herleiks (+47 32 094 861) offer toys, kitchenware and decorations for the home plus soft clothing made of natural fabrics, whilst Samsara Geilo (tel: +47 32 090 600; www.samsarashop.no) has a great selection of the latest Norwegian fashions.

Splashing out

The Japanese-inspired, 1,000 sq m (10,763 sq ft) Dr Holms spa (tel: +47 32 095 700; www.drholms.no) is an oasis of relaxation in bustling Geilo. Facilities in the luxurious establishment include an outdoor Jacuzzi, Turkish baths and steam room, while all manner of treatments are offered in the beautiful massage parlours.

Content Parent

Hotels

There is a good choice of hotels in Geilo, from beautiful luxury establishments that boast spas and stunning restaurants to more affordable options with basic amenities. Those looking for self-catering options can stay in one of the charming traditional wooden chalets, cabins and lodges that are scattered across the area.

Show hotels in the

following price range

Luxury Moderate Cheap

Vestlia Resort

+47 32 087 200

Located right by the slopes, Vestlia Hotel offers a heap of facilities including an on-site bar and restaurant, pool, gym, spa, golf course, and perhaps most intriguingly, an ‘adventure bathroom’.

Bakkestolvegen 81, 3580, Geilo, Norway

Dr Holms Hotel

+47 32 095 700

One of the most luxurious hotels and most popular hangouts in Geilo, Dr Holms Hotel has comfortable rooms, great bars and restaurants, and a lovely spa.

Timrehaugvn 2, 3580, Geilo, Norway

Highland Lodge

+47 32 096 100

The Highland Lodge is centrally located with a free ski bus that shuttles guests directly to the slopes. Facilities here include an indoor pool, on-site restaurant and large lounge area with big screen TV.

Lienvegen 11, 3580, Geilo, Norway

Ustedalen Hotell Geilo

+47 32 096 700

This comfortable family hotel has 86 rooms and 3 luxury apartments. Ustedalen boasts a swimming pool, sauna, lounge, piano bar and a nice view of the Ustedalen Fjord.

Gamleveien 32, 3580, Geilo, Norway

Lia Fjellhotell

+47 32 087 400

A good option for non-skiers, private transport owners or those on a budget, the Lia Fjellhotel offers basic accommodation in a remote and peaceful location, 20 minutes from the ski centre by car. The hotel benefits from great views of the Skurdal lake.

Skurdalsvegen 660, 3580, Geilo, Norway

Ro Hotel

+47 32 095 090

Rooms at this budget hotel can accommodate up to five guests, and there is an on-site restaurant. Ro Hotel benefits from a convenient location near the railway station.

Geiloveien 55-57, 3581, Geilo, Norway

Show hotels in the

following price range

Luxury Moderate Cheap

Getting there and around

Getting there

Nearest airports: Fagernes Airport (VDB); Oslo Airport (OSL).

Distances to resort: 105km (65 miles); 250km (155 miles).

Driving times: 1 hour 45 minutes; 3 hours 30 minutes.

Nearest railway station: Geilo.

Getting around

The ski slopes flank Geilo town centre, and there is a shuttle bus running between both sides of the valley. Taxis are on hand to take visitors from the hotels to the slopes and back again.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.