Tour suggestions
Three recommended hiking trips in the Geilo area:
1. Geilo - Prestholtskarvet
- Geilo – Prestholtskarvet (6,099 ft above sea level)
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours each way
- Distance: 8 kilometres/5 US miles from Geilotoppen to Prestholtseter + ascent
Start downtown and take the chairlift up to Geilotoppen (3,537 ft above sea level). From here on a signposted path leads west through easy terrain, past Gullsteinhovda and Urrundberget. The last kilometres follows the road to Prestholt.
Prestholtseter café is open in July and August and on weekends throughout autumn. A well-deserved rest is recommended here before the real ascent starts. There is a 1969-feet difference in altitude from Prestholtseter to the top of Prestholtskarvet, and 1.5 hours should be expected. The route is weather-dependent, and should only be walked during clear weather and nice forecasts. It is possible to travel by car to Prestholtseter (toll road.)
2. Geilo - Ustetind
- Geilo (Tuftebrua) – Ustetind (4,515 ft over sea level)
- Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours each way
- Distance: 10 kilometres/6,2 miles
Family friendly hike on Hardangervidda; Geilo – Ustetind.
Ustetind lies in the northeast of Hardangervidda, and provides a fantastic view southwards over the mountain plateau. On nice days you can see Gaustatoppen Mountainn far to the south, and of course Hallingskarvet to the north.
The hike from Geilo takes about 3.5 hours, but Ustetind can also be reached from Ustaoset or the private tourist cabin Tuva. The ascent from Ustaoset takes well over 2 hours, the descent about 1.5 hours. The ascent from Tuva takes about 1.5 hours, the descent about 1 hour. The hike is suitable for most children with previous hiking experience.
The path starts at Tuftebrua, in the far west of Ustedalsfjorden. The bridge Tuftebrua is an unusual log construction, and an exact copy of the old, listed bridge from 1884. From here on the path ascends steeply up the birch-clad hillside. Above the treeline you will be rewarded for your effort: there is a fantastic view over Ustedalen and Geilo.
The path then follows a part of Nordmannsslepa, the old road to Fjord Norway. The path runs southwest through open, easy terrain. A steady ascent starts before the lake Tindevatnet (4,147 ft above sea level). When the lake is behind you a new, shorter ascent awaits – and then you reach the top. Remember to bring your own food and drink, the café at Ustetind is no longer open.
3. Children's route
A search for the forest nymph Huldra. This hike is one of many activities in "Eventyrferden". Perhaps we will find Huldra in the cave? An exciting hike for people of all ages.
Seasons
Winter: November - April
Summer: June - August
Autumn: August - October
Safety
The areas around Hallingskarvet are among Norway’s most exposed, so it is important to be prepared for wind, thick fog and rain.
Maps and information
Maps are available at the tourist information. For varied summer routes, see Ugland’s map over Hardangervidda, Geilo or Hallingskarvet.