Geilo
Hallingskarvet National Park
The National Park (450 sq. km) is dominated by Hallingskarvet itself. The plateau lies at 1800 masl, with Folarskardnuten at 1933 masl as its highest summit. Hallingskarvet’s topography is a result of geological processes that have gone on for more than 1.5 billion years.
The plateau is 35 km long and up to 5 km at its widest. The most typical landscape characteristic from the south side are the steep precipices 4-500 metres down from the plateau. Towards the east and west, the terrain flattens out. On the northside, there are several glacial cirques that have been formed by head of valley glaciers. There is a lot of phyllite and lime in the soil on the slopes up towards Skarvet. Here the mountain flora is particularly rich; including small-white orchids, alpine gentian, field gentian, alpine speedwell, mountain avens and glacier buttercups. Reindeer use the grazing areas north and south of Hallingskarvet. Gluttons have established themselves north of the National Park and Hallingskarvet is one of the few places in southern Norway where Arctic fox can be found. The steep rock walls provide good conditions for many species of birds; golden eagles and gyrfalcons nest here.
The National Park offers a variety of excellent trip opportunities. A map of the area including trails can be obtained at the Tourist Information office. Do try the stone stairways up Prestholtskaret. Sherpa from Nepal have done a wonderful job laying stones on parts of the trail that were particularly exposed to erosion. The work is completed during the summer of 2013. The annual Lordemarsj hike follows marked trails from Raggsteindalen over Hallingskarvet via Lordehytta (1620 masl)
to Haugastøl. This is a 25 km hiking trip. Lordehytta was built around 1880 for the Irish Lord Garvagh. The cabin is newly refurbished and used as a trip destination and for emergency quarters. Take all the gear with you as you should do on a tent tour, but leave the tent at home.
Tours in the National Park Hallingskarvet
A whole year experience without special equipment or knowledge. During winter time there are several groomed cross country trails on both sides of the mountain. You can use the same skis as in all other cross coutry slopes. During summer time you get walk or bike to the National Park Hallingskarvet from both sides of the mountain. We aware that most of the tracks starts in the valley and you need to walk your way up. For some of the walks you need a car to get up to the mountain.
Getting here
We advise you to use the website and app www.entur.no for all public transport in Norway. The easiest way to start is to come to Geilo by train or buss, from here you can start walking, biking or skiing your way in to the Hallingskarvet. Are you coming by car to Geilo and want to use the mountain roads you need to pay toll, since the roads are private owned.
WALKING SUMMER
This summit trip to Prestholtskarvet and the round tour is a true, national park classic. begin the trip by car from Geilo to Prestholtseter, where locally produced mountain farm fare may be enjoyed. Follow the unique stone steps, constructed according to true Nepalese traditions of craftsmanship, to the summit at 1859 masl.
Distance: 6 km
Duration: 2 - 5 hrs.
Degree of difficulty: Difficult
A short and nice fishing trip from Haugastøl in the directions of Hallingskarvet suits everybody, both families and those who do not like to fish. Book a guidet fishing tour with Vinternatt, no guarantee for fish, but you will get a fantastic mountain experience.
Distance: 2,5 km
Duration: 3 hrs.
Degree of difficulty: Easy
A round tour around Havsdalshovda might not be your first tought about visiting the National Park Hallingskarvet, but will give you a good impression af the big mountain from both sides.
Distance: 8 km
Duration: 3 hrs.
Degree of difficulty: Average
A family friendly walk aside the Hivjufossen is perfect for short breaks on your way towards Aurland and Flåm or for a day hike with children. Steep up hill trough the forest, wide breathtaking view on the top. Note: stones are slippery when wet (for everybody, also adults), please keep your children with you when you reach the top.
Distance: 3 km
Duration: 2 hrs.
Degree of difficulty: Easy
A long day hike from Geilo to Hallingskarvet. Are you happy in a long day in nature with wide views towards both National Parks then this is your tour. Are you here to do the sherpa stairs then pick the first walk. Start a short steep climb from Geilo center, after you reach Geilohovda it gets easyer. Easy end of this walk on the tourist road aside the lake Ustedalen.
Distance: 22 km
Duration: 8 hrs.
Degree of difficulty: Difficult
Lordemarsjen is an organised tour in the start og August, but you can also do it on your own. Take one car over to Raggsteindalen or take the buss over to Storestølen (Brakar 331) and ask for the final transport at the hotell. Walk up the mighty mountain and walk back down again on the other side. From here you can take the train or buss back to Geilo.
Distance: 23 km
Duration: 8 hrs.
Degree of difficulty: Difficult
Easy walk from Havsdalen to the valley of Budalen and Vestreim. Take the same way back, be picked up by a car, or walk furter towards Hivjufossen or Raggsteindalen.
Distance: 8 km
Duration: 3 hrs.
Degree of difficulty: Average
BIKE SUMMER
Of course you can bike on the mountain road to Prestholt, but the mountain road which runs trough Budalen to Vestreim is not so crowded. To start from Geilo is quite hard because of the ascent in the cabin area, but you will be rewarded when you finally see the Hallingskarvet and the big lake in front.
Distance: 12 km one way
Duration: 2,5 hrs totall
Degree of difficulty: Average
WINTER
Also during winter time Prestholt and Hallingskarvet are very popular places to visit. Try some other route to Prestholt from Ustaoset. You will soon get the feeling of the majastetic Hallingskarvet on this tour.
Distance: 15 km
Duration: 2,5 hrs.
Degree of difficulty: Average
Einsetnuten is a lovely mountainpeak where you can walk to during the summer, but did you know you also can ski to this peak from Storestølen? See the Hallingskarvet coverd in snow.
Distance: 3 km
Duration: 2 hrs.
Degree of difficulty: Average
Source: Hallingdal Reiseliv