Mountain biking in Hallingdal

Hallingdal is slowly turning into one of the largest and most diverse MTB playgrounds in Norway. Six destinations in the valley offer everything from surfaced pump tracks and family-friendly trail loops to epic alpine singletracks.

Quick facts

Season
The main season runs from mid-June to early October, but in the lower parts of the valley, trails are often rideable from April through November. Always remember to check the conditions if you're going early or late in the season.

Lift
The chairlift in Geilo is open from July to mid-October.

The lift in Hemsedal is open from July to early October.

Shuttle buses
The shuttle bus to HallingSpranget in Nesbyen runs from mid-June to early October.

Trailhead Nesbyen offers fixed-route shuttles all weekends in the summer.

Høgevarde offers fixed-route shuttles in the weekends between June to mid-October.

Courses and guiding
Several certified guide companies offer bike guiding in Hallingdal: Any excuse to ride, Trailhead Nesbyen, and Geilo Aktiv, Tunet Sport, and Ål Adventure.

Trail grading
Purpose-built mountain biking trails: green, blue, red, black, double black.

Shared multi-use trails are recommended for skilled mountain bikers only. These trails are either unmarked or use the national grading scale for hiking trails (green to black).

Bike rental
There are bike rentals in all six destinations in Hallingdal, and you can rent everything from children’s bikes to full suspension e-bikes. The selections varies from shop to shop.

A good tip is to reserve your bike before you arrive, to make sure you get the type you want.

Plan your trip to Hallingdal

The trail code

Trail etiquette
Having great trails to ride on is not a right, but a privilege. The Norwegian Mountain Biking Association (NOTS) urges everyone to be considerate on the trail. Here are the most important guidelines:

1. Be considerate and give way to pedestrians.

2. Limit your speed, don’t be a danger or nuisance to others.

3. Don’t blaze new trails.

4. Don’t ride on vulnerable trails right after a heavy rainfall.

5. Don’t make the trail wider.

6. Carry your bike through marshland to prevent deep ruts.

7. Don’t lock your rear wheel when riding down steep hills.

8. The cyclist riding uphill has right of way.

The development of trails in Hallingdal is massive, and most of the new trails focus on the family, so that the whole family can test their downhill skills!

Throughout the Hallingdal valley, traditional singletracks and “by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers” style trails dominate. The best example is Nesbyen, where you’ll find both shuttle based enduro racing of the finest and fastest sort, and new classics like the machine built jump ‘n’ flow trail Den ravinde (meaning “The fast one” in the local dialect).

Events like the Huckfest bike festival in Ål and Nesbyen trail camp are established highlights on the Norwegian MTB calendar, and each year the region hosts national downhill and enduro races.

Hallingdal is not just for super-skilled riders, however. A whole new generation of trails is coming to life throughout the valley so that the whole family can test their downhill skills, like on the newest and longest trail, HallingSpranget.

The fun is for everyone!

At Geilo bike park on the edge of the scenic Lake Ustedalsfjorden, chairlift-assisted gravity trails sit alongside the family-friendly skills park and easy trail loops at Vestlia resort. A separate beginner’s area takes care of those who want to try downhill for the first time, including the kids.

In the popular alpine village of Hemsedal, the bike park Tottelia rides is the perfect place for groms to learn the fine art of shredding on two wheels.

We also have to mention the bike park in Hallingdal feriepark in Ål, built to fit all ages and skill levels. Pump track, berms, and jump lines of your own choosing, and the best of it all – It’s free!

If you want to go urban riding, you can enjoy a coffee and traditional Norwegian pastry in the centre of Gol before you test your skills in the pump track or skatepark nearby.

Father and son mountain biking in Hallingdal, Eastern Norway

Mountain biking in Hallingdal.
Photo: Paul A. Lockhart

Riding high

Shared-use trails are scattered generously throughout the scenic high mountain plateaus above the valley. The Golsfjellet mountain and the hills around Ål are great examples – here, you’ll find quite challenging (but fun!) trails – both singletracks and gravel roads stretch as far as your eye can see, with panoramic views of the Norwegian landscape.

Most of the trails are unmarked, and if you want to make sure you’re hitting all the best routes, you should hire a local guide. If you are a confident navigator and want to explore the trails on your own, however, Trailguide.net will provide you with the info you need to plan your own route.

NB! Enjoy yourself on the trail, but please respect both the wildlife and other trail users. And always, always follow the trail code.

Tour cycling through mountains and valleys

Go cycling through navvy history on Norway’s most popular cycle route, Rallarvegen – 82 kilometres of mountainous scenery before you end up by the western fjords! Mjølkevegen between Gol and Vinstra in the Gudbrandsdalen valley is another beautiful route. Ride the whole 250 kilometres or take a shorter day trip.

Active holiday guaranteed

Hallingdal’s charming villages also offer hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and lots of fun for the kids. Meet the wild animals in the Bear Park in Flå and Langedrag Naturpark in Nesbyen, and play around in the large Hallingdal Feriepark. And even though you’re not here to sleep, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation in the valley, whether you’re after cosy traditional mountain cabins, 5-star campsites or simply want the convenience of a hotel.