A cornucopia of outdoor activities, close encounters with wild animals, and traditional local food. Come to Hallingdal for an active holiday!
Midway between Bergen and Oslo you’ll find the Hallingdal valley with charming villages like Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Ål, Hemsedal and Geilo. Here, you can go hiking, cycling, or horseback riding in what seems like an endless mountain terrain. Mountain bikers and downhill cycling enthusiasts will get their daily dose of adrenaline.
Anglers should head for the famous trout river Hallingdalselva or one of the valley’s 50 fishing lakes. If you visit in the winter, you can enjoy more than 2,000 kilometres of groomed cross-country tracks and several family-friendly alpine ski centres.
In the Bear Park in Flå and Langedrag Naturpark in Nesbyen, you and the kids can get close to animals like bears, wolves, and moose. Hallingdal Feriepark offers a climbing park and a large indoor playground, in addition to high-standard camping.
After an active day, you’ll want to taste the local specialities before you hit the sack in a historic hotel, cosy cabin, or traditional thatched cottage.
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Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
ÅlHallingdølen
Hallingdølen is the local newspaper for Hallingdal and Nore and Uvdal. It is published Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to 9.127 households and companies. The paper reach out to 18.000 readers every day with online newspaper, mobile and E-newspaper. Got the award for "The local newspaper of the year" in 2014 and "The local newspaper of the year in Europe" in 2013.
GolRound trip Gol 2 (Medium/Easy - 17,7)
Rotneim/Vermefoss - Gol station Ride through the town centre and follow the footpath to Rv 7. Stay on the footpath along Rv 7 until it ends at Rotneim. Go app. 150 metres further along the highway, turn left and cross the Hallingdal river on the Vermefoss bridge. Follow the gravel road under the the railway bridge and get on the first road to the left. Make another left after app. 750 m and follow this road until you get to Gol station and onwards back to the town centre. Note: From the highest point between the Moen bridge and Gol Station there are challenging downhill paths.
Book nowDagaliDagali Opplevelser
Action packed adventure for the whole family both summer and winter. Dagali Opplevelser offer go-cart, rally cross, ice rink, snowmobile, rafting and more at Dagali Opplevelser with experienced instructors in a safe environment. Both drop-in and organised for groups. You can find Dagali Opplevelser in Dagali, just 25 km from Geilo. Read more about all the activities from Dagali Opplevelse on the website www.geilo.com
HolHol Old Church
The old church is beautifully situated by Holsfjord, 15 minutes from Geilo. The church was originally a small stave church built in the 13th century, but it has been expanded several times. The first expansion happened around the 15th century, the timber with cog part, it is called. The second large expansion was around 1798-99. The church living room: The biggest part of the two buildings that lies by the church was built in 1815. The Priest living room: was built in 1844 to the priests on their official journeys to Hol. Opening hours, open church with guide: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 11.00-16.00 during the summer high season; start av July to half August
ÅlÅl Stave Church Museum
The Ål Stave Church dated from the latter part of the 12th century was richly decorated at the time of its demolition in 1880. The main doorway and the ceiling painting can be seen at the medieval exhibition at the Historical Museum in Oslo. Some of the church's fittings as well as a copy of the Ål ceiling can be found in Ål Church. The site of the church was examined and planned, and today it forms part of the church park. In the 1990s, the Ål Stave Church Museum in Prestegardslåven in the church park opened. The museum restores and displays decorative panels from stave churches and it has a copy of the Ål doorway. The exhibition provides information about Ål Stave Cchurch and about Norway’s other stave churches in Norway. Free admission for children up to the age of 16, when accompanied by an adult.
ÅlNystøl mountain Church Ål in Hallingdal
The Nystøl Mountain Church was first built at a chapel on Nystøl in 1895. As the years went by the chapel needed support and a better house and the Nystøl Mountain Church, as the name is now, was built on a new site in 1957. Yearly there are 2 services here. The church is also being used for weddings, misionary work and overnight accommodation.
ÅlJigging Ål in Hallingdal
Vatsfjorden and Rødungen are among southern Norway's best fishing lakes. The ice is normally safe in January, but always ask advice from local experts before you go. To buy fishing card for Vatsfjorden pay at a selfservice cashier located on a housewall adjacent Lågrinn Zoo Prep. in Vats. Fishing permits can also be bought on www.inatur.no and via sms. To buy fishing permit via mobile phone and credit card, go to inatur.no via internet on your mobile phone. Receipt will be recieved via sms. To buy a permit with sms you will be charged on your phone bill, and information posters are located buy the fishing waters. Or call Ål Tourist Information. To buy fishing card for Rødungen you can pay a selfservice cashier on the parkinglot called 'Slakteplassen'. There is also possible to go jigging at Rødungen Sør on Sangefjell.
ÅlClimbing Ål in Hallingdal
In Ål there are several great climbing spots, and some great bouldering areas. The local climbing club also has an indoor climbing wall. Outdoor Climbing Sundreberget Above Ål town centre, there is a crag with about 20 routes, grading from 5+ to 8+ (Norwegian grading). The book Climb Norway has several route descriptions for Ål in Hallingdal. Bergstølhovda At Sangefjell you will find the crag Bergstølhovda. Here there are beginner routes with bolted rop rope attachement, grade 3 to 4 (Norwegian grading). It is also possible to lead climb and practice trad climbing. Bouldering At Hovda right by Sataslåtten Camping, and in the woods by Torpomoen there are several(about 30) big rocks, perfect for bouldering. On the west side of Torpo town centre you can also find some big boulder rocks that were polished and brushed in 2013. Indoor climbing The climbing wall at Ål Idrettshall is 12 meter tall, 10 different routes in different grading and a bouldering wall. If wou wish to try it you can contact Ål Climbing Club, Birgit Elise Arnegard, tlf: 94 14 56 52 or mail: bitte95@gmail,com If you need climbing gear, tips or guding, contact All Adventure situtated right by the train station in Ål.
ÅlKulufossen
Nice hike in forest terrain with view over Ål centrum. The path goes partially on an old road. Go towards Haugen and follow the walkway under the railway. Follow the marked trail to Hallingspretten up to Hefte. Marked path from there to Kulufossen. For a roundtrip, you can follow the path down on the west side of Kulufossen, marked with Skjølet. There is no security around the waterfall. Press the link for detailed map and height profile for this hike. A more detailed map: Veståsen 1:50 000 Map over Kulufossen - pdf Elevation profile Kulufossen - pdf
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
ÅlThon Hotel Hallingdal conference
Thon Hotel Hallingdal is the perfect starting point if you are looking for the combination conference, activities and experience extrordinary nature. Meeting rooms and technical equipment The hotel is well adjusted for courses and conferense with bright rooms for small and large groups. All rooms have top modern AV-equipment and wireless network. Olavsalen: A large and bright room with direct access to terrace and balcony. Also suitable for parties and reception. Max. capacity in reception is 100 pers. Theatre setup for 80 persons. Gullsi: A really nice meeting room/ tutoring room with projector, speakers and wireless network. Max. capasity 35 people in cinema setup. Rødlin: Fast oppsett med styrebord til max.12 person. 55 inch TV med HDMI- og VGA inngang. Trådløst nettverk. Venelin: Fixed layout with a board table for max. 10 people. 42 inch TV with HDMI- and VGA input. Wireless network. Hallingsalen/Sundresalen: A large combination room located past the restaurant, but with own entrance as an option. The room can be divided in the middle, creating two separate rooms. Set up with bar, dance floor, meeting room and dinner service. Max. capasity 100 personer in cinema setup or reception. The hotel has a large fitness centre and can offer activities as zumba, aerobics and spinning. The hotel cooperates with several local event companies, and the offers are varied and exciting. In the summer the high mountains are easily available, where you find excellent hiking terrain, great possibilities for fishing and much more. In the winter you find 400 km of cross-country trails, you can try biathlon, alpine skiing or tobogganing. Thon Hotel Hallingdal is located in the centre of Ål close to the train station, cultural centre and athletic arenas. For more information about the capacity of the meeting rooms, contact Thon Hotel Hallingdal on [email protected] or call +47 32 08 20 11.
ÅlTveito Cottages
In a country courtyard just a cross the road from Ål Skisenter, you find 3 wooden cottages of good standard. Fantastic view over the skicentre, short distance to the fishing-river Votna and to the prepared skitracks on the mountains. The cottages can accommodate from 6 - 9 persons and are equipped with sauna, fireplace/oven, TV, radio- and CD player, well equipped kitchen with dishwasher, fridge, coffee machine and well-filled kitchen drawers, hoover and garden furniture.
FlåHøgevarde Cabin Field
On a mountain plateau at the foot of the Høgevarde top, you will find cabins with fantastic hiking and nature areas just outside the door. Situated in Flå municipality, the drive from Oslo is less than two hours, and the site has a unique location in the Norwegian mountains. The area is well suited for cross-country skiing with its groomed trails running over white plains. Høgevarde Mountain park with slopes and a heated hut, is not far from the cabins. In the summer, there are many hiking trails, on foot or by bike. There are also great hunting and fishing opportunities in the area. Høgevarde offers nature experiences all year long, and you can even see all the way to Hallingskarvet, Jotunheimen and Rondane from the Høgevarde top.
Book nowGeiloDr. Holms Hotel
Dr. Holms Hotel has been a source of recuperation, comfort and well-being since the beginning of the 20th century. Dr. Holms Hotel has 127 rooms: 11 single rooms (12 -20 m2), 11 family rooms (35 m2) , 3 suites (35 m2) and 100 double or twin rooms (20-25 m2). None of the rooms have king size or queen size bed. The rooms in Dr. Holms Hotel are uniquely appointed. If you prefer the romantic, English style, you would enjoy the classic atmosphere of the original section of the hotel. If you are attracted to the modern and minimalist style, enjoy the clean simplicity of our bright decorated rooms in the modern section. Dr. Holms is situated in the heart of the beautiful mountain scenery, and is a starting point for inspiring and exiting adventures. Geilo is a vibrant mountain village, situated 800 meters above sea level, between the main cities of Norway; Oslo and Bergen. North Europe largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda, sets the scene for great experiences of the Norwegian high mountain landscape. Great memories all year round: Winter - Geilo is Norway's most traditional skiresort, having been a touristdestination for more than a 100 years. Our long history and well organized infrastructure, benefits our guests greatly, and makes Geilo a unique place. Summer -The beautiful nature and the varied activities in Geilo offer excitement all year round! Exchange your skiis for hiking boots or a bicycle, bring a fishing rod and binoculars. And dont forget your camera! Experience beautiful scenery, wild animals, the colours of nature and frest air. Horses, tranquil canoeing or rafting on chirling rivers. The Geilolia Lift takes you to the top of Geilo - a fantastic starting point for hiking.
TorpoTorpomoen
Approx 50 rooms accommodating up to 150 - 170 persons, both ensuite with TV and rooms without facilities. Most rooms can be used by 2 - 4 persons. 'In everyday use Torpomoen is a centre for Health-, Enviorment- and Security. But they also rent out their facilities to private persons, organizations and companies."Cheap accommodation in nice rooms, good enviorment, traditional and homemade food and plenty of possibilities for flexible and organized solutions." are feedbacks from the users of Torpomoen. You will find Torpomoen only 8 km East from the centre of Ål, and in close distance to the ski centre and cross-country tracks. There are also two kitchens for those who prefer self-catering. Conference rooms seating up to 180 people, fully equipped with wireless internet, projectors, flipovers and plenty more. There is also a cosy activity room, living room with open fireplace and bar, mini-cinema and pool table. A wellgroomed park area, floodlight cross-country tracks, football- and volleyball track and a room for bandy, exercise room with solarium and sauna are also to be found. When staying as a guest at Torpomoen you can fish without a permit in Torpomoens area of the river Hallingdalselva.
Book nowÅlLiatoppen Fjellstue
If you like being in the mountain hiking, bicycling or skiing, Liatoppen Fjellstue is a great place to start. During wintertime there are ski trails with floodlight right outside the door, so you can ski in the eventing also, and if you prefer downhill-skiing, Ål Skisenter is not too far away. During summertime there are a lot of trails for hiking and bicycling in the beautiful mountain area around Liatoppen Fjellstue. If you follow the mountain road you will find nice bathing spots and mountain farms where you can buy local dairy products such as butter, cheese and sour cream. Liatoppen Fjellstue are doing their best to give their guests the activities and entertainment they want. Combined with excellent food they can promise you a great time and the best service. If you want to arrange meetings or conferences, they offer whiteboard, overhead, projector, sound system and screen. During autumn 2015 they rehabilitated the Fjellstue both inside and outside and it has given it a very nice cottage atmosphere. At Liatoppen Fjellstue you can rent electrical mountainbikes, normal bikes, cross-country-skis, pulk and snowshoes.
Book nowGolKamben Høyfjellshotell - cabins
Originally Kamben is a summer farm from the year 1836 that was turned into a hotel in 1920. The farm was run alongside the hotel until 1977. The hotel has managed to preserve the traditional style with log walls and rose paintings and has a cozy, rustique atmosphere. All rooms have full standard, and in some we have preserved the old style. Adjacent to the hotel, Kamben has eight cabins and one apartment. The apartment has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms as well as a smaller bedroom and a small sauna. The open kitchen has an island and there's a sofa, a large TV, internet, electric fireplace and a balcony with a view over Syningen and the other cabins. The cabins are situated next to the hotel, close to the children's ski slope and with a view over Syningen and the mountains. They are at 50 m2 and feature two bedrooms with private bathrooms each. Four of the cabins also have an open loft. All cabins have fully equipped open kitchens with fridge and dish washer, a flat TV, internet and a small fire place. The cabins and the apartment can be rented on a self catering bais, or you might choose to eat at the hotel. The beds are ready made with sheets and towels, and the end cleaning is included. At the forest edge there's a small barrel-sauna which can be used by all cabin guests. If you choose to eat at the hotel, you will be served food that is prepared with love and dedication to our nature after old recipes that we have been in our family for generations. We also use old preservation methods and preserve food ourselves, as we always have. As our guest, you are served a 5-course dinner which also can be booked by non-guests. Also included in the pension rates are breakfast and a self-made lunch package to be enjoyed outdoors on your hiking, cycling or skiing tour. The cycling route Mjølkevegen passes outside our door, and there are a number of great cycling, hiking and skiing possibilities from our hotel door.
Book nowÅlGrindastugu
Large cottage with room for 14 people on overnight accommodation. Altogether 36 people can dine at the same time, and the cottage has dining set and cutlery for a 3 course dinner. Grindastugu is the closest neighbour to Liatoppen Skicentre, and is therefore well suitable for ski groups going for training or races. The cottage can also be rented if you need a place to celebrate birthdays, company gatherings or a group of friends. 3 bedrooms; two has familybed and one has a double bed. 6 mattresses on the loft. Contact the owner if you are interested in dining or need information about an activity programme. The cottage can also be booked online via Norgesbooking. The cottage has been built using the old carpentry tradidion tracery. This is a simple but characteristic construction which means no use of nails or screws.
GolPersonbråten Camping - Gol
Personbråten Camping is a family-owned and operated camping ground situated between regional road RV7 and Hallingdalselva (river). Within walking distance of the town and shops. A number of trails close by. Swimming in the Hallingdalselva river by the camping ground. Gol Municipality’s open swimming/picnic area at Mobrua, is just 120 metres away. Trout fishing possible also. Personbråten camping can accommodate 60 – 70 units with power connections. We look forward to have you stay with us. See our Facebook page for more information. Personbråten Camping Gol sentrum/Rv 7 Tlf: 91 55 14 29 / 90 78 32 73 Mail: [email protected] Web: https://www.facebook.com/Personbråten-Camping-215466805130863/
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
HemsedalFýri Resort - Restaurant Liv
GeiloHavsdalskroa
GeiloGeilojordet
GeiloPeppes Pizza Geilo
HemsedalStorstugu at Skigaarden
GolFretex cafe
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Hallingdal with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.
By plane
The nearest international airports to Hallingdal are Oslo Airport and Torp Sandefjord Airport.
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Local travel
Local bus services run between multiple destinations in Hallingdal.
By car
From Oslo or Bergen, take the Rv7 motorway to Hallingdal.
From Trondheim, drive south on the E6 to Vingrom, then west towards Gol in Hallingdal.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more on the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
By bus
Express buses from many Norwegian cities and towns stop at several places in Hallingdal.
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By train
The Bergen Railway Line between Oslo and Bergen stops in Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Ål, and Geilo in Hallingdal. There are several daily departures.
Mountains and valleys in Eastern Norway
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