Best of Geilo

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Geilo
Geilo is best known as a winter sports destination, but still has plenty to offer in the summer months. With its easy access by train between Oslo and Bergen and location between the two national parks of Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet, it makes a great starting point for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. In addition to trail rides, Geilo has its own mountain biking park and offers canoe rentals to glide over the lake.

Follow the steps of previous kimkim travelers on guided hikes suitable for a range of experience levels or cruise on a stand-up paddleboard across Ustedalsfjorden Lake. End your day with a bonfire and tales from the forest, as you listen to folktales and Norwegian songs around a fire under the trees.
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Goats outnumber residents in the village of Undredal.
Map of Norwegian City, Mountain & Fjord Adventure - 8 Days
Norwegian City, Mountain & Fjord Adventure - 8 Days

This itinerary hits Norway's key summer spots and activities using various means of transportation for a true Nordic experience. Start off in Oslo where you'll tour the capital before taking a train to the mountain village of Geilo. From there, take another train ride—one of the most scenic in the world—to Aurland, a speedboat to Skjerdal for spectacular fjord views, and a ferry towards Bergen to finish the trip in Norway's second largest city.

Family fun in Norway
Map of Relaxed Family Adventure in Norway: Oslo, Fjords & Bergen - 7 Days
Relaxed Family Adventure in Norway: Oslo, Fjords & Bergen - 7 Days

From dramatic fjords to landscapes that inspired the Disney movie "Frozen," this relaxed, seven-day family trip to Norway covers the country's highlights as you journey from the pint-sized cultural capital Oslo to charming child-friendly Bergen. Learn to live like Vikings, experience the "world's most beautiful railway," and cruise through majestic fjords as you set about planning your return trip!

 Framehouses with grass on the roof, Geilo, Norway
Map of Oslo, the Fjord Region & Geilo: Best Itinerary Ideas
Oslo, the Fjord Region & Geilo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Five to eight days is a great length for a Norway trip, with stops in Oslo, the Fjord Region, and Geilo. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Voss or Ullensvang. Get inspired with our Oslo, the Fjord Region, and Geilo trip ideas below.

Ferry through the Sognefjord to reach the city of Bergen.
Map of Norway's Cities, Mountains & Fjords - 5 Days
Norway's Cities, Mountains & Fjords - 5 Days

This Nordic adventure covers several key highlights in a short amount of time, starting in Europe's fastest growing capital. Next, hike in Norway's mountainous interior before taking the scenic Flåm Railway towards the western coast. Finish with a ferry ride through Norway's longest and deepest fjord (Sognefjord) to get to Bergen—a colorful waterfront city surrounded by seven mountains.

Sognefjord, nicknamed "King of the Fjords".
Map of Epic Norway Tour: Oslo, Fjords & Bergen - 7 Days
Epic Norway Tour: Oslo, Fjords & Bergen - 7 Days

This week-long itinerary combines popular summer destinations and activities for a true Norwegian adventure. Start off in Oslo, where you can experience the capital's cool culture before taking a train to the mountain village of Geilo. From here, hop on a scenic steam train to Aurland, where a speedboat whisks you toward Skjerdal for hiking, goats, and spectacular fjord views. Sail through the magnificent Sognefjord to finish the trip in the picturesque port of Bergen, where you can explore its UNESCO-listed waterfront and take day trips into the surrounding fjords.

 Oslo's modern buildings and their watery reflections
Map of Oslo, Bergen, Aurland & Geilo: Best Itinerary Ideas
Oslo, Bergen, Aurland & Geilo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Five to seven days is a great length for a Norway trip, with stops in Oslo, Bergen, Aurland, and Geilo. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Balestrand or Voss. Keep reading for more inspiring Oslo, Bergen, Aurland, and Geilo itineraries.

Spend two weeks as a family experiencing Norway in wintertime
Map of Norway Winter Family Adventure - 14 Days
Norway Winter Family Adventure - 14 Days

Whisk the family away on a thrilling Arctic adventure with this two-week tour of Norway's winter highlights. Perfect for those with older kids, discover the stunning snowcapped peaks and glittering scenery around the Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord as you ride with huskies, snowmobile the icy terrain, and snowshoe hike in Flåm. Finish with a thrilling chase to catch the dancing aurora borealis and make memories to treasure as you experience Sámi hospitality and sled with reindeer.

Explore the Aurlandsfjord (a branch of the Sognefjord) before ferrying to Bergen
Map of Norway's Cities, Mountains & Fjords - 6 Days
Norway's Cities, Mountains & Fjords - 6 Days

This fast-paced adventure covers several Nordic highlights in less than a week. Start off in Europe's fastest-growing capital and hit the ground running as you explore hip neighborhoods and cafés. Next, take a train to the mountain village of Geilo, near two national parks, before continuing to the Sognefjord. End the adventure in Bergen—a UNESCO-listed seaside city surrounded by seven mountains.

Scenery in the Norwegian highlands
Map of Multi-Day Trek in the Norwegian Highlands - 6 Days
Multi-Day Trek in the Norwegian Highlands - 6 Days

Halfway between Norway's two largest cities—Oslo and Bergen—lies an extraordinary wilderness area situated between two national parks. This itinerary includes four days of hiking along well-marked trails (becoming more difficult each day) from Geilo to Finse. Start and end the trip with some urban culture and nightlife in the two aforementioned cities to round out this awesome adventure.

Spend a few days exploring the Aurland Valley
Map of Hiking & Relaxing in Western Norway - 12 Days
Hiking & Relaxing in Western Norway - 12 Days

Active types who like to move at a meaningful pace will love this 12-day trip that explores beautiful trails across Western Norway. Traveling from Oslo to Bergen, you'll make multi-day stops in Geilo, Aurland, and Solstrand to hike in the presence of lush valleys, dramatic fjords, and glaciers while staying in peaceful accommodations—many that offer spas and wellness activities. In addition to hiking, you can join biking and fly-fishing excursions and/or visit local boutiques and art galleries for unique souvenirs.

Hike to Trolltunga while staying in Odda
Map of Hiking in Southern Norway - 16 Days
Hiking in Southern Norway - 16 Days

This epic journey loops around a key section of Norway hitting up some of the best hikes in the country. Equipped with a sturdy rental car, make your way to several peaks, fjords, waterfalls, and national parks, with stops in scenic villages, farms, and UNESCO-listed monuments. Start and end the trip in seaside Bergen with time to enjoy the city's vibrant culture—and, of course, hiking trails in the surrounding hills.

A stunning fjord view near Aurland
Map of Norwegian Nature & Culture: Oslo, Bergen & Western Fjords & Mountains - 14 Days
Norwegian Nature & Culture: Oslo, Bergen & Western Fjords & Mountains - 14 Days

Experience Scandinavian culture and dramatic landscapes at a slower pace on this two-week adventure. You'll start in Norway's charming capital, known for its architecture, museums, trendy restaurants, and cafés. Next, head into the fjords to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country from above in the mountains and and below on the sea, with hikes, boat tours, and more. You'll end on the colorful and historic wharves of Bergen.

Spend two nights in a peaceful lodge near the Aurlandsfjord
Map of Hiking in Geilo, Aurland & Bergen - 8 Days
Hiking in Geilo, Aurland & Bergen - 8 Days

This 8-day trip is the perfect mix of hiking and relaxation in three of the most beautiful areas of Southern Norway. Your first stop is in the mountain town of Geilo, situated between two national parks. From here, ride one of the steepest trains in the world to get to Aurland—your base for checking out the area's trails before ferrying to Bergen by way of Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Finish the adventure at a waterfront hotel that boasts a plethora of paths to choose from.

Hike, bike, raft, and kayak your way to some of Norway's most spectacular views on this 16-day adventure
Map of Active Adventure in Southern Norway - 16 Days
Active Adventure in Southern Norway - 16 Days

Outdoor enthusiasts will find adventure at every turn on this rugged 16-day journey through southern Norway. Beginning and ending in Oslo, you'll hike through national parks around Geilo, take a speedboat safari through the stunning Aurlandsfjord, brave the whitewater rapids of Voss, and ride cable cars up to Bergen's famous peaks. After tackling the epic trek to the Trolltunga rock outside of Odda, savor one last glimpse of the fjord scenery as you put your feet up on the Flåm Railway journey back to Oslo.

Pulpit Rock in the Lysefjord
Map of Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord & Sognefjord - 11 Days
Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord & Sognefjord - 11 Days

If seeking relaxation and exposure to some of Norway's most spectacular fjords, this trip is for you. After arriving in Norway's 2nd largest city, begin your self-guided drive to Stavanger where you'll boat through the Lysefjord for the activity of your choosing. Then, continue to the Hardangerfjord through a series of national parks, waterfalls, mountain towns, and fjord-side villages—eventually heading north where you'll wrap around the Sognefjord to get back to Bergen for one more night on the town.

A reindeer in Tromsø
Map of Norway Winter Adventure: Bergen, Geilo, Oslo, Aurland, Tromsø, & Alta - 14 Days
Norway Winter Adventure: Bergen, Geilo, Oslo, Aurland, Tromsø, & Alta - 14 Days

In Bergen, you can enjoy a local tour of this cobble-stoned wharf city before taking a scenic train journey to Geilo where you will have a day of skiing. The railway will then take you to Aurland, where you'll have a cruise on Nærøyfjord and then depart to Oslo for two nights on the Flåm Railway before flying to Tromsø. Here, you will chase the northern lights in a sled pulled by reindeers and enjoy an authentic wilderness hunting experience—and you'll then make your way to Alta—where you will discover rock art and stay overnight in the Igloo Hotel.

One of many trails in the mountainous area near Geilo
Map of Ultimate Summer Hiking Adventure in Norway - 20 Days
Ultimate Summer Hiking Adventure in Norway - 20 Days

This 20-day Nordic journey is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to maximize their time in the country's stunning mountains and fjords. Start off with an authentic cabin-to-cabin trek in a wilderness area halfway between Norway's two largest cities: Oslo and Bergen. You'll stay in Norway's great hiking lodges with fellow trekkers, ending each day in a different staffed abode that serves dinner and breakfast. The latter hiking portion of this trip takes place in the Lusterfjord where you'll stay in a charming guesthouse with access to 30 hiking trails in the area. It's not all about hiking, though: you'll get urban culture, restaurants, and nightlife in the two aforementioned cities to round out this awesome adventure.

Other popular travel destinations in Norway
Fjord Region · Oslo · Bergen · Northern Norway · Tromsø · Aurland · Flåm · Lofoten Islands · Balestrand · Mountain Region · Ålesund · Senja · Alta · Svolvær · Fjærland · Vesterålen · Stavanger · Lusterfjorden · Trondheim · Geiranger · Reine · Åndalsnes · Lom · Odda · Bodø · Voss · Røros · Gudvangen · Kalvåg · Kirkenes · Florø · Karasjok · Sørlandet · Finse · Værlandet · Lyngen · Honningsvåg · Haugastøl · Valldal · Øye Norangsfjorde · Hjørundfjord · Dovrefjell