Things to do in Geilo
Restaurants, food and drink
Geilo offers a vibrant local culture with traditional Norwegian hospitality and you can find a good variety of cafes and restaurants in the resort centre - whether you are after a relaxed breakfast spot, a snack bar or restaurants serving hearty meals, there's something for every taste and occasion.
Omattgjort Cafe focuses on allergy-friendly, healthy and clean food which everyone can enjoy. All the food they serve is gluten- and dairy-free, and without refined sugar. You can also find a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options too.
For a casual lunch or dinner, Peppes Pizza Geilo serves tasty baked pizzas to have in or take away. Perleporten Cafe & Bar is another great spot to enjoy a coffee and cake in the morning or a tasty burger or sandwich at lunchtime. After 9pm, the bar has an age limit of 20 years old, and you can enjoy live music and entertainment.
Hallingstuene is run by TV chef Frode Aga and his wife Berit Kongsvik, and offers a charming setting to savour game-based dishes paired with fine wines. With over 5,000 wines in the cellar, you'll find the perfect bottle to complement your meal.
Stundo, located in Hol and the same building as Hol Ysteri, offers a delightful dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients from Hallingdal. You can enjoy delicious food paired with a wide selection of beverages, including one of Norway's largest collections of Norwegian ciders. As you dine, you can also watch the cheese-making process unfold through the large windows overlooking the cheese factory.
Après, bars and nightlife
After a day on the slopes, kick back and relax with a warming drink in one of the many cafés or bars in the resort. If you are after a bit of traditional après ski, the Ski Bar Dr.Holms is a great spot to catch up with friends and family, plus there's live music every Friday and after-ski every Saturday throughout the winter season. If you'd prefer something more laid back, Sportsbar 1909 Dr. Holmes is a great place to watch sports on the big screen or to play a game of shuffleboard. The bar has a great atmosphere, with pictures of sports legends and sports equipment from past times decorating the walls.
When the sun sets, partygoers can head to the Off Pist Lounge, a modern nightclub serving delicious cocktails - throughout the season there are often themed nights and other events to keep you occupied.
Shopping
Geilo offers a variety of shops, from sports stores featuring the latest ski and snowboard equipment to clothing, homeware, and interior design shops. The resort has two main shopping centres: Geiloporten, which includes local shops, a pharmacy, and a grocery store, and Amfi Geilo, which has a selection of stores, including a pharmacy, health and wellness shops, sports retailers, and homeware stores.
Equipment rental and sports shops are typically open until late in the day so you can maximise your time on the mountain before returning your equipment at the end of your last day.
Spas and relaxation
Many of the hotels in Geilo have wellness facilities which you can make the most of. If you are not staying in a property with spa facilities, be sure to book directly with the hotel once you arrive in the resort, as most of them are by reservation only.
The stylish Vestila Spa is the ideal spot to unwind and rejuvenate. Whether you want to take a refreshing swim in the pool, enjoy a moment of tranquillity in the sauna, or relax in the jacuzzi, there's something for everyone. The spa even features a water slide from the fourth floor to the first. Additionally, a wide range of luxurious spa treatments are available to book, including facials, soothing massages, and exfoliating scrubs, ensuring a truly pampering experience - spa entry is included when a treatment has been booked.
Arts, culture and events
Geilo is not only known for its great skiing and natural landscapes but also for its vibrant arts and cultural scene. The town has a vibrant art scene, with local artists drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings. Throughout the town incredible works of art can be admired, Gunnveig Nerols work can be found in the fairy tale room at Geilo Library, while the incredible photographs by Margrete Birkeland can be found at the Huldreskogen open-air gallery in the Huldre forest. The Geilo Cultural Church is an important hub for art and culture, serving as an inspiring venue that highlights local traditions and cultural heritage - you can often find exhibitions with the work of talented artists in the art gallery.
During the last weekend of January, Geilo hosts the Kicksled World Championship - an exciting event that celebrates one of the oldest modes of transport in Norway. Dedicated enthusiasts have created a vibrant winter carnival with races, themed events and an après party.
Resort activities in Geilo
Tobogganing
Swap your skis for a sled and enjoy whizzing down the toboggan trails. The best spot is the Dagali Fjellpark, it's home to Norway's longest prepared run. You can race 1850 metres down with speeds of 70km/h. You can then take the lift back up and do it all over again.
Night Skiing
Throughout the winter season, the slopes stay open a little longer so you can maximise your time on the mountain - there's a range of slopes which are floodlit including those in the Vestila and Slaatta areas. The Vestila SkiCafe stays open until the lifts close on Fridays. There's also a children's disco with lights and music at Trollklubben.
Sunrise Skiing
From mid-February onwards, you can watch the sunrise over the snowy peaks and enjoy being the first one on the mountain. Whether you're chasing the perfect powder or simply soaking in the serene landscapes, sunrise skiing offers a memorable start to your day on the slopes. Morning ski is included in your ski pass and is valid from 07:30-09:30am.
Snowshoe Hikes
Head out on a serene snowshoe hike through the Arctic, taking in the incredible views of frozen forests and icy landscapes. Whether you prefer exploring pristine snow-covered terrain or following established trails, there’s a wide range of options to choose from. You can also join guided tours led by experts who will take you to the most scenic spots in Geilo.
Fat biking
Cycling through Geilo and the scenic surroundings is an excellent way to explore the area. With their larger tyres designed for snow, fat bikes allow you to reach remote areas around the resort that are typically inaccessible during the winter months. Fat biking tours are offered at the resort, typically guided by locals who provide a safe and unforgettable experience.
Cross-country skiing
Geilo is one of the best areas in Norway for cross-country skiing, you can enjoy 500 kilometres of groomed tracks across the mountain plateaus and through the valley. There's a range of trails for every level, so even if you are just beginning you can enjoy skating through the stunning scenery. For the more advanced cross-country skier, you can venture up to the higher points - the track up to the Prestholtseter from Havsdalen is a rewarding route, it takes you to the foot of the Hallingskarvet with amazing views and you can reward yourself with a warming drink at the Presholt cafe.
Ice bathing & sauna
The coolest thing you can do in Norway is ice bathing. Immerse yourself in the ice-cold water, and you will feel refreshed and energised. Afterwards, warm up in the cosy sauna with panoramic views (pay locally).
Ice Karting
Challenge your friends and family in an exciting ice-karting race. Take turns navigating the course and see who in your group is the fastest. Ice-karts are simple to drive, much like Go-Karts, but they're raced on a snow-packed track for a thrilling twist.
Bowling
After a day of arctic adventures, there's two bowling alleys in Geilo - perfect for an evening of entertainment. The Bowl and Dine is a classic American-style diner at the Dr.Holms Hotel, with a six-lane bowling hall. Alternatively, the Vestila Hotel has a modern eight-lane bowling hall and a shuffleboard table - there's also a bar serving a range of drinks and snacks.
Children's Playland
Keep the little ones entertained at the Playland at the Vestila Hotel. The indoor play area has a range of slides, climbing ropes and ball pits.
