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Hiking tips in Geilo: 3 autumn favorites for the weekend!

Chris A. | Published: 21/10/2025 | Category: Travel tips
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Turtips på Geilo: 3 høst favoritter for helgen!
Prestholtseter at the foot of Hallingskarvet

Geilo is located 800 meters above sea level, halfway between Oslo and Bergen, with a train stop on the Bergen Line and the mountains right outside the door. From here you have direct access to both Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda.

In summer and autumn, hikers flock here for everything from airy peak hikes to easy paths and sherpa stairs - destinations that are just a short drive from the center. Here you get three quick and precise Hiking tips for a weekend in Geilo.

Facts about the trips

  • Format: Weekend tips with 3 day trips in Geilo
  • Day 1: Relaxed round around Ustedalsfjorden
  • Day 2: Hovdetrappa - only about 10 minutes drive from Geilo center
  • Day 3: Mountain hike to Tvergastein
  • Season: Lowland season (spring-autumn, depending on snow conditions in the mountains)

Tips for accommodation

Hiking around Ustedalsfjorden (Geilo center)

Ustedalsfjorden rundt – familievennlig runde i Geilo sentrum med jevn grus/sti og flere pauseplasser

Easy and car-free loop along the water in the middle of Geilo. Firm gravel/path, benches, and small detours make the trip nice for everyone - also strollers. Along the way, you get views of the hillsides and several good rest points. Take 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace, or do the loop as a gentle warm-up before longer mountain hikes later in the weekend.

Distance: approx. 11 km round trip | Time: approx. 2-3 hours | Grade: Easy

Read more about the hike around Ustedalsfjorden

Hovdetrappa in Skurdalen (10 min from Geilo)

Hovdetrappa i Skurdalen – kort utsiktstur på solide trappetrinn nær Geilo

Short, effective ascent on solid steps from forest to airy viewpoint. Perfect as an evening walk or first day activity after arrival. The top offers panoramic views over Skurdalen and the hills around Geilo before you return the same way. Suitable for most - a bit of pulse, great reward.

Distanse: ca. 1,6 km (tur/retur) | Tid: ca. 30 min | Gradering: Enkel

Read more about Hovdetrappa in Skurdalen

Tvergastein (1505 m) from Prestholtseter – by Hallingskarvet

Tvergastein fra Prestholtseter – klassisk høyfjellstur på Geilo ved foten av Hallingskarvet

Historical mountain hike to Arne Næss’ Tvergastein. Start at Prestholtseter (drivable toll road in the summer season) and follow the marked route towards the Hallingskarvet plateau. Solid rock, stone steps, and a fast path to a true mountain feeling. The view from the cabin is stunning – return the same way.

Distance: approx. 12 km (round trip) | Time: approx. 4-5 hours | Grading: Moderate

Read more about Tvergastein