The Ustedalsfjorden the whole year round

Ustedalsfjorden is Geilo's beloved hiking area all year round. Surrounding the lake is a car-free trail suitable for hiking, stroller walks, and bike rides in the summer, and groomed as a cross-country ski track in the winter. The loop is 10 km long, which is manageable for most people. On foot, you should expect at least 2 to 3 hours, while it takes about an hour on a bike or skis.

On the nature and culture trail, informative signs are set up detailing plant and animal life, local culture, and early settlement. Benches are placed at strategic points, and with three fire pits, there's always a good spot for a break. Ustedalsfjorden has even more to offer!
In short, you can find the following along or near the Ustedalsfjorden loop:

SUMMER:

Geilo Beach: Located between Ustedalsfjorden and Veslefjorden, Geilo Beach offers changing room, toilets, and a fire pit. Find two sturdy trees to hang your hammock from, or simply lay down on the sandy beach, take a dip in the water, or play volleyball with other visitors. Stretch your legs and take a leisurely stroll to the other side via the two thresholds. The parking lot near Hjamlevegen is very close by. Camping or overnight stays in campervans are not permitted in this parking area.

Canoe Rental: There are two companies that rent out canoes so you can explore Ustedalsfjorden from the water. For more information, click through to the official website at www.geilo.com, where you can view prices, availability, and book immediately. Some canoes are located at Ustedalsfjorden, while others are at Veslefjorden. Between these two fjords, there are two thresholds that cannot be crossed with a canoe, so you must carry it around. Take your time to observe the rich bird and animal life on and around the water. Several different bird species nest well into July, and it is not uncommon to see beavers.

Fekjo Kulturminnepark and Tuftebrui: On the northwest side of Ustedalsfjorden, you will find Fekjo Kulturminnepark with burial sites from the Viking Age and outdoor art sculptures. Further west, at a very short distance trhough a cabin area and old farms, lies Tuftebrui, a replica of a traditional timber bridge at the start of Nordmannsslepa towards Hardangervidda - an ancient trade route for merchants between east and west. Before Ustedalsfjorden got a hiking trail, the bridge was used for grazing livestock. Additionally, there are several pits from charcoal burning, something for which Hol municipality is known.

Fishing: At various spots, you can reach the water's edge to try your luck at fishing. Never fished before? Look for guided tours at geilo.com. The fishing permit from Geilo Jeger- og Fiskeforening, the local Hunter and Fishermen's Association is valid for all waters in the watershed from Usteåene: Ustedalsfjorden, Veslefjorden, and Slåttahølen. At the latter, there is a fishing bridge, making it easy for everyone to access the water. There's also a shelter here. Parking is available at Geilojordet or at Geilo Kulturkyrkje, which is also open to visitors. Camping or overnight stays in campervans are not allowed at these parking areas.

Geilo Troll: The troll stands petrified, pointing towards Hallingskarvet National Park. Visit the Geilo Troll on foot or by bike, with a ski trail passing nearby in winter. Near the Geilo Troll, there's a small spit of land with a nice grill area by the water. Here, you can sit and enjoy the view undisturbed.

Frisbee and Football Golf at Vestlia Resort Golf Course: On the south side of the lake, there's a golf course at Vestlia Resort. Here, you can choose from three options: frisbee golf, football golf, and regular golf with 9 holes. For more information, contact Vestlia Resort. From the south side, it's also a short distance to Geilo Sommerpark, which offers bike rentals, a climbing park, and a summer lift, among other activities.

Geilo Bike Park and Skills Trails: Geilo Bike Park offers a pump track with two levels and several jump lines. Adjacent to the trail around the lake, there are several skills trails at different levels, ranging from easy green trails to playful elements on blue trails and some challenging red sections with jumps.

Geilo Kulturkyrkje and Huldreskogen: In the modern Cultural Church, you'll find a Café, where you can join a guided tour of the church with proud volunteers who share insights about art, architecture, future plans, and history. Additionally, there's a new art exhibition or musical event in the evening. Nearby the Cultural Church, you'll find Mjølkerampen, an obstacle course for the little ones, and Huldreskogen, an outdoor photo exhibition about the Hulder folk (Huldrefolket).

Geilojordet: Geilojordet, with its 200-300-year-old houses, is open all year round. Next to each house, there's an information board providing background information about its history and use. During the peak summer season, you can enjoy a free theater play about life on the Gjeilo farm and sit down with a cup of coffee and homemade food such as waffles, lefse, and sour cream porridge (rømmegrøt).

WINTER:

Cross-country Skiing: The cross-country ski track, suitable for both classic and skate skiing techniques, follows much of the same route as the walking path. Therefore, it's often possible to groom it with little snowfall early in the season. To visit Fekjo Kulturminnepark (Cultural Heritage Park) and Tuftebrui, a short detour on foot is required. The trail continues along road 40 and leads into Geilo Ski Stadium, which also serves as an illuminated track and competition course. On the north side, you can continue along the track through Huldreskogen, past Geilo Cultural Church, and then pass right by Geilojordet. The tracks are groomed according to snow conditions, which can vary early in the season (mid-November) and towards the end of the season, typically around mid-April. Check www.skisporet.no for updated information on track grooming in Geilo.

Ski Rental: Cross-country ski rental is available at Geilo Ski Shop (also for skating), Slaatta Skisenter, and SkiGeilo Vestlia. It is recommended to pre-book to ensure you can get out on the tracks right away. All of them also offer pulk rental for children.

Guided Tour: Geilo Aktiv offers guided tours on both snowshoes and fat bikes. Join them for an evening snowshoeing adventure with headlamps, experiencing the forest in a whole new light. Dare to walk across the ice or make a snow angel? Snow biking is incredibly fun; it's easy on groomed tracks and exciting on off-road paths. With Nina as a certified guide, you're in safe hands. For more information, visit www.geilo.com, where you can also book tours or rent snowshoes and fat bikes.

Sauna and Snow Bathing: Near Vestlia Resort, you'll find a wood-fired sauna available for private bookings. To cool off, you can roll around in the snow. Availability may vary, so check and book at www.geilo.com.

Dog Sledding: As soon as the ice is safe, typically around mid-December, you can join a dog sledding excursion. There are tours available for both 5 km and 10 km routes. One person sits in the sled while the other controls the team of dogs, and you can switch roles halfway if desired. These tours are popular, so make sure to pre-book your experience. Check www.geilo.com for more information, availability, pricing, and booking.