Activities for all
Freedom and tranquility, spectacular nature, and a vibrant cultural life. Hallingdal is the place for those who want to combine adventure, social life, and exciting activities all year round!
Here you will find adrenaline-filled experiences such as alpine skiing, climbing, rafting, and trail biking, or beautiful mountain hiking. Perhaps you'll take a trip to Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet? In winter, you can cruise down freshly groomed slopes or explore miles of cross-country trails, while summer offers kayaking, climbing, zip-lining, and endless hiking opportunities in beautiful surroundings.
But Hallingdal is much more than nature – there is something happening for everyone, all year round! Hallingdal hosts a variety of festivals and cultural events, including:
Sundreball – a unique music festival in Ål with an intimate and atmospheric setting.
Hallingmarken – an annual folk festival in Nesbyen with concerts, a funfair, market stalls, and activities for the whole family – a summer tradition you don't want to miss!
Fårefestivalen: A family-friendly festival in Gol focused on sheep, with competitions and locally produced food. Come and celebrate traditions and wildlife in the heart of Gol!
Bama Alpinfestival: The world's largest alpine festival for children in Ål, where young talents showcase their skills.
Helt på Vidda-festivalen – a magical music festival in Hol surrounded by spectacular mountains.
Stetten Vinfestival – a tasteful experience in Geilo for wine lovers.
Folkemusikkveka: A celebration of traditional Norwegian folk music with concerts, dance, and workshops. A fantastic experience for music lovers.
Spark VM – the world championship in kicksledding, where competition meets winter fun.
In addition, Hallingdal offers concerts, theater, art exhibitions, and social gatherings for all ages. Whether you want to enjoy a lively evening with music, participate in exciting events, or relax at a cozy café, Hallingdal has something for you.
Hallingdal awaits – are you ready for your next adventure?
Winter Activities
Experience the magic of winter in Hallingdal with exciting activities such as kiting, cross-country skiing, sledding, alpine skiing, and perhaps some après-ski? Check out more about winter activities here and on the destination companies' websites.
Summer Activities
Explore Hallingdal's summer paradise with activities such as mountain hiking, cycling, fishing, and kayaking. Read more about summer activities here and on the destination companies' websites.
Hallingdal Rides
Do you know where Scandinavia’s most epic biking paradise is? Hallingdal, of course! (We say this without being entirely objective). Hallingdal Rides is an incredible project that simply MUST be mentioned. This initiative has transformed Hallingdal into Scandinavia’s largest mountain biking region. With more than 120 km of purpose-built trails, pump tracks, and family-friendly routes, we truly ARE Scandinavia’s top mountain biking destination! No matter your skill level or that of your family, there are challenges for everyone.
Learn more about our 6 unique biking destinations, explore options for lift and shuttle access, and check out the trail map on Hallingdal Rides!
BUA Loan Center
Did you know that you can borrow free recreational equipment at BUA?
Are you ready to try something new without having to buy expensive gear? At BUA, you can borrow everything from bikes and skateboards to skis and kayaks – completely free. Perfect for those who want to explore new activities and experience exciting adventures without breaking the budget. Whether you want to try out a new sport, go on a spontaneous trip with friends, or just have fun in nature, BUA has what you need. Create memories and have fun without worrying about the costs!
Art and Culture
Did you think you could only go to the cinema, see a dance performance, or experience high-level opera in the big city? You can do all that in Hallingdal too!
Ål municipality in Hallingdal was even named Norway’s Culture Municipality of the Year (2021), and for good reason! Check out Ål Kulturhus for programs covering cinema, culture, and museum/gallery exhibitions.
In Ål, we also have Leveld Kunstnartun, a workspace where performing artists, cultural workers, and art professionals can work for short or extended periods. Artists in various fields—visual arts, literature, film, music, and performing arts—get the opportunity to live and create in peaceful surroundings with access to studios and workshops. These artists contribute to the local community through concerts, lectures, and workshops.
Operalåven i Hallingdal must also be mentioned, as it is the only venue in Buskerud that regularly hosts opera events. And it comes with a truly spectacular view!
Each municipality offers unique cultural experiences, which you can explore further on their websites. Also, check out Hallingdal Libraries and Kvaskjer for upcoming events.
Museums and Attractions
Hallingdal boasts a variety of museums, amusement parks, and other attractions worth visiting! Check out Hallingdal Museum and the destination companies' websites for more information.
Other Activities
There are plenty of activities in Hallingdal that you might not easily discover unless you already KNOW about them. To help you out, here are a few highlights.
Ice bathing and saunas have become popular throughout Norway, and of course, also in Hallingdal. Vinternatt in Ustaoset, Hol, hosts public bathing days where you can enjoy a sauna and a refreshing dip with stunning views of Hardangervidda. Hallingdal Vinterlaugarlag in Ål and Nesbyen Laugarlag are ice bathing groups that organize sauna and bathing sessions several times a week at Oppsjø Vasspark in Ål and Trytetjern in Nesbyen. If you’re looking for a sauna experience with a mountain view, you can book a sauna at Bergsjøstølen Fjellstue or Oset Fjellhotell.
You can also enjoy spa treatments, swimming, saunas, and even ice baths at one of the valley’s many luxurious hotels. It’s not just tourists who visit Fyri Resort’s Pool Club, Skarsnuten Hotel’s spa with breathtaking views of Hemsedal’s mountains, or Vestlia Resort’s relaxing “climate zone”—you and your friends can enjoy them too!
Yoga is popular among many and is available throughout the valley. Many gyms in Hallingdal offer yoga or Pilates classes. You can also find dedicated yoga studios, such as Yoga Hemsedal, Rachel Brownbridge in Geilo, and yoga classes at the Cultural Center in Ål. For a more informal option, check out Yoga in Hallingdal on Facebook.
Is climbing or bouldering more your thing? Hallingdal is a paradise for climbers! Excellent climbing halls are available in Gol and Hemsedal, and outdoor climbing is also popular. Reach out to the climbing group in Gol for all the “hidden spots” (which aren’t really hidden—they are happy to share!).
Enjoying food and drinks is also a passion for many, and Hallingdal delivers! The region is full of culinary treasures. In all our towns, you can find cozy cafés serving hot coffee and delicious treats. For an excellent wine selection, visit places in Hemsedal and Geilo. Hallingdal offers everything from McDonald’s to exclusive sushi restaurants.
Motocross and high-speed excitement are also big in Hallingdal. Check out Norsk Motorklubb Gol for races and other events.
Other fun activities include bowling, paintball, or maybe an Escape Game at Pers Hotel in Gol?
Do you know of any other activities or experiences that should be shared? Feel free to tip off editor Jorun Utne. Let’s spread the word about all the great and fun things Hallingdal has to offer!
Become a Volunteer
Are you new to the area and want to get to know people in the local community? Do you have a skill you want to share? Or do you want to help someone in need?
Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet others in your neighborhood, contribute to the community, and spread joy! Want to volunteer? Contact one of the Volunteer Centers in Hallingdal.
If you want to help at a specific event, get in touch directly with the organizer. There are many large festivals and events throughout the year that always need extra help, and you often get free entry to the event as well!
Hallinghygge - Meeting place for residents of Hallingdal
The regional program for living and thriving in Hallingdal has provided grants to all municipalities in Hallingdal to establish "Hallinghygge," a low-threshold meeting place for residents of Hallingdal. Throughout the spring of 2025, municipalities will organize events aimed at creating new meeting places for those who wish to meet new and old friends across established friend groups and generations. A key target group is new residents of Hallingdal, but everyone is, of course, equally welcome!
Curious about what Hallinghygge is and when it will be held in the various municipalities? Follow the Hallinghygge page on Facebook.
An important help in marketing is if you, as a resident, share information about the initiative and events with colleagues, neighbors, acquaintances, and others who might enjoy meeting other Hallingdal residents for an informal and pleasant evening!