The municipalities in Hallingdal
Hallingdal, with its six municipalities Flå, Nesbyen, Gol, Hemsedal, Ål, and Hol, offers a unique combination of natural beauty, culture, and quality of life that makes it an attractive place to live. Flå, known as the gateway to Hallingdal, offers beautiful nature experiences and an active local community. Nesbyen, the heart of Hallingdal, is known for its rich history and warm atmosphere. Gol, with its focus on cooperation and future development, offers a dynamic environment for both work and leisure. Hemsedal, often called "the Alps of Scandinavia," attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round with its fantastic skiing and hiking opportunities. Ål, the cultural municipality, is known for its vibrant cultural life and strong community. Hol, the national park municipality, provides access to some of Norway's most impressive natural areas.
The municipalities in Hallingdal actively work to create good local communities where YOU will thrive and live a good life. This includes focusing on good conditions for growing up, attractive residential areas, and a wide range of leisure activities. Individually, but also collectively, the municipalities work to create inclusive and sustainable communities. With a combination of natural beauty, culture, innovation, and creativity, and an active local community, Hallingdal is a place where you can create the life you desire!
Flå
Flå is the southernmost municipality at the entrance to Hallingdal (known as the gateway to the valley), located just a 1.5-hour drive from Oslo. With its beautiful nature, including Vassfaret and the Bjørneparken wildlife park, Flå is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you will find world-class trail biking, as well as miles of cross-country ski trails and hiking paths. The municipality offers a safe and peaceful environment with excellent conditions for raising children. Flå also has an active local community with many recreational activities and cultural offerings.
Hemsedal
Hemsedal is known as the "Alps of Scandinavia" and is a paradise for ski enthusiasts. With its excellent ski slopes and stunning mountain landscapes, Hemsedal attracts both tourists and permanent residents. The municipality also has a vibrant local community with many activities and events throughout the year. Hemsedal is perfect for those who love outdoor life and want to live in scenic surroundings.
Gol
Gol is located in the heart of Hallingdal and is known as a hub for trade and tourism. With its wide range of shops, restaurants, and services, Gol is a convenient place to live. The municipality also offers excellent skiing opportunities in winter and beautiful hiking trails in summer. Gol is ideal for those seeking a balanced lifestyle with both urban and nature experiences.
Gol prioritizes education and innovation, and in the fall of 2024, Campus Hallingdal opened in the town center. Gol has a new primary and lower secondary school, a modern sports hall, good kindergarten coverage, and a diverse educational offering, including high school, folk high school, and university programs. Gol is an inclusive and family-friendly municipality—and welcomes YOU!
Ål
Ål is known for its strong cultural traditions and beautiful landscapes. The municipality has a rich cultural life with large and small events throughout the year. Ål also offers excellent skiing opportunities and great hiking trails. With a strong focus on sustainable development and a good social environment, Ål is an attractive place to establish a family and bringing up children.
Do you dream of a simpler life with a better work/life balance? Would you like to live in the countryside, with a vast nature in your backyard? Do you want to breathe fresh air and be surrounded by wide open spaces? Are you looking for somewhere with less costs and more time to spend on your passions? Then you are welcome to the Municipality of Ål.
Hol
Hol National Park Municipality is a mountain municipality located at the westernmost part of Hallingdal. Within the municipality, there are two national parks: Hardangervidda National Park and Hallingskarvet National Park.
Hol Municipality boasts stunning natural surroundings and is known for its rich outdoor life. The destination Geilo is one of Norway’s leading and most traditional winter destinations, with a particular focus on alpine skiing. Going forward, there will also be significant investments in national and international biathlon events. Hol Municipality has a total of 500 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails and excellent opportunities for cycling, mountain hiking, hunting, and fishing. Hol also has a vibrant cultural scene with events such as the Helt på Vidda Festival, Stetten Wine Festival, Spark VM, and Norsk Matglede.
Hol is a major tourism and cabin municipality, which creates ripple effects for many surrounding industries. In addition to this, the municipality has sectors within construction, industry, and is also a significant producer of hydropower. The municipality still maintains an active agricultural environment, particularly in sheep farming, dairy, and meat production. For example, “Ostebygda” has put Hol on the map as a local food municipality, producing several award-winning cheeses.
Hol offers excellent municipal services, low unemployment, and strong local engagement with many associations and clubs. Educational opportunities are available, including at the Education Center in Geilo.
Nesbyen
Nesbyen – close to the mountains, close to the city
Just two hours from Oslo, you’ll find Nesbyen – a charming town center where the rivers Rukkedøla and Hallingdalselva meet. Nesbyen is easily accessible by both car and train, as it lies conveniently along the railway line between Oslo and Bergen. Despite its small size, the town offers a good selection of shops, cafés, and services, all within short distance of peaceful nature walks and spectacular mountain landscapes.
Only 15 minutes from the town center, you reach the high mountains at 1,000 meters above sea level, with an extensive network of cross-country ski trails in winter. The family-friendly Nesfjellet Alpine Center features 14 slopes and 6 lifts, including Scandinavia’s most modern 8-seater chairlift. In summer, the area transforms into a mountain bike paradise, with a vast network of trails for all skill levels. This includes HallingSpranget, one of Europe’s longest continuous mountain bike trails. The surrounding terrain also boasts a diverse network of hiking trails suited for both families and trail runners, as well as numerous excellent fishing lakes.
Nesbyen has a vibrant cultural scene, with a variety of concerts, festivals, and sports events throughout the year. The town is home to numerous clubs and associations, offering great opportunities to meet like-minded people and engage in the community. The local combined primary and secondary school was named Norway’s best school in 2021. The municipality has four kindergartens with a total of 11 departments and provides a wide range of healthcare and welfare services. The business sector is diverse, offering opportunities in both private and public industries.
In Nesbyen, you get the best of Hallingdal – proximity to the city, freedom in nature, and a welcoming local community.