Geilo is a whole different experience
Geilo pronounced Yei-lo is a lovely ski resort village midway between Oslo and Bergen. My Flamsbana voyage came to an end at Myrdal, where I boarded a train to Geilo, a 1.30-hour journey with a brief stop in Finse. Throughout the train voyage, I was looking out the window like an inquisitive child at the moving lanes. It was summer, so there were a lot of bikers and hikers on the roads. Some were strolling with bags, others were riding bicycles with GoPro fastened to their chests, while a few were riding horses.
Glacier hiking, horseback riding, white-water rafting, and river boarding are all available throughout the full Rallarvegen circuit. The majority of the visitors on the train with me were visiting Geilo to experience its cross-country ski slopes and majestic snow-capped mountains. Only one couple and a family were planning on going to the same resort as me. I couldn’t help but love the old-world elegance that encircles Geilo’s tiny train station when I arrived. Snow particles glistened on the sunflower-yellow painted building top, resembling dewdrops on a flower.
I observed a lot of woodland cottages with outdoor trampolines on my way to Vestlia Resort, my weekend ski hotel. For a small village, Geilo has on display an excellent selection of hotels, forest cabins, apartments and shops. These are often used by locals and visitors who travel to the area to partake in thrilling skiing excursions.
Soon after, I arrived at Vestlia Ski Resort, attractively designed on the interior and exterior. This stunning hotel is designed by Helene Hennie, a well-known interior designer. The exteriors have a Viking-style structure, while the inside has world-class opulent fixtures. Alternatively, you may rent a wooden cabin!
Staying in a wooden lodging during Christmas is said to include a gratis Christmas tree and a surprise visit from Santa Claus. It’s something I’m putting aside for my future visit. The true Geilo culture was revealed to me while staying at Vestlia. Even though luxury is a popular way of life in this town, residents like to consume elemental foods and have a very friendly demeanour. During the winter, Vestlia Resort offers door-to-door skiing and has a fantastic selection of ski equipment. In summer, visit the little town, which has tourist information, a grocery, Cafe Capri, newsagents, a police station and a Geilogrillen.
Geilo’s centre is made of two enormous wooden structures. A small cinema, a library, and a school are all located just down the road. Try the typical delicacies like grilled grouse breast, herb-baked fish, Skraplse lamb sausage, and reindeer fillet while you’re here. Geilo’s diverse cuisine allows you to savour the authentic flavours of old Norway. That very well sums up the village’s business perspective. The possibilities for skiing and other snow activities are limitless. A cross country track with floodlights is near the back of Geilo Cinema. A summer park and a biathlon shooting range are also available.
Biathlon is a Nordic skiing competition in which competitors compete in both cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. However, Geilo Skiheiser is the area’s most popular cross-country ski track, with 39 slopes spanning 33 kilometres. There are about 20 different lifts installed to get you to these zig-zag slopes. Furthermore, these snow pathways resume fanning a 220 km long trail with additional skiing tracks. The expanse of these cross-country paths somehow entices you to explore its never-ending picturesque beauty.
Whether it was alpine skiing, orienteering, a relaxing spa treatment, or dining in one of the superb resort restaurants, the spectacular snowscapes, warm friendliness, and unwavering old-world charm of this little town never failed to astound me. This quiet community set in the woods has a lot to offer if you enjoy peace.
