Gol is best known by many people as a winter sports destination, but it also has many exciting activities to offer in the summer months in addition to world class cultural events.
This rural area in Hallingdal is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and many people choose to travel to Gol in the winter because of the good skiing to be had. Gol also has a lot to offer in the summer for those who like to be active, and is a popular destination among mountain bikers. You will also find a number of family-friendly activities here.
There are particularly good skiing opportunities here because of Gol’s position in the mountains in Hallingdal. For the best skiing experience, you can travel up to Golsfjellet, which has over 93 miles of prepared cross-country ski trails. You will also find the Storefjell Ski and Sledging Centre (Storefjell ski- og akesenter) at Golsfjellet. Take the family out onto one of the eight slopes, try the jumps in the cross-country park or feel the exhilaration when you set out onto the slope.
Even though winter sports are often the focus in Gol, the range of activities in the summer is just as good. You can rent a mountain bike and try out one of the many bike trails in the area. The Milky Way (Mjølkevegen) is a 155 mile run across the mountains and between the valleys from Gol to Vinstra, and is also considered one of Norway’s finest bike trails. Set aside a few days for this in order to get as much out of your trip as possible.
If you want something a little less demanding, Tropicana Water Park (Tropicana badeland) at the Pers hotel is a good choice. This is a combined indoor and outdoor water park with big slides, caves and a number of pools, and is a fun place to visit for both adults and children alike.
At the Pers hotel, you will also be able to find the Gordarike Viking and Family Park (Gordarike viking- og familiepark), where you and your family can visit a Viking longhouse containing an exhibition about the Norse gods, a replica of the Gol Stave Church (Gol stavkirke) (the original is on display in Bygdøy in Oslo), and take part in a number of activities such as swimming, ziplining or even drive an electric car.
Gol is one of the stops on the Bergen Line (Bergensbanen) and is therefore easily accessible from both eastern and western Norway. If you are arriving by car, Gol is very accessible and can be reached via National Road (Riksvei) 6, 52, 50 and 51.
