Dr. Holms Hotel is one of Norway’s classic mountain hotels, perched in the heart of Geilo between Oslo and Bergen. Opened in the early 1900s, it has long been a base for skiers, hikers, and families who want a full resort feel with a sense of heritage. You get creaking floors, mountain views, and a lobby that invites you to linger with a coffee after a day outside. The location makes it easy to step straight into the Geilo lifestyle, winter or summer.
If you want the quick take, Dr. Holms Hotel delivers the full Norwegian mountain experience. The best parts are the central location, the spa with pool and saunas, and the social spaces that feel like a living room for the village. Some rooms are beautifully renovated, others are more traditional. Book a renovated room with a mountain view and you will usually be very happy, especially if you plan to spend time in the spa and use it as a hub for skiing or hiking.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what staying at Dr. Holms Hotel is actually like, along with practical tips from someone who grew up taking mountain trips here and still passes through Geilo several times a year.
Location and First Impressions
The hotel sits a short walk from Geilo station on the Bergen Line, which means you can arrive by train from either Oslo or Bergen without stress. The ski buses and local shops are close, and in winter you can be on the slopes within minutes. In summer you reach trails that lead toward Ustedalsfjorden, the Geilo bike park, and views of Hallingskarvet that make the whole valley feel bigger than it looks on the map.
First impressions are classic mountain lodge. The lobby is generous, with fireplaces, sofas, and a pace that encourages books rather than laptops. If you value atmosphere over hyper modern minimalism, this lobby will win you over. It also becomes the hotel’s social heart on weekends, when skiers drift through in wool sweaters and kids race past with rosy cheeks.
Rooms and Suites
Room quality varies, because the hotel is historic and renovations have happened in stages. Expect a mix of freshly upgraded rooms with clean Scandinavian lines and older rooms that are tidy but traditional. Standard rooms are cozy, with decent storage and good beds. Superior categories add space and better views. Some top units have balconies that are wonderful on crisp mornings.
A few tips help a lot here:
- Ask for a renovated room with a mountain or valley view. It makes a clear difference.
- If you are a light sleeper, request a room away from the bar and event spaces, especially on Friday and Saturday.
- Families can book connecting rooms. It is worth calling ahead to secure the layout you want, since these are limited.
Bathrooms in the updated rooms are modern with good water pressure, which is exactly what you want after a day on the slopes. Older bathrooms are simpler, functional rather than fancy.
Spa and Wellness
The spa is one of the hotel’s highlights. There is a large indoor pool for proper swims, a separate children’s area at busy times, and multiple saunas and steam rooms. Treatment rooms offer massages and facials, and booking ahead is smart during holiday weeks. The spa opens long enough to fit both pre-dinner relaxation and the classic morning wake-up swim. Towels and robes are available to guests, and there is a small fitness room for strength and cardio if you still have energy after the mountains.
As a Norwegian, I always recommend a simple routine that works well here: late afternoon pool, 10 minutes in the sauna, a cool shower, then a slow tea in the lounge. That reset is why people come to mountain hotels in the first place.
Dining and Bars
Breakfast is a generous Norwegian spread with eggs, breads, cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, and something sweet for those who need it. Pickled herring shows up often, which is a small delight if you enjoy traditional flavors. Coffee is plentiful and decent, which matters on early ski days.
Dinner options vary by season and occupancy. At higher seasons there is usually both a buffet option and a more formal à la carte choice. Expect Norwegian classics like trout, reindeer, or lamb when available, alongside pastas and vegetarian dishes. Portion sizes are honest and the kitchen leans into local ingredients when the supply allows. If you want something casual, Geilo has several restaurants within walking distance, so you are not locked into hotel dining every night.
The bar is atmospheric, especially on winter weekends. It is the place for a post-ski aquavit, and the staff keep service moving even when it is busy. Non-alcoholic options are handled well, which is appreciated by families and early risers.
Family Friendliness
Dr. Holms is popular with families, and it shows in practical touches. High chairs are available, breakfast handles picky eaters without drama, and the pool becomes a kid zone at certain hours. There is also a bowling alley in the basement, which is a perfect rainy day fallback and a fun evening option after dinner. If you are traveling with a stroller or a lot of gear, staff are used to it and will point you toward the easiest entrances and elevators.
If you prefer quiet, choose weekdays outside school holidays or ask for a room in a calm wing. The hotel is big enough to host both families and couples without stepping on each other’s toes if you plan a little.
Winter at Dr. Holms
Geilo is a reliable all-rounder for winter sports. The ski area spreads across both sides of the valley with slopes for beginners, easy cruisers, and a few steeper options for confident skiers. Cross-country is outstanding, with groomed tracks that start close to the hotel and stretch for many kilometers across the plateau. Snowkiting has also become a signature activity on the Hardangervidda when conditions line up.
Ski rental and schools are well organized, and the hotel team can point you to the right partners. Waxing benches appear here and there in the village, and you will see locals tuning skis after dinner. It is that kind of town.
Summer and Shoulder Seasons
Summer brings a different rhythm. Hikers head for Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda, anglers try the rivers and lakes, and cyclists jump between gravel roads and lift-served trails. Late August and September are quietly fantastic, with stable weather, fewer crowds, and a gold tint to the birch trees. The pool and spa remain a treat after long days outside, and the lobby atmosphere slows down to match the season.
Shoulder seasons offer good value and space to breathe. If you do not care about nightlife, you may prefer this time for the calmer hotel vibe.
Service and Atmosphere
Service is friendly and straightforward, the Norwegian style that lets you settle in rather than fussing over you. The front desk can be brisk during peak arrival times, so patience helps on Friday evenings. Housekeeping is reliable, and maintenance issues are usually handled quickly when reported. The overall culture is welcoming, shaped by decades of hosting active travelers rather than luxury-only guests.
Practical Information and Getting There
Geilo is on the E16 and RV7 road network and exactly the kind of place Norwegians drive to on Friday afternoons. If you prefer not to drive in winter, the train is the smart choice. The Bergen Line stops in Geilo, and from the station it is a short stroll or quick taxi to the hotel. Parking is typically available outside the property. There are often a few EV chargers in town, but they can be busy on ski weekends, so plan a little buffer if you are road tripping with an electric car.
Check-in normally starts mid-afternoon. If you arrive on the morning train, the hotel will often store your luggage so you can hit the slopes or spa. Check-out is usually late morning. Ask about late check-out if you want one more swim before heading home.
Room Tips, Noise, and What To Book
If you value quiet, pick a room away from event spaces on weekends, since weddings and ski season gatherings can run late. Corner rooms often get better light. For families, book early for connecting rooms or a large family unit. For couples, the renovated superior rooms with a view feel like a treat without tipping into extravagance.
If you are celebrating, call the hotel a few days before arrival. Norwegian hotels are not always heavy on surprise extras, but a quick heads-up often results in a nicer room placement or a small touch that makes the stay feel special.
Pricing and Value
Rates move with the seasons. Christmas, winter holidays, and Easter weeks are high season, and late January to early March weekends can be strong as well. Good value appears midweek in winter and through late summer and early autumn. When you factor in the spa access, breakfast, and location, Dr. Holms often compares well to smaller properties that require a car to get around.
If you want a mountain hotel with character, easy logistics, and facilities that keep both adults and kids happy, Dr. Holms Hotel earns its reputation. Choose your room category with care, plan your spa time, and let Geilo’s mountains do the rest.