Gol is a friendly mountain town in the heart of Hallingdal, perfectly placed between Oslo and Bergen and surrounded by the gentle highlands of Golsfjellet. It is small enough to feel local, yet big enough to be a useful base for skiing, hiking, cycling, and family adventures. If you want a taste of classic Norwegian mountain life without the crowds of the headline resorts, Gol is a smart choice.
If you are wondering whether Gol is worth a stop, the short answer is yes. Gol offers easy transport connections, affordable accommodation, a strong network of hiking and cross-country trails on Golsfjellet, and family-friendly attractions in and around town. You can stay centrally near the train station for quick meals and activities, or head up to the mountain hotels and cabins for quiet evenings and big views.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what to see, where to stay, and how to plan your time in Gol.
Where Is Gol and Why Base Yourself Here
Gol sits roughly halfway between Oslo and Bergen, inside the long valley of Hallingdal. Trains on the Bergen Line stop right in town, which makes Gol one of the most accessible mountain bases in Southern Norway. From the center, it is a short drive or bus ride up to Golsfjellet, a broad plateau known for wide views, calm wind conditions compared to higher alpine areas, and well-marked trails. You are also within day-trip distance of Hemsedal, Ål, Nesbyen, and Flå, so it is easy to mix your days between different parts of Hallingdal.
For first-time visitors to Norway who want a practical, manageable mountain stop without renting a car the whole week, Gol’s train connections and compact town center make planning simpler than many other mountain destinations.
Getting to Gol
By train: The Bergen Line (Vy) connects Oslo and Bergen with multiple daily departures; the ride from Oslo S to Gol takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. From Gol Station, you can walk to town hotels in 5 to 10 minutes or take a local bus or taxi up to Golsfjellet.
By car: From Oslo, expect 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic and weather. The main routes are via Rv7 up Hallingdal or E16 with a connection toward Rv7/52. From Bergen, allow 5 to 6 hours depending on mountain passes and conditions. In winter, check road reports before departure, and carry proper winter tires. Mountain weather can change quickly, and while the roads are well maintained, conditions can be icy.
By bus: Nor-Way and local services connect Hallingdal to Oslo and other regional hubs. This can be a comfortable, budget-friendly alternative if train times do not line up with your plans.
Best Time to Visit
Gol works year-round, but what you do there changes with the seasons:
Winter (December to March): Cross-country skiing on Golsfjellet is the highlight. Trails are wide, freshly groomed after snowfall, and often have both classic and skate lanes. Down the road, Hemsedal’s alpine slopes are within day-trip range if you want to mix in lift-served skiing.
Spring (April to early June): Lower trails in the valley open first. You can get a head start on hiking and biking around the river while higher ground melts. Late spring is great for birdwatching and quieter stays.
Summer (June to August): Long days mean plenty of time for hiking, mountain cycling, fishing, and paddling on nearby lakes. Families love the waterparks and small adventure parks in Hallingdal. Mountain hotels run full activity calendars.
Autumn (September to October): The birch forests turn gold, temperatures are crisp, and hiking is at its most photogenic. This is the sweet spot for those who prefer fewer people and stable trail conditions.
Top Things to Do in Gol
Explore Golsfjellet: This is Gol’s backyard mountain plateau, crisscrossed by hiking and biking paths in summer and a large network of ski trails in winter. The terrain is friendly for beginners, and views stretch toward Hemsedal’s sharper peaks and over the Hallingdal valley. Look for signed loops starting near the mountain hotels and cabin areas. My consistent tip: start early, bring a thermos and something sweet, and plan a waffle stop at a mountain lodge on the way back.
Visit the stave church replica: The original Gol Stave Church was moved to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo many decades ago, but Gol has a faithful replica that gives a strong impression of medieval wooden architecture. It is photogenic and a good, short cultural stop between outdoor activities.
Swim and play at the waterpark: Families gravitate to the indoor waterworld by the main hotels in town, a handy option for rainy days or post-hike reward time for the kids. Expect slides, warm pools, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day trip to Hemsedal: For alpine skiing and steeper hiking terrain, Hemsedal is about 35–45 minutes by car. It is easy to combine a week in Gol with one or two action-packed days there, returning to the calmer base in Gol in the evenings.
River walks and cycling in the valley: The Hallingdalselva river area offers gentle walking and cycling paths ideal for families or warm-up days. Pick up picnic supplies in town and make a lazy afternoon of it.
Fishing and paddling: Lakes on Golsfjellet and small rivers around the plateau offer peaceful fishing spots. Buy permits where required and ask your accommodation for the latest local advice. On still summer evenings, paddling on the highland lakes is pure calm.
Animal and nature parks nearby: Hallingdal has family attractions dotted along the valley. With a car, you can reach several within an hour. These make great half-day fillers around your mountain plans.
Hiking and Biking Highlights on Golsfjellet
Hiking for all levels: The hallmark of Golsfjellet is friendly gradients and well-marked routes. Classic half-day options include ridge walks with big views but minimal exposure, and loop trails that pass small tarns, marshes, and berry patches in late summer. If you want something longer, speak with your hotel or the tourist office for a full-day loop that stays above the treeline for long stretches.
Family-friendly loops: Many trailheads have short, signed loops with modest elevation gain, perfect for children or anyone recovering from jet lag. Choose routes that begin near mountain cafés so you can anchor the outing with a warm cinnamon roll or a plate of rømmegrøt.
Mountain biking: Graded gravel roads and waymarked singletrack give you options ranging from easy fitness rides to playful forest trails. E-bikes are widely accepted and a great equalizer for multigenerational groups. Check with local rentals for maps and trail etiquette.
Mjølkevegen connection: While the main Mjølkevegen cycle route runs through Valdres, spurs and local loops on Golsfjellet feel like the same world: farm landscapes, open plateaus, and quiet roads. If you are planning a longer itinerary, Gol can slot in as a comfortable, well-serviced stop before or after Valdres rides.
Winter in Gol: Cross-Country Heaven
When the snow arrives, Golsfjellet switches into ski mode. The grooming quality is a point of pride, and there is usually a good mix of forest-sheltered tracks and more open plateau lines for blue-sky days. Many loops suit beginners, and you will find warming huts or cafés along popular circuits. If you want instruction, ask your hotel to recommend a local guide for a technique session; one focused hour can change your whole week.
For downhill fans, plan a day in Hemsedal or at one of the smaller local slopes closer to Gol. Book transport or carpool early during school holidays, and aim for early lift starts to beat the queues. Back at Golsfjellet, consider a guided snowshoe evening; the pace is gentle, and the night sky can be surprisingly bright on fresh snow.
Where to Stay: Town or Mountain
In town (Gol sentrum): Good if you are coming by train, want easy access to supermarkets, the waterpark, cafés, and casual restaurants. This is convenient for families and for short stays when you plan to day-trip around Hallingdal. Expect modern hotel rooms, family rooms, and apartments.
On Golsfjellet: Choose a classic mountain hotel or a rented cabin. The hotels often include half-board options and à la carte dining, plus ski-in access to trail networks in winter and door-to-trail hiking in summer. Cabins range from rustic to premium, many with saunas and fireplaces. If you want quiet evenings, starry skies, and breakfast with panoramic views, base yourself on the plateau.
Camping and cabins: Several campgrounds operate around Gol and up on Golsfjellet, with cabins that work well for families or groups. Book early for July and February–March.
Eating and Local Food
Expect a mix of Norwegian mountain comfort food and international standards. In town, you will find bakeries, pizza and grill spots, and a handful of bistros. On the mountain, hotel restaurants and cafés do the heavy lifting.
Look for rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge) in summer, cured meats, waffles with brown cheese, and hearty game stews in autumn. If you see “Hallingkost” on a menu or in a shop, that signals regional specialties. For lunch, it is common to make your own sandwiches and picnic on the trail; local grocery stores carry everything you need, and Norwegian tap water is safe and excellent.
Practical Tips for Gol
Cards are king: Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and contactless payments are standard. Cash is rarely necessary.
Shops and alcohol: Supermarkets are closed on Sundays. Beer is sold in grocery stores at limited hours; wine and spirits are sold at the state-run shop with shorter opening times. Plan your shopping ahead of weekends and holidays.
Clothing and weather: Even in summer, bring a light insulating layer, a windproof shell, and proper hiking shoes. Weather can switch quickly on the plateau. In winter, dress in layers and pack a spare base layer in your daypack.
Trail etiquette: Stay on marked paths, close gates behind you, and yield politely on shared routes. In winter, keep classic lanes free if you are skating, and step aside when stopping.
Transport on the mountain: If you are without a car, check hotel shuttles and local buses that connect town to Golsfjellet, especially in peak seasons. Taxis are available but more expensive in rural areas.
Safety: Mobile coverage is generally good but not guaranteed everywhere on the plateau. Tell someone your plan for longer hikes or ski tours and carry a charged phone and small first-aid kit.
Suggested Itineraries
One day in Gol: Arrive by train late morning, drop bags at a town hotel, and head up to Golsfjellet for a gentle afternoon hike or ski loop. Late afternoon, swim at the waterpark, then dinner back in town.
Two to three days: Day 1 on Golsfjellet for hiking or skiing. Day 2, explore Hemsedal for alpine skiing or a bigger hike; stop for dinner there or return to Gol for a quieter evening. Day 3, slow morning by the river, then a cultural stop at the stave church replica and a bakery lunch before departure.
Family week: Base on Golsfjellet in a cabin or mountain hotel. Mix half-days outside with pool time and easy excursions to nearby family attractions in Hallingdal. Keep travel distances short; the magic here is routine: breakfast with a view, activity, waffles, repeat.
How Gol Compares to Hemsedal and Geilo
People often weigh Gol against the more famous neighbors. Hemsedal and Geilo are larger ski destinations with extensive alpine terrain and busy resort centers. Gol’s advantage is calm, value, and flexibility. You can dip into those bigger resorts as you like while staying somewhere more relaxed and typically more budget-friendly. For cross-country and family walking, Golsfjellet is hard to beat.
Packing List for a Smooth Trip
- Waterproof, windproof shell jacket and breathable mid-layer
- Sturdy hiking shoes or winter boots with grip
- Refillable water bottle and small thermos
- Hat, gloves, and neck warmer even in shoulder seasons
- Swimwear for hotel pools and waterparks
- Simple first-aid kit and blister care
- Power bank and offline maps for the plateau
- For winter: proper snow tires if driving, headlamp, and warm spare layers
Responsible Travel Notes
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile mountain vegetation, and pack out your trash. Wildlife is shy but present; give animals space, especially during spring and early summer. In winter, keep dogs on a leash on groomed trails if local rules require it, and respect posted closures.
Final Nudge: Who Will Love Gol
If your ideal Norway trip includes clear trail signage, friendly mountain hotels, reasonable prices, and kid-happy backup plans for rainy hours, Gol is a smart, low-stress base. Add in train access, a stave church replica for a quick culture hit, and day-trip reach to Hemsedal, and you have a compact Norwegian mountain holiday that simply works.