Take the train to the mountains: The perfect weekend getaway with the kids

To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, I took my family to the mountains. And what could be more enjoyable than taking the train? The goal for the weekend was to find good entertainment for the kids, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and find some peace amid the chaos.

Psst! Children aged 0–5 travel free, and children aged 6–17 get a 75 per cent discount with Vy!

Taking the train isn’t just an environmentally friendly option; it’s also incredibly simple! Even at the platform, the excitement in our group was palpable. The girls couldn’t wait to check out the train compartment. We loaded our luggage and settled into our seats.

With its own dining coach and playroom on board, the hours fly by. It’s a good idea to bring your own packed lunch and water bottle, but you can also purchase both hot and cold food in the café. Freshly baked waffles from the dining coach were an extra treat for the little ones. We brought along books, cards, and games to keep us entertained during the journey.

The view through the train window over the mountains is spectacular. We glided past stunning Norwegian landscapes with grazing sheep, snow-covered peaks, and lush forests. For the adults, there’s also the chance to unwind with a podcast in your ears or a good book and a hot coffee on board the train.

After just under four hours, Geilo is announced as the next stop over the intercom. As the train slows down, a majestic white building appears outside the windows.

2. Fantastic mountain hotels

A five-minute walk from the train station is Dr. Holms Hotel, towering over Geilo. This historic hotel has impressed its guests for over a hundred years. There’s plenty of history in these walls! Ski tourists from around the world come here to enjoy great food, fresh air, and comfy beds.

The hotel is a destination in itself. Here you’ll find a restaurant, spa, pool, proximity to ski slopes, and a small playroom for the little ones. Large cognac-coloured leather chairs surround atmospheric open fireplaces, inviting guests to take a moment of relaxation.

This isn’t the only hotel in the mountains. If you don’t have a private cabin, Geilo is brimming with accommodation options. Check out HighlandLodge⁠External link or Geilo Hotel⁠External link for central lodging, or stay close to ski trails, climbing parks, and bike ramps at Vestlia Resort⁠External link. Here, you’ll also find playrooms, a spa, and a pool – plus a bowling alley in the hotel.

If you’re after an authentic bowling experience with the kids, we recommend Geilo Bowl & Dine⁠External link, located opposite Dr. Holms Hotel. This is a little slice of America in Hallingdal.

3. Bowling

As we stepped through the doors of Geilo Bowl & Dine, ecstatic shrieks erupted from the three kids. They quickly donned their bowling shoes and picked out a suitable ball. With barriers preventing the ball from rolling straight into the gutter, this is an activity suitable for the whole family. Even the two-year-old felt a sense of accomplishment when she sent the ball rolling to knock down the pins.

It turned into an evening filled with cheers, high-fives, and victory dances. Here, you can also order American-inspired food like burgers and pizzas, and of course, the classic strawberry or Oreo milkshake topped with whipped cream.

4. Low-threshold hikes

Geilo is a year-round destination offering activities in both summer and winter. You’ll find fantastic hikes just a stone's throw from the town centre. Find trails that suit your family, whether you’re a fit family embarking on a long trek or have younger children requiring shorter excursions. With lush national parks like Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet nearby, there are plenty of opportunities for lovely walks.

We chose a low-threshold hike that didn’t demand too much from the little ones but still felt challenging enough for the older kids. From Vestlia, you can either rent bikes or set off on foot to Kikut. The most family-friendly option is likely to take the summer lift from Vestlia Ski Centre to the top of the ski slopes and stroll towards the cosy mountain lodge Hakkesetstølen.

Get tips for more hikes here.⁠External link

After a short hike, we found ourselves inside the warm, cosy mountain hut with a fire in the fireplace and porridge on our plates. Delicious sour cream porridge and cured meat belong in the mountains and gave us the warmth we needed to tackle the slopes again. An added bonus was the chickens and rabbits at Hakkesetstølen that the kids could pet and feed with carrots. For the two-year-old, this was the highlight of the trip.

5. Water and playland

At Vestlia Resort, you’ll find a dedicated water park where the kids can let loose. In the "Adventure Pool," there’s an 82-metre-long slide, a hot tub, a children's pool, and a large pool for the whole family. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy nature right outside, and you can lie back and gaze up at the ski slopes while resting your head on the pool's edge.

This was a huge hit for all the children in our party, who ran up the stairs to go down the slide again and again. And isn’t it impressive how much energy small bodies can have? They dashed from the changing room straight to the play area in the same building, ready to burn off more steam! The play area was perfect for the two- and six-year-olds.

If you have older children, there’s absolutely no danger of them getting bored during your stay. In Geilo, there are opportunities to rent bikes, and at Vestlia, there’s a dedicated bike park.

In summer, the climbing park Høyt & Lavt is open for children from four years old, and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can go rafting down the Numedalslågen in Dagali.

In winter, of course, the ski resorts are the main attraction, with numerous slopes surrounding Geilo. When the snow arrives, the whole village transforms into a paradise for ski-loving tourists.

6. Me-time between the fun

It brings immense joy to be with the kids on a weekend trip, but if you can squeeze in a bit of me-time, it adds an extra holiday feeling! If there are two adults in your party, I recommend giving each other an hour or two of personal time because Geilo truly offers opportunities for relaxation – even for adults!

Check into one of the spas, get a massage, run on the treadmills, or read a good book. Vestlia Resort features both a gym and a spa facility with a cold plunge pool, hot tub, steam room, and sauna. A little breather from everyday life is good for both body, mind, and spirit.

7. Dog sledding

Geilo has a large community for dog sledding – and you can be a part of it! At Geilo Husky⁠External link, you can meet the dogs, greet them, and even cuddle with them, and you can also try your hand at driving. Geilo Husky offers tours for individuals as well as tailored experiences for groups. In winter, families can enjoy sledding trips of 5 and 10 km with dog sledding and cosy times around the fire by Ustedalsfjorden.

With our hands in the air and big smiles, we sped along behind the eager dogs. The lovely autumn colours in the forest added an extra dimension to our impressions. This is an experience we won’t forget anytime soon! We managed to pop into the hotel to change before the Bergen Line took us back to the city. Filled with nature experiences, fresh air in our lungs, and lots of joy.

Children aged 0–5 travel free, and children aged 6–17 get a 75 per cent discount with Vy!

Book your journey with the Bergen Line too.