Located partway between Oslo and Bergen, Gol is a charming town surrounded by the traditional farmlands of Hallingdal. It’s famed for its 12th-century stave church and open-air museum, as well as its annual sheep festival known as Fårefestivalen.
Things to do in Gol
Don’t miss a visit to the Gordarike Familiepark, where you can take a step back in time to experience life during the Viking Era and Middle Ages. In addition to its Restaurant Valhall, which is styled on a traditional Viking long hall, the park is home to a replica of the medieval Gol Stave Church. Browse the Viking clothes and equipment on display in Kong Hadding’s Gravhaug before soaking up the valley views from the Yggdrasil Tower.
History buffs will also love the Gol Bygdetun, an open-air museum on the former Skaga Farm that’s dotted with 17th to 19th-century agricultural buildings. Take in the spectacular views across Gol as you wander between the old barns, mill and schoolhouse, all of which are decorated with vintage equipment and everyday items.
Gol is a popular base for a range of recreational pursuits in the summer months, including cycling, mountain biking and horseback riding. When the temperatures drop, it transforms into a wintery wonderland for cross-country skiing. It also boasts three alpine centres that feature downhill ski slopes, terrain parks and dedicated children’s areas.
Getting around Gol
Gol is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Oslo and is connected to both Oslo and Bergen by trains that stop at the Gol railway station. Daily buses connect to Lillehammer and Gjøvik, with several also travelling throughout Gol. The centre of Gol is compact enough to explore on foot.