Ustaoset: Cross-country skiing, the Bergen Railway and mountain trails

Ustaoset combines an extensive network of cross-country ski trails with marked summer routes and a history that dates back to a traditional mountain farm settlement. The area offers practical guidance for choosing the focus of your holiday: in winter, groomed trails are available for both classic and skating techniques; in summer, marked routes lead via Tuva Turisthytte to the Hardangervidda. You can also plan your journey by train and seasonal bus services.

Cross-country skiing between the circular trail and Skarverennet

The Ustaoset trail area marks and grooms a total of 90 kilometres of trails. Routes run from Ustaoset to places including Prestholt, Raggemyra, Åkerstølen, Uggen, Verpestølen, Steinkulp, Tuva, Ustetind, Rennedalen and Kulthaug. The network connects directly with the trail networks of Haugastøl and Geilo, making longer circular tours and a variety of outings possible. Those choosing a holiday apartment in Ustaoset can make cross-country skiing the focus of their stay and choose from trails of different lengths and in different directions.

The Rennedalen trail is one specific option for a shorter outing: it starts in Ustaoset, follows the river to the junction for Tuva and is 8.5 kilometres long. It is groomed for both classic and skating techniques. The 16-kilometre circular trail via Hesteberget, Prestholt and Eimeheia also accommodates both styles. Other groomed options include the 13.5-kilometre route via Kaklelie, Lorthøl and Åkerstøltjørne, also called Ruken nedre løype, and the 15-kilometre loop via Tuva and Ustetind.

The trail via Verpestølen, Hornbustølen, Uggen and Demningen is 11.5 kilometres long, including the loop on the ice; it is also groomed for classic and skating techniques. The different lengths make it easier to choose a tour based on the distance you want to cover, without treating the individual routes as interchangeable. For longer cross-country skiing outings, the direct connection between the Ustaoset network and Haugastøl and Geilo is another consideration.

Skarverennet is a special event. The 37-kilometre course runs from Finse across the high mountains to Ustaoset and takes place every year in the second half of April. The trails are groomed for both skating and classic techniques and are suitable for recreational and competitive skiers. A shorter, 25-kilometre route between Haugastøl and Ustaoset was introduced in 1996. This is separate from the traditional Easter ski race organised by Ustaoset Vel.

Summer trails and traces of history

There are also specific routes to help you plan your stay outside the winter season. Marked summer routes lead from Ustaoset via Tuva Turisthytte to the Hardangervidda. The marked Kulthaugrunden hiking route passes through the cabin settlement, close to medieval animal pit traps, and returns to the centre along paths and trails via Huskerud, Hovdestølen and Kulthaugvegen. The route thus links paths through the area with a historic feature in its surroundings.

At Hovdestølen, behind the former Ustaoset fjellstue and motel, are 22 well-preserved medieval animal pit traps lined with stone. The area’s historical character is also reflected in its origins: the Ustaoset cabin settlement developed in the early 20th century around a traditional mountain farm settlement. Those interested in the surrounding mountain landscape can find Ustetind immediately south of Ustaoset, in the northeastern part of the Hardangervidda; the summit can be climbed directly from Ustaoset.

Tuva Turisthytte is another specific point of reference for routes: the shortest winter access runs from Ustaoset via Verpestølen and is seven kilometres long. Marked summer routes via the hut to the Hardangervidda are also described. The seasonal routes therefore differ not only by time of year, but also by their stated destinations.

Getting here and seasonal information

Ustaoset station is on the Bergen Railway. Trains run from there towards Bergen, Flåm and Oslo S. A bus stop is located 200 metres from the station; in summer, buses run from there towards Haugastøl and Hardanger. This information provides an overview for travelling by public transport, without specifying a particular service or departure time.

A local shop also offers different products by season: Joker Bua Ustaoset sells fishing equipment and fishing permits in summer, and ski wax in winter. When choosing accommodation, you can consider whether cross-country skiing, marked summer routes or the train connection will shape your stay. Other places you can discover include Geilo, Haugastøl, Eggjareir, Hovet, Hol and Dagali.

Go to the main travel overview: Hol.