Hole between Culture and Nature

When considering Hole for a vacation, you can choose between cultural history, protected natural areas and activities on Steinsfjorden. First consider what you want your days to focus on: medieval sites, landscapes and wildlife, or water activities. These interests can guide your search for a holiday rental without requiring you to limit your stay to a single theme.

Cultural history at specific sites

Halvdanshaugen, a burial mound, is located on the grounds of the old royal estate of Stein. It is an archaeological landmark in Hole. The biography of writer Jørgen Moe also has a connection to the area: he was born and grew up at the Mo farm in Steinsfjerdingen in Hole. Hole is thus home to both a remnant of the past and a personal connection to literary history.

Bønsnes Church stands at Bønsnes, at the far end of the Røyse peninsula. It is one of Norway’s oldest medieval churches and houses a wooden Madonna sculpture dating from around 1250. The site therefore brings together a historic church and a work of art that can be dated. For your travel plans, this is a different cultural focus from the history of the old royal estate or Jørgen Moe’s biography.

Dronning Åsta offers another historical perspective. The Viking ship is a hybrid replica of the Klåstad ship and was built using traditional craft techniques. Its history also includes its launch on Steinsfjorden in the municipality of Hole. The Gudbrandsdalsleden also passes through Hole: it is a section of the pilgrimage route to Nidaros, now Trondheim. Marked pilgrimage routes connect, among other things, natural and cultural heritage sites associated with the Middle Ages and the Olav tradition.

Protected landscapes and waterbirds

Krokskogstupene is a protected area of 3,737 decares in Hole. Steep slopes and cliffs descend there to Holsfjorden. The area includes old coniferous forest, deciduous forest and mixed forest, as well as six red-listed habitat types. Its size and variety of forest types give a concrete impression of the natural features that are important in Hole.

Wetlands are also part of the destination’s natural landscape: the wetlands in Hole are part of the Tyrifjorden wetland system, and many of them are protected. Steinsfjorden is particularly important for waterbirds, so parts of the area are protected. If you are interested in landscapes and wildlife, these protected areas can be a focus of your trip alongside the historic sites.

Cycling and water activities

One specific way to experience Steinsfjorden by bike is the 8-kilometre loop around the lake, which is shared by Hole and Ringerike. The route runs entirely along paved pedestrian and cycle paths and quiet country roads. There are opportunities for swimming and fishing; Steinsfjorden is home to large pike. This loop therefore offers both exercise and water activities.

The Mørkgonga nature reserve, which is shared by Hole and Ringerike, offers a different route option. A blue-marked trail runs along its eastern side from Migartjern in Ringerike to Retthella in the municipality of Hole. When choosing between the two routes described, you can use the details provided as a guide: the loop around Steinsfjorden is described as an 8-kilometre cycling route, while the trail at Mørkgonga is specified by its markings and the named start and end points.

Ringeriksbadet, an indoor water park and swimming pool, is located in the Helgelandsmoen business park in the municipality of Hole. Facilities include a large and a small pool, a diving tower, a large and a small water slide, and a bubble bench. So, alongside the descriptions of natural areas and routes, a swimming pool is another distinct option for activities.

Choose the right focus for your stay

Hole offers a range of starting points for planning your trip: cultural history at Bønsnes Church and the old royal estate of Stein, protected nature and waterbirds, and cycling, swimming and fishing at Steinsfjorden. Use the interests that matter most to you to guide your search for a holiday rental.

Discover more places

Discover more places: Grøndokka, Kroksund, Krokkleiva, Røyse.

Discover more destinations: Flesberg, Hol, Kongsberg, Hurum.

Go to the main travel overview: Buskerud.