Prestholtseter - Geilo

March 2022, four Brits put on the skis for lunch, and what an awesome day out! We skied up what is probably the most well-trodden route, from Havsdalen. it took us a couple of hours, but unlike the locals we weren't born with track skis on our feet, so maybe it took us a tad longer than the average Norwegian. But clear blues skies, no wind, and temperatures just below freezing were ideal conditions. Once on the plateau, Prestholseter comes into view from behind a shoulder of terrain. But what a stunning location, nestling below the dramatic south face of Hallingskarvet. It's breathtaking in it's winter spectacularness! Parking our skis was easy, and we were soon inside the warmth of Prestholtseter. Now the menu isn't exhaustive, but the goulash, chocolate cake and coffee were massively welcome and appreciated. The interior is cosy, traditional, warm and welcoming. Wooden seating and chairs, furs and cushions. Loos (with a donation please, be rude not to) to make the return ski more comfortable and not make the snow yellow. We were entertained by the family who skied up with a toddler, just a few months old, in their pulk. And impressed as they overtook us on the way back, with granddad (we assume) doing the pulk pulling duties! It won't be to everybody's taste, and to drive up in summer seems a bit of a cheat. But we loved it. And felt an immense sense of achievement making it. The ski back took less than 1.5 hours, but it's mainly downhill and not difficult. Would we do it again? Just try and stop us! Well, we might not attempt it in a blizzard....

When you reach Prestholtseter from the icecold Wind blowing from the Hardanger seter it is a bit like coming home: cozy and roustique interieur, lambskin on chairs and benches, fireplaces and the good smell og cinnamon, coffe and warm chocolate. Not pretentious in any way. Warm atmosphere and nive people. Don’t forget to try the traditionel Römmegröd :

Prestholt was a welcome respite from the freezing wind and snow, nestled below the majestic Hallingskarvet. The interior is very cosy and inviting, albeit the grumpy man behind the counter can be forgiven due to spending so much time on his own! There are traditional options, but importantly warm drinks or even a beer if you’d like.

This is as traditional and local as you get it in Geilo. Located at the bottom of the infamous stair trail up to Hallingskarvet, this place serves simple lunch food in a real Norwegian environment. Be sure to have a bowl of Rummegraut , the sour cream porridge served with cinnamon&sugar. I have had the pleasure to have been at private parties at this gem, and a more Private party is hard to find as it is faaaar from residential areas. Enjoy!

First of all, the road toward Prestholtseter is breathtaking. There's a long winding road flanked by large open expanses of green dotted with white patches of snow (in the summer). It's a good 15-20 minute drive from Geilo city center. A few people somehow manage to make the walk. It's the last stop before you go up the mountain for a 2-3 hour hike.