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Top 10 things to do in Ål in the summer

Summer in Ål offers experiences for the whole family, whether you want to go hiking, fishing, climbing or just enjoy the silence.

The tips are not ranked, but follow the festival programme chronologically - we start with the first event and end with the last.

1. FOOTWEAR

Whether you're looking for a short and easy hike or a longer mountain adventure, Ål has a lot to offer. If you want a hike close to the town centre, we recommend Leksvol or Sundreberget - both with great views and easy access. For mountain hikes, you can explore Reineskarvet or Rødungstøl and enjoy majestic nature.

2. CYCLING

Ål is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts! Here you'll find a wide range of cycling opportunities - from quiet country roads and picturesque gravel paths, to more demanding mountain trails and purpose-built flow trails for mountain biking. Whether you're looking for a leisurely road trip, a fun family outing, or a challenging mountain bike ride, Ål has something for you. Here are some suggestions:

Road bike

Take a round trip from Torpo to Opheim and Leveld. A great round trip through small villages, fields and old farms, where you cycle on quiet side roads with minimal traffic. We recommend stopping at Velvet, a self-service café, where you can enjoy delicious local food.

Gravel road

The Strandafjorden round trip is a short and easy route around Strandafjorden, perfect for families or those who want a quiet walk in the lowlands. We recommend starting in Sundre, so that you can finish with a delicious lunch at Café Time serving fantastic food based on local ingredients.

Trail biking & Mountain biking

For those seeking challenges, Hallingspretten is a must. This is a fun one, blue-graded machine-built flow path with dosages, jumps and creative line choices suitable for cyclists of many levels. The trail is close to the city centre and easily accessible from Ål Station. Feel free to make a small contribution to the maintenance of the seats,

Whatever you're looking for, Ål is a fantastic place for cycling tours of all kinds.

Read more about cycling in Ål

3. FISHING

Try your luck fishing in one of the many beautiful lakes and rivers in Ål. Here you can catch trout in mountain lakes, just remember to get a fishing licence. Popular fishing areas include the Bergsjø area and Votndalsåi.

Find out more about fishing in Ål

4. HIGH & LOW CLIMBING PARK

Take the challenge in the climbing park! Here, young and old alike can experience mastery and excitement at height, with climbing routes of varying degrees of difficulty.

Read more about the climbing park in Ål

5. BATHROOM

Ål offers two unique sauna experiences, perfectly positioned to bring you peace and relaxation. One is up in the mountains, where you can combine the warmth of the sauna with spectacular views and the fresh mountain air. The other, located in the centre of Ål, is the perfect place to take a break from everyday life and relax after an active day. Both locations provide an unforgettable contrast between the intense heat and the refreshing mountain water, giving both body and soul a real pick-me-up.

Find out more about the saunas in Ål

6. EXHIBITIONS & GALLERIES

Discover local art and history! Pay a visit Gallery Sewing or see works by Rolf Nesch. On Halling pink At Prestegardslåven you can see a great exhibition with a model of the old stave church in Ål.

7. CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Visit Torpo Stave Church, Hallingdal's oldest from the 12th century, or head to Ål Rural Museum at Leksvol for an insight into life in the old days. The cultural centre in the city centre offers concerts, theatre and cinema performances throughout the summer. For a unique cultural experience, we also recommend a trip to The Opera Barn - an impressive arena for outdoor opera and music experiences in spectacular surroundings. Not far from the centre of Ål you'll find Tanks Arena, an art and culture centre that offers a varied programme of both art exhibitions and creative activities throughout the year.

Get an overview of all events in Ål

8. SHOPPING

At the Ålingen and Myren shopping centres, you'll find a good selection of shops - everything from clothes and sports to local specialities and crafts. Perfect for a quick shopping trip or a rainy day.

Read more about shopping in Ål

9. FOOD & DRINKS

For a great dining experience in Ål, start with a tasty lunch or dinner at Café Time, which serves fantastic dishes based on local produce. Another favourite is Bearhouse Burgerwhere you can enjoy a juicy burger in cosy surroundings. If you want something sweet with your coffee, the Ål Bakery the place to visit, with its wide range of fresh pastries and cakes.

If you're looking for a weekend experience with good food, you can also book into one of the great mountain hotels in the area, such as Bergsjøstølen Mountain Hotel or Skarslia. Both offer both accommodation and delicious meals overlooking the mountains.

10. FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Eels are perfect for families! On Topcamp Hallingdal you'll find a playland, adventure golf, climbing park, playgrounds, SUP hire and bike park. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy an eventful day out.