EXPERIENCES
Where nature sets the pace.
From warm fireplaces indoors, to wide-open landscapes just outside the door. Finse is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ski Sailing
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Ski sailing is a wind-powered activity where a sail (kite) is used to provide forward movement while skiing across snow-covered terrain. The sail is connected to a harness, allowing the wind to pull you smoothly over open areas, especially flat or gently rolling terrain.
Ski sailing differs from what many associate with kiteskiing, which often involves higher speeds, jumps, and more technical riding. Ski sailing has a more touring-oriented focus, emphasizing controlled travel and steady progress across open winter landscapes.
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December – February
Winter at Finse is magical during these months. Wide snowy landscapes, crisp mountain air, and steady wind conditions create a unique setting for skisailing adventures. The shorter daylight hours add to the Arctic atmosphere, while the quiet surroundings make the experience feel truly remote and unforgettable.For guests looking for authentic winter conditions and beautiful scenery, this is one of the most special times to experience skisailing at Finse.
March
With more daylight and increasingly reliable snow, March marks a natural beginning of the skisailing season.April – May
The best months for skisailing at Finse, offering long days, stable spring snow, and wide-open terrain—perfect for unhurried time on skis and kite.June
In good snow years, skisailing can still be possible into June, especially at higher elevations. -
The activity is relatively easy to get started with. Being comfortable on skis and having a basic understanding of wind and weather is helpful, but prior experience is not required.
Instruction in sail handling and safety is provided before starting.
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Included in the course:
❅ Skisail + instruction
You’re welcome to bring your own ski equipment.
If you do not have your own ski equipment, randoné skiis are available to rent.
Book a skisailing course coming soon →
Randoné Skiing
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Randonnée skiing (alpine touring) is a way of travelling through the mountains on skis, combining uphill movement with true alpine descents. The skis are lighter than traditional downhill skis and are fitted with special bindings that allow your heel to move freely when climbing. For the ascent, climbing skins are attached underneath the skis, giving grip on the snow so you can walk steadily uphill. At the top, the skins are removed and the bindings locked for the descent.
Our randonnée equipment is designed for travel in open, alpine terrain and varying snow conditions. The skis are stable and supportive, offering control on wind-packed snow, in powder, and on steeper slopes.
Randonnée skiing is well suited for those who want to earn their turns and experience the mountains at a slower pace, moving quietly upward before enjoying the freedom of the way down. -
December–February:
Still quiet and dramatic, but challenging for randonnée. Limited daylight, frequent wind, and alpine exposure mean these months are best suited for very experienced ski tourers with strong mountain judgment and flexibility.March:
This is when randonnée season truly begins. More daylight and improving snow stability make longer tours more realistic.April–May:
Prime randonnée season. Stable spring snow, long days, and access to terrain around Hardangervidda and Hardangerjøkulen make these the best months for ski touring.
June:
In good snow years, late-season touring is still possible, especially at higher elevations and on the glacier. -
Randonnée skiing is best suited for those who are confident alpine skiers and comfortable in ungroomed, changing snow conditions. You should be able to handle both the uphill climb and the downhill descent independently.
As we move in alpine terrain, some knowledge of mountain travel and avalanche awareness is strongly encouraged. Weather and snow conditions can shift quickly on the plateau, and good judgement is part of a safe and rewarding day in the mountains.
If you would like additional support or local insight, our experienced guides are always happy to take you out and share their knowledge of the landscape.
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Included in our rental:
❅ Randonnée skis
❅ Boots
❅ Poles
❅ Climbing skinsAdditional equipment to bring for the perfect trip:
❅ Gloves
❅ Goggles
❅ Helmet
❅ Warm insulating layer
❅ Wind- and waterproof outer layer
❅ Snacks & water
❅ Small backpack
❅ Avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe)
❅ Navigation device (map, compass, or GPS)
Randoné ski rental coming soon →
Common randoné skiing routes around Finse coming soon →
Backcountry Nordic Skiing
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Nordic backcountry skis are robust touring skis designed for mountain travel and varied, ungroomed terrain. Our skis are equipped with steel edges, providing improved grip and control on firm, wind-packed, and changing snow conditions. They are wider and more stable than standard cross-country skis, offering better flotation in soft snow and increased confidence on subtle descents.
These skis are intended for use outside groomed tracks, across plateaus, valleys, and alpine terrain and are well suited for longer tours with a backpack, while still allowing classic Nordic skiing techniques.
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December – February
Winter at Finse offers a true backcountry cross country skiing experience, with endless snow-covered terrain and a peaceful mountain atmosphere. Fjellski tours during these months can be incredibly rewarding, with crisp snow, quiet trails, and dramatic winter scenery. Weather conditions can change quickly, adding to the sense of adventure and making each trip feel unique. For those seeking an authentic mountain winter and the freedom of skiing through open landscapes, this is a special time to explore Finse.March
Winter settles in, with more daylight and increasingly reliable snow. This is when the ski season truly begins.April
Long, light-filled days and stable snow make April one of the most beautiful months for skiing in Finse.May
Often the very best of the season, with generous daylight and excellent conditions for long ski tours.June
Thanks to our high-mountain location at 1222 metres, snow often lingers into June in good snow years. -
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy backcountry Nordic skiing at Finse. If you’re comfortable being outdoors in winter and ready to learn, you’re ready to begin. The key is simple: stay relaxed, bend your knees on the downhill, and lean slightly forward to keep your balance. When climbing, step firmly through the middle of the ski so the “feller,” the section that grips the snow, can do its job and give you solid traction. Loop your hands through the pole straps to use your whole body efficiently. With a few basic techniques and a sense of adventure, the mountain opens up in the most rewarding way.
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Included in our rental:
❅ Skis
❅ Boots
❅ PolesAdditional equipment to bring for the perfect trip:
❅ Gloves
❅ Sunglasses
❅ Warm insulating layer
❅ Wind- and waterproof outer layer
❅ Snacks & water
❅ Small backpack
❅ Navigation device (map, compass, or GPS)
Backcountry nordic skii rental coming soon →
SNOWSHOEING
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Snowshoes are a simple and accessible way to explore snowy terrain on foot. They attach directly to regular winter boots and provide excellent flotation in deep, soft snow, allowing for comfortable walking without sinking.
Snowshoes are well suited for relaxed outings in the mountains, around the hotel, and in varied terrain. They offer stability on soft snow and make it easy to enjoy the winter landscape at a gentle pace.
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December – February
A quiet and atmospheric time in the mountains. Snowshoeing is possible close to the hotel when conditions allow, offering a gentle way to experience the winter landscape during the darker months.March
More daylight and improving conditions make snowshoeing easier and more enjoyable, with more options for short trips in the surrounding terrain.April – May
The best months for snowshoeing at Finse. Long days, stable snow, and soft spring light create ideal conditions for relaxed walks across the plateau.June
In good snow years, snowshoeing can still be possible early in June as winter slowly gives way to summer. -
Requires no prior experience.
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Our rental includes:
❅ Snowshoes
❅ Poles
Snowshoe rental coming soon →
STARRY-EYED: PEERING INTO THE COSMOS
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Dark Parks are protected places with exceptionally low levels of light pollution, where the night sky remains clear, natural, and visible. These areas are designed to preserve darkness, making them ideal for astrotourism, the experience of exploring the night sky away from city lights.
In Dark Parks, visitors can step outside after dark and discover constellations, planets, the Milky Way, and, on the right night, meteor showers or northern lights. It’s not about technical astronomy or expensive equipment. It’s about slowing down, looking up, and experiencing the landscape in a completely different way.
With minimal artificial light and vast open skies, Finse offers exceptional conditions for experiencing the stars and the changing night sky. -
September – October
As the evenings grow darker, early autumn often brings crisp air and clear conditions before winter fully sets in.November – December – January
Mid-winter offers long, dark nights and dramatic skies. When conditions align, the stars feel close and vivid against the snow-covered landscape. Cold temperatures mean dressing warmly is essential, but the clarity can be extraordinary.February – March
With longer days but still generous hours of darkness, late winter strikes a balance between comfort and visibility. Stable weather periods often create excellent opportunities to experience constellations, planets, and the Milky Way.April
As daylight quickly returns, the window for deep night skies begins to shorten. Clear evenings can still offer beautiful views, but the season gradually gives way to light-filled spring nights. -
No experience is needed.
These are guided experiences designed for anyone who is curious about the night sky, whether it’s your first time looking up or you already know a few constellations. You don’t need to be an astronomer; the focus is on being present, curious, and ready to enjoy something new.
Our guides will take you through what you’re seeing, help you understand the stars and planets, and share stories that make the sky feel alive. It’s about connection, wonder, and exploring the universe together.
If the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor stargazing, the experience continues indoors with a night sky projected above you, where we explore constellations, planets, and celestial phenomena in a relaxed, engaging setting.
Astrotourism is all about experiencing the night sky in places with minimal light pollution, where the stars, Milky Way, and other celestial views can take centre stage. It’s a growing way to experience nature and reconnect with the cosmos, and you’ll be guided every step of the way.
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Warm clothing is essential. Even on calm nights, temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
We reccomend
- Wool Layers
- A warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- Solid winter footwearIf you have a headlamp, bring one, preferably with a red light setting to protect night vision.
Astronomy tours are currently on hold. We’ll share more information when they return→
Biking
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We recommend using a comfortable mountain bike or trekking bike adapted for gravel roads and mountain terrain. A bike with stable geometry, suspension, wide puncture-protected tires, and reliable disc brakes will provide a safer and more comfortable riding experience on varying surfaces.
These types of bikes are well suited for both relaxed rides and longer cycling trips through the mountains.
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Late June
In some years, parts of Rallarvegen open toward the end of June as the snow melts. Early-season rides can be beautiful and quiet, though conditions vary and some sections may still be closed or snow-covered.July
As the route fully opens, July offers classic Rallarvegen cycling with long days, open stretches, and spectacular mountain scenery.August
The most popular month for biking, with stable conditions and easy access along the full route.September
A calmer end to the season, with crisp air, fewer cyclists, and changing autumn colours. Weather can shift quickly at this time of year. -
No extensive experience needed. You may be more comfortable if you’ve cycled longer distances on gravel roads before.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be used to spending several hours on a bike and riding in changing weather conditions.
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We have bikes available to rent.
Additional equipment to bring for the perfect Rallarveggen trip:
- Sunglasses
- Sun protection
- Warm insulating layer
- Wind- and waterproof outer layer
- Gloves
- Snacks & water
- Small backpack
Hiking
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June
As the snow begins to melt, the landscape slowly opens up for early summer walks. Conditions can vary, and some routes may still hold patches of snow.July – August
The best months for hiking at Finse, with open trails, long days, and wide, open mountain landscapes.September
Crisp air, autumn colours, and fewer visitors create a calm and beautiful time to explore on foot.October
Autumn transitions toward early winter. Conditions can change quickly, and hiking is best suited for well-prepared guests who enjoy a quieter, off-season mountain atmosphere. -
Learn about our summer challenge in collaboration with DNT Finsehytta & 10 peaks in the area by clicking below on ‘common hiking routes’.
GLACIER WALKING
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A guided day trip where you hike out to the glacier and explore the blue ice together with an experienced local guide.
The tour will take you onto the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, where you can experience the landscape up close, walking on ice that has formed over thousands of years. Along the way, the guide leads you safely through the terrain and shares insight into the surrounding nature.
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July
The glacier season begins, typically from early July. Conditions improve quickly, and tours start running daily as the glacier becomes safely accessible.August
Peak season for glacier walking. Stable conditions, long days, and clear access make this one of the best times to experience the glacier. Tours run daily.September
Late summer / early autumn on the glacier. Tours continue through the first half of September, often until mid-month, depending on weather and snowfall. -
No prior glacier experience is needed.
All tours are guided, and you will receive instructions and support along the way. The experience is designed to be accessible for most people with a normal level of fitness who are comfortable walking in mountain terrain
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All necessary glacier equipment is provided, including safety gear for walking on the ice.
You do need to come prepared with appropriate clothing for a full day outdoors in the mountains. This means dressing for changing weather conditions and bringing what you need to stay warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the tour.
THe Rallar museum
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Step into the story of the Bergen Railway at the Rallar Museum. Discover how the railway was built between 1871 and 1909 through old photographs, films, songs, and stories from life on the construction site and in the workers’ barracks. See historic snow-clearing equipment and learn how the high mountain railway line was kept open through the harsh Norwegian winters.
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You’ll find the museum right beside the train tracks at Finse station, a few meters from the hotel.
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The museum is open July, August, & September.
Friday - Sunday 10:00 - 19:00
The museum is self-service and you can pay via Vipps or at the reception of Hotel Finse 1222
Fishing
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There are several great fishing spots around Finse, with mountain lakes and rivers within walking distance of the hotel. Ask us at reception and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction depending on how far you’d like to walk and what kind of trip you have in mind.
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July
Fishing season usually gets going in July, once the ice has melted from the mountain lakes. The exact timing varies from year to year depending on snow and temperatures.August
August is a great time for fishing around Finse, with the mountain lakes generally ice-free and plenty of long summer days to head out and explore.September
Fishing continues into September as autumn arrives in the mountains. Days are cooler and conditions can change quickly, so make sure to check the forecast before heading out. -
Yes! If you’d like some local knowledge or a little help finding the best spots, get in touch with us before your stay. We’ll be happy to help arrange a local guide where possible.
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Yes, if you’re 16 or older, you’ll need a valid fishing permit. Fishing permits for the Finse area can be purchased online through Inatur. Make sure to check which area your permit covers before heading out, and feel free to ask us if you’re unsure.