109km (68 miles) SE of Flåm; 239km (148 miles) E of Bergen; 239km (148 miles) W of Oslo

Most motorists in summer driving between Oslo and Bergen (or vice versa) have to make a choice -- Geilo or Voss? After checking out these resorts in both summer and winter over the years, we recommend Voss in the summer, because of all its folkloric activities, instead of Geilo, which can be a bit dull when the July sun shines.

In contrast, we have found Geilo in winter to be the best in the area for skiing. But part of the fun of visiting this town in winter, as it is in any alpine retreat, is to enjoy the lavish après-ski life of drinking and dining. In that regard, Geilo as a resort ranks higher than any other ski area in Norway, even when pitted against the more famous Lillehammer.

Geilo lies some 792m (2,598 ft.) above sea level in the Hol mountain district. Although it's not strictly in the fjord country, it's included here because it's a "gateway" there en route from Oslo to Bergen. The Geilo area boasts 130km (81 miles) of marked cross-country skiing tracks.