Flå sits in the lower part of Hallingdal, one of the great valleys of southern Norway, where the river Hallingdalselva flows south into Lake Krøderen. Rv7, the main road from Oslo to Bergen over Hardangervidda, runs through the valley, and Flå is often the first stop for travellers heading west into the mountains.
The village is best known for its bear park, Bjørneparken, where brown bears, wolves, lynx and other Nordic animals live in large enclosures in the forest. It is a popular stop for families, and seeing a bear up close is a thrill. Wild bears still roam the forests of Vassfaret, a remote wilderness area east of Flå, once one of the last strongholds of the brown bear in southern Norway.
The valley here is narrow and forested, with steep slopes rising on both sides and the river rushing over rapids below. Further up the valley, around Gol and Geilo, the landscape opens up, and the road climbs to the high plateau of Hardangervidda, the largest mountain plateau in Europe. The views from the top are vast.
For riders, Rv7 through Hallingdal is a fine road, with gentle curves along the river and views of the valley and the mountains. Traffic can be heavy in summer and at holiday weekends, with caravans and camper vans. Speed limits are low and enforced, and speed cameras are common. Fuel and food are available in Flå. As a start and finish, Flå offers a good base for exploring Hallingdal and the mountains beyond.