Hemsedal is Hallingdal’s alpine heartbeat — a municipality where ski lifts climb toward the clouds, waterfalls freeze into climbing walls, and summer trails lead to peaks with names like Veslehodn and Ranastøngji. With around 2,500 residents and a landscape that flips between powdery slopes and wildflower meadows, Hemsedal is the kind of place where you can snowboard in May, fish in glacier-fed rivers, and still catch a jazz concert in a mountain lodge. It’s got altitude, attitude, and a name that once meant “valley of pasture.”
Top Attractions
- Hemsedal Ski Centre – Norway’s second-largest alpine resort with 44 km of slopes
- Rjukandefossen – dramatic double waterfall with suspension bridge and swimming spots
- Veslehodn – scenic hike with panoramic views and alpine flora
- Solheisen Ski Center – family-friendly slopes on the sunny side of the valley
- Hemsedal Bygdatun – cultural museum with 18th-century farm buildings
Unique Experiences
- Hemsedal Top 20 – hiking challenge to 20 marked summits with pins and maps
- Via Ferrata – guided climbing route on exposed rock faces with safety cables
- Hemsedal Huskies – dog sledding and mountain cart tours with husky teams
- Høyt & Lavt Adventure Park – zipline and aerial climbing courses for all ages
- Hemsedal Fjellsport – adrenaline tours including rappelling, snorkeling & snowshoeing
Where to Stay
Browse hotels, cabins & guesthouses in Hemsedal
Where to Eat
Explore top-rated restaurants in Hemsedal
Getting There
Hemsedal sits in the Hallingdal valley, about 3.5 hours northwest of Oslo via the Rv52 highway. Buses run from Oslo and Bergen year-round, and trains to Gol connect with local buses. The village of Trøym is the administrative center, and the area is best explored by car, bike, or skis — especially if you’re chasing powder, peaks, or the sound of waterfalls in the wind.