Hemsedal

Viken, Norway

Why visit Hemsedal?

Hemsedal is one of Norway's premier winter sports destinations, with excellent skiing and snowboarding terrain for all skill levels. Beyond winter, the area offers outstanding hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in the summer months. The alpine scenery and clean mountain air make it a perfect year-round getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.

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How do you get there?

By Plane

The nearest airport to Hemsedal is Bus from Oslo to Hemsedal (3.5 hr, 450 kr).

By Car / Road

Hemsedal is accessible by road. Buses connect to nearby cities and towns. Local roads are well-maintained but may be narrow in rural areas. Driving offers the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding region.

The town centre is compact and walkable. Local buses cover the wider area. Taxis are available through Norgestaxi or local taxi companies. For exploring the surrounding region, a rental car is recommended.

What are the things to do?

Skogshorn

( in Lykkja ).

One of the most known landmarks and mountains in Hemsedal. In summer there is a marked track to the peak.  

Rjukandefossen

( at Tuv ).

A powerful and impressive double waterfall dropping 18 metres down a narrow ravine. The waterfall is a popular spot in summer and used for ice climbing in winter. There is also a suspension bridge in the area.  

Hydnefossen

( close to Torsetstølane ).

This large waterfall plummets 140 metres from Veslehorn mountain. Also a popular ice climbing spot in winter. The waterfall is best seen from the mainroad (r52), after Ulsåk towards Gol.  

Hemsedal Bygdatun

( at Ulsåk ).

This museum is a restored coutyard from ca 1730. There are guided tours during the summer.  

Hydalen

( in Grøndalen ).

Hydalen is a nature reservoir and one of the most beautiful areas in Hemsedal, rich in flora and fauna.  

Ulsåkstølen

( in Lykkja, under Skogshorn ),

☏

+47 922 31 413 .

Ulsåkstølen is a popular summerfarm for families. Here the children (and parents) can see animals such as rabbits, goats and pigs, experience the summerfarm life and taste products made at the farm. In the wintertime the farm is a cafe

Winter

Hemsedal is frequently rated as the best ski resort in Norway. During 2008-2018 Dagens Næringsliv (Norway's leading business daily) has ranked Hemsedal as number 1. There 42 slopes and 22 lifts. The mountain scenery gives Hemsedal a decidedly "alpine" feel. It has the highest alpine point in Scandinavia, 1500 metres above sea level, and a vertical drop of 810 metres.

Hemsedal Skisenter is the second largest ski resort in Norway.

Variety and diversity characterises Hemsedal's network of pistes. The pistes are wide, well groomed and suited to all levels of expertise. Panoramic view and the descent from the highest mountain. There are green pistes all the way down to the base area, and more advanced runs.

Hemsedal on world’s top five to go boarding! The snowboard/terrain park is considered one of Europe's best, known for its high standard and challenges for all. Big jumps, fun boxes, half pipe, two quarter pipes, and rails for the thrillseeker. There is also a separate park for beginners.

The children's area is the biggest in Norway and covers an area of 70,000 m² Here you find several lifts, slopes, forest with trolls, bbq stations, restaurant, bar, sport shop, skire

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Where to eat?

There are cafes in the skiing-area. Alternatives are

Kjøkken Kroken, Hemsedal Café, Peppes Pizza, Cafe Dali, and the restaurant and Bistro at Skogstad Hotel in the town centre

Skarsnuten Hotel in the mountains with a beautiful view over the ski resort/Hemsedal

Fossheim Hotel in Ulsåk with first class food.

Where to drink?

Norway is generally expensive for overseas visitors. Expect to pay at least two times the price for a beer in Hemsedal as in the Alps.

The afterski starts in Skistua on the slopes around 4, and continues at Hemsedal Cafe in town from around 7. Be there early to make sure you get in.

Beer can be bought at the supermarkets on weekdays from 08:00 to 20:00 and Saturdays from 08:00 to 18:00 On Sundays it is not allowed to sell alcohol in the supermarkets. Wine and liquor can be bought at the "vinmonopol" (wine and liquor store) that you will find at Rampa kjøpesenter (Rampa shopping centre).

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Where to stay?

Hemsedal has accommodation for most budgets, there are fancy design hotels, cosy cabins and reasonably priced apartments and campgrounds.

Fossheim Hotell ,

3560 Ulsåk ,

☏

+47 32 06 03 15 .

A charming hotel with a friendly atmosphere and first class food.  

Skogstad Hotell ,

3560 Hemsedal

( in the town centre ),

☏

+47 32 05 50 00 .

The largest hotel in Hemsedal. Two restaurants, disco, pub with its own micro brewery and a wellness/work out area.  

Skarsnuten Hotel ,

3560 Hotel

( on the mountain next to the ski centre; ski in ski out ),

☏

+47 32 06 17 00 .

A modern design hotel with the best view over the ski resort and Hemsedal. Has good restaurant and bar.  

Harahorn Hotell ,

3560 Hemsedal

( in Grøndalen, close to Solheisen ),

☏

+47 32 05 51 10 .

Suitable for groups - business and family (weddings and other celebrations), at 1100 m above sea level.  

Fausko Skysstasjon ,

3560 Hemsedal

( at Tuv ),

☏

+47 32 05 51 00 .

Suitable for groups, both business and family/friends. Excellent kitchen and local entertainment.  

Moen Camping ,

3560 Hemsedal

( at Ulsåk ),

☏

+47 32 06 01 36 .

The largest campground in Hems

What should you buy?

Hemsedal is not the largest city, but has some good shops:

Hemsedal Sport

( in the town centre at Rampa Shopping Centre ),

☏

+47 32 06 03 50 .

Large selection of ski and snowboard equipment in winter and fly fishing, hiking and more in summer.  

Totten Sport

( in the town centre at Hovtun Shopping Centre ),

☏

+47 32 06 00 67 .

Complete assortment, summer and winter.  

Skandinavisk Høyfjellsutstyr

( in the town centre ),

☏

+47 32 06 00 67 .

Wide selection of outdoor and mountain gear.  

Finbeck & Fia

( in the town centre at Rampa Shopping Centre ),

☏

+47 32 06 06 90 .

Shoes and clothing for men, women and youth. Brands such as Diesel, Gant, Elisa Cavaletti, Timberland, and Zdar.  

Spekter

( in the town centre ),

☏

+47 32 05 96 37 .

Women and men's fashion. Clothing for children and youth. Brands such as Vero Moda, Only, David & Goliat, and Reimatex. Cheap towels and bed linnen.  

Stugu Husflid

( in the town centre next to the tourist office ),

☏

+47 32 06 0633 .

Handcrafts from Hemsedal and Hallingdal  

Hemsetunet garn gaver & souvenir

( in the town centre ),

☏

+47 32 06 05 88 .

Souvenirs, gifts, cards an

Where to go next?

Hemsedal is in the centre of South Norway, right between Oslo and Bergen. This makes Hemsedal the convenient base for day trips to the fjords and mountains. Here are some tips:

the Sognefjord , only 1-hour drive from Hemsedal.

Flåm , located by the Sognefjord, is a 2-hour drive from Hemsedal. Here you can take a cruise on the Sognefjord and take the famous and 4th most visited attraction in Norway, Flåmsbana .

Langedrag , a wolf park 1½-hour drive away. A lot fun for the whole family. They also have farm animals and other wild animals such as lynx, moose, deer and fox.

the Bear Park in Flå - watch the bears in their natural habitat, bathing and climbing trees. Other animals are moose, rabbits, goats and more.

Hardangervidda , 1-

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Nearby in Viken

More places to explore around Hemsedal.

Guide content as of June 2026. Portions adapted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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