Hemsedal
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Hemsedal

Hemsedal

Norwegian mountain village built around reliable skiing, high valley scenery, and summer trails.

Hemsedal calls itself the Scandinavian Alps, which is marketing, but not entirely wrong. The ski area is one of Norway's largest and most reliable for snow, with terrain that ranges from gentle family slopes to serious off-piste above the treeline. It draws skiers from Oslo (three hours by car) and increasingly from abroad, though it remains far less crowded than the big Alpine resorts.

The village itself is small — a cluster of hotels, rental cabins, and a few restaurants along the valley floor. Hemsedal is not a charming old mountain village; it is a purpose-built ski destination, and it does not pretend otherwise. What it does well is skiing: 53 kilometres of groomed runs served by modern lifts, a good terrain park, and backcountry touring in the Hemsedalsfjella mountains above the resort for those with the skills and equipment.

In summer the valley transforms into hiking and mountain biking country. The Hemsedalsfjella peaks top out above 1,800 metres, and the trails through alpine meadows are genuinely beautiful. The Rjukandefossen waterfall near Tuv is worth visiting in snowmelt season. Fishing for trout in the Hemsila river is popular throughout summer. But winter is the main season, and if you are looking for Norway's best downhill skiing without the crowds of a French or Austrian resort, Hemsedal is a strong choice.

Guide

Getting There

Hemsedal is about 230 kilometres northwest of Oslo, a drive of around three hours. The route goes via Hønefoss and Gol, following the main valley road (Route 52) into the mountains. The road is generally well-maintained in winter, but mountain driving conditions apply and winter tyres are required. Check road conditions before setting off in bad weather.

Public transport from Oslo involves a bus (several operators run services from Oslo bus terminal, including Vy Buss). The journey takes around three to four hours depending on the service. During the ski season there are often direct ski bus services from Oslo airport that make the journey convenient for flying visitors. The nearest train station is at Gol on the Bergensbanen line, with onward bus connections to Hemsedal.

Guide

Things to Do

Hemsedal's activities divide cleanly between winter and summer, with winter decisively winning on volume. The ski area is the main event from December through April; the hiking, cycling, and fishing seasons fill in from June through September. The shoulder months are quiet and facilities are limited — come in the main seasons.