Last summer more than 24,000 people from 38 different nations signed the books at the 20 mountain peaks. The hikes to get there are graded from easy green and blue to more demanding red and black tracks. Below are some of the Top 20 favorites.
There is a signpost with the name of the peak at the starting point of each hike. The color of the pictogram reflects the difficulty of the hike. The trails are marked with blue color up to the tree line and after that, some blue marks and some cairns. At the top of each peak there is a green box with a guest book inside. Please write your name and nationality in the book.
Karisetberget Mountain
This is a nice and very easy hike, following a path through the woods. Beautiful view from the peak.
Duration: approximately one hour walking up and down.
Distance: two kilometers one way (green hike).
Altitude difference: approximately 100 meters.
Driving directions: From Hemsedal Tourist Office drive towards Lærdal/Bergen on rv. 52 until you reach Tuv, about five kilometers away, then turn right into Grøndalen (signed). After approximately two kilometers you will see a small green wooden sign to Karisetberget. Turn left here and park by the green brick building. Follow the signs and blue marks.
Storhøvda Mountain
A pleasant hike with beautiful views over Lykkja/Skogshødn mountain from the peak. The path goes through the woods. Can also be combined with Gjeiteberget if following the "Gravsetåsen rundt" path.
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours.
Distance: 1.5 kilometers one way (blue hike).
Altitude difference: approximately 240 meters.
Driving directions: From Hemsedal Tourist Office drive towards Gol on rv. 52 until you reach Ulsåk, about four kilometers away. Then take the road towards Lykkja (signed). By the parking at Gravset there is a signpost with Storhøvda on the left-hand side of the road.
Veslehødn Mountain
A beautiful hike with great views over Hemsedal. This trip can be combined with a walk to the "Hydnefossen" waterfall (to the right of the lake), or to the mountain of Storehødn for an extra challenge.
Duration: approximately five hours.
Distance: about three kilometers one way (red hike).
Altitude difference: approximately 250 meters.
Driving directions: From Hemsedal Tourist Office drive towards Gol on rv. 52 for about eight and a half kilometers. Turn right at the signpost for Langeset/Torsetstølane. Take it left at the next crossing and follow the toll road (NOK 40) to Torsetstølane. Once you are above the tree line turn right and drive to the end of the road.
Ranastøngji Mountain
The upper part of the hike goes through stony terrain with cairns showing the way to the peak. Fantastic view over the Hemsedal and Jotunheimen mountains. 550-meter- deep canyon at the peak.
Duration: approximately six hours.
Distance: about six kilometers (black hike).
Altitude difference: approximately 750 meters.
Driving directions: From Hemsedal Tourist Office drive towards Lærdal/Bergen on rv. 52 until you reach Tuv, about five kilometers away, then turn right into Grøndalen (signed). Turn right again by the signpost to Harahorn and follow this toll road (NOK 40) to the end of the lake where the road turns sharply to the right (at Vabuleino). In the bend you will find a car park and a signpost showing the way to Ranastøngji.
Map and compass
A topographic map can be purchased at the Tourist Office. For the black hikes you should also bring a compass. Information on the complete Top 20 hiking program can be downloaded from the Hemsedal website.