Norway’s best ski resort, world-class fly-fishing, and outdoor activities for the whole family – all year round. Welcome to the Scandinavian alps!
Stable snow conditions and two fantastic ski resorts have made Hemsedal one of the largest and most popular places for winter holidays in Norway. The alpine village in Hallingdal, midway between Oslo and Bergen, also offers excellent off-piste and cross-country skiing, as well as non-skiing activities like dog sledging, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and horse-sleighing.
The rest of the year, the lush and varied nature is ideal for hiking, climbing, horseback riding, cycling – and mountain biking. Or why not try mountain carting or river snorkelling?
If you enjoy fishing, you have 18 lakes and 4 rivers to choose from. Hemsila is one of the world’s best rivers for fly-fishing.
Rjukandefossen, one of many impressive waterfalls in the area, is a powerful two-part waterfall, falling 18 metres through a narrow gulley. Nearby Hydnefossen is one of the highest waterfalls in Norway.
Hemsedal has a range of accommodation options, from high-end hotels to cabins and summer mountain farms. The many restaurants, cafes and bars have menus to fit the whole family, as well as tasty local food.
Hemsedal is certified as a Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism.
Get in-depth travel information on Hemsedal’s official website.
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Activities | Where to stay | Food and drink | Getting here and around
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
HemsedalHemsedal Aktiv
Hemsedal Aktiv is your booking channel for activities in Hemsedal – summer and winter. From dog sledding, via ferrata and cycling to tobogganing, ski lessons and après-ski – you’ll find it all here. Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, friends or colleagues, we’ll help you choose the best activities or tailor a complete package including accommodation, transport and meals.
HemsedalHemsedal Bygdetun (Village Farm/Museum)
Step back in time to the 1700s at Hemsedal Bygdatun! Discover authentic buildings, ancient trails, and a cultural landscape that has remained untouched for centuries. With guided tours, hiking adventures, and activities for the whole family, this destination is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the rich history of Hemsedal up close. Welcome to a cultural gem in the heart of the mountains!
HemsedalSkiStar Hemsedal – adventures all year round
SkiStar Hemsedal is Norway’s second-largest ski resort – and a mountain playground for anyone who loves life outdoors. Winter means carving down three mountain peaks, exploring 53 slopes, and feeling that pure mountain rush. When the snow melts, the adventure continues – on two wheels, two feet or in the water.
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
HemsedalSkigaarden
Skigaarden – right in the slopes High up in the Hemsedal Ski Resort, you’ll find Skigaarden – the place for those who love fresh mountain air, good food and that perfect mix of skiing and atmosphere. Here, skiers, families and bon vivants gather to enjoy something delicious on the plate and in the glass. The building is just like the mountains surrounding it – solid, warm and full of life. With four different eating spots under one roof, you’ll always find something that fits your mood, the weather and the day. Stay right on the slopes Wake up, clip in and ski straight out the door. Skigaarden offers modern lodge style apartments right in the middle of the Hemsedal Ski Resort. Built from solid timber and stone, they blend Nordic design with a touch of mountain luxury – warm, comfortable and with everything you need after a day outdoors. Each unit has an equipped kitchen, living area and private balcony with views of the slopes or the surrounding peaks. You’ll find ski lockers, underground parking, and direct access to the lifts – plus cafés and restaurants just a few steps away. Perfect for couples, families or groups who want to stay close to the action, but still enjoy calm evenings by the fire. Book your stay now Food & drink at Skigaarden Storstugu Big flavours and great vibes from lunch till late. Grilled dishes, local ingredients and a kitchen that means business. When the sun dips behind the mountains, the DJ may turn it up and Storstugu becomes one of Hemsedal’s liveliest après ski spots. Perfect for: friends and anyone who enjoys good food with a bit of buzz. Dagligstugu Laid-back and cosy – ideal for a quick pizza between runs or dinner with the family. Expect stone-baked pizza, hearty classics and fresh pastries. A relaxed spot where wool jumpers and ski boots fit right in. Perfect for: families, hungry skiers and those after something simple and tasty. Omakase For those who want something truly unique. Here, the chef takes the lead – you just sit back and enjoy the ride through fresh fish, bold flavours and a taste of Japan in the mountains. An intimate and exclusive experience in the heart of the snow. Perfect for: foodies and flavour adventurers. The Coffee Bar Start your morning here. Freshly ground coffee, warm pastries and a good chat before your first run of the day. Or swing by for a refill between turns – everything you need to keep your energy up. Perfect for: coffee lovers and early risers. Right outside your door Skigaarden sits right on the slopes – ski in/ski out from both Tindenheisen and Roniheisen, with cross-country tracks in Holdeskaret just behind. Whether you’re stopping for a quick coffee, a long lunch or a full evening out, you’ll find that pure mountain feeling – no filter needed. Welcome to the yard – where snow, food and good people meet.
HemsedalSkarsnuten Hotel
Skarsnuten Hotel in Hemsedal is a boutique hotel built in stone and glass, with 88 rooms, a spa & wellness department, conference facilities and its own bar & restaurant. The hotel is majestically situated, with orchestra placement for the best view and Hemsedal ski resort as the nearest neighbour. Welcome.HemsedalSkiStar Hemsedal – adventures all year round
SkiStar Hemsedal is Norway’s second-largest ski resort – and a mountain playground for anyone who loves life outdoors. Winter means carving down three mountain peaks, exploring 53 slopes, and feeling that pure mountain rush. When the snow melts, the adventure continues – on two wheels, two feet or in the water.
HemsedalQueen's Cottage
At Huso Lodge, Queen's Cottage is a spacious log cabin for 15 persons that stands out due to its 18th-century construction. The living room in the cottage, which used to belong to the old farmhouse, features a rustic open fireplace and combines traditional style with modern Scandinavian elegance. The cosy cabin ambience is elevated with an outdoor spa, complete with a wood-fired hot tub and barrel sauna. Perfect for a relaxing and rejuvenating escape.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
HemsedalScandinavian Alps Coffee Roasters
We are roasters of fine coffees for the outdoor enthusiast. You can find our seasonal coffees at cafes, local businesses and Kiwi Grocery Ulsåk and Geilo Spar. We also offer Coffee Tasting and Brew Workshops on our Airbnb experience. Voted most favourite micro-roasters coffee by Radio Norge.HemsedalSkiStar Hemsedal – adventures all year round
SkiStar Hemsedal is Norway’s second-largest ski resort – and a mountain playground for anyone who loves life outdoors. Winter means carving down three mountain peaks, exploring 53 slopes, and feeling that pure mountain rush. When the snow melts, the adventure continues – on two wheels, two feet or in the water.
Getting here and around
Get in-depth travel information on Hemsedal’s official website.
Plan your trip to Hemsedal with Entur.
By plane
Oslo Airport is the nearest large airport. There are direct transfer buses from Oslo Airport to Hemsedal, but the bus must be booked in advance.
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Local travel
A local bus takes you from the Gol train station to Hemsedal.
In winter, you can take a free shuttle bus to the ski resorts from several places in and around Hallingdal.
By bus
There are daily express buses between Oslo and Hemsedal every day all year round. The buses go via Oslo Airport and Hønefoss.
By car
From Oslo to Hemsedal, follow the E18 towards Drammen. Exit at Sandvika and follow the E16 towards Hønefoss and Fv7 towards Gol. From Gol, drive the Fv52 to Hemsedal. The journey takes about 3 hours.
From Bergen, follow the E16 towards Lærdal to Borlaug, then follow Fv52 to Hemsedal. The trip takes approximately 4 hours.
By train
From Oslo and Bergen you can take the train to Gol and continue to Hemsedal by local bus or taxi.
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