Planning a trip to Hemsedal? Here’s what you should know
Planning a trip to Hemsedal? Here you’ll find answers to the questions people actually ask – along with useful tips before you go. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us via chat or email.
Before you go to Hemsedal – what you should know
Thinking about visiting Hemsedal? Here you’ll find answers to what people really want to know – from what to do and when to visit, to useful tips before you go.
What is Hemsedal known for?
Hemsedal is known for epic mountain experiences – all year round.
- Winter:alpine skiing, ski touring, cross-country skiing and après-ski
- Summer:hiking, biking, fishing and fresh mountain air
- All year: a sense of freedom, achievement and being more outdoors than indoors
In short: a place for those who want to experience – not just visit.
Who is Hemsedal for?
Hemsedal is for those who:
- Want active days and relaxed, enjoyable breaks
- Travel with friends, family or a partner
- Enjoy nature, but also great food and a social atmosphere
Here you’ll find both peaceful nature experiences and high-energy activities – often in the same day, especially in winter.
When is the best time to visit Hemsedal?
It depends on what you’re looking for:
- Winter (Dec–Apr): skiing, speed and vibrant atmosphere
- Spring (May–June): quieter, perfect for unwinding
- Summer (July–Aug): hiking, cycling and life in the valley
- Autumn (Sept–Nov): crisp air, colours and more space
Want fewer crowds? Travel outside peak periods and weekends.
Is Hemsedal expensive?
The short answer: it depends on when you visit.
- Summer and shoulder seasons = often better value
- Winter and holidays = higher demand
Tips:
- Book early for the best options
- Consider weekdays instead of weekends
- Look for packages and special offers
You can experience Hemsedal both as a premium destination and on a budget.
What should I do on my first summer visit to Hemsedal?
Start with this:
- Go for a hike (that’s why you’re here)
- Enjoy a good meal – preferably with a view
- Try something new: cycling, fishing or climbing
- Find a spot to simply sit back and take it all in
Hemsedal isn’t about doing everything – it’s about experiencing something that matters.
Where should I go hiking?
There are many hiking options in Hemsedal – but one thing is important:
The best hikes are marked.
- You’ll find trails for all levels – see Top 20 hikes and trail overview
- They are designed for both great experiences and environmental care
- They provide safer and better hikes
In the Hemsedal App, you’ll find all trails with maps, difficulty levels and descriptions.
Looking for quieter options?
Choose marked trails slightly away from the most popular areas, such as Trøimsbotten, Hemsedalsfjellet and Grøndalen.
Why is it important to stay on marked trails?
It’s about more than just finding your way.
- Mountain nature is fragile
- Many areas are used for grazing
- Creating new paths damages the terrain and affects both nature and local use
By sticking to marked trails, you help protect both nature and the experience – for yourself and others.
Can I let my dog off the leash in Hemsedal?
Short answer: No – not during grazing season.
Extended leash regulations apply in Hemsedal from 1 April to 31 October.
- Sheep roam freely in the mountains throughout the summer
- Loose dogs can scare, injure or in the worst case kill livestock
- This is a real issue in Hemsedal every summer
Please show consideration:
- Keep your dog on a leash
- Respect both farm animals and wildlife – and the people working in the mountains
Are there quieter places – away from the crowds?
Yes – and often closer than you think.
- Choose less well-known, marked trails
- Start early or later in the day
- Ask at the Tourist Office or explore suggestions on hemsedal.com or in the Hemsedal App
You don’t have to go far to find peace and quiet.
Contact
Opening hours
Mon - Fri: 09:00-16:00
Sat:10:00-15:00
Ser du etter praktisk informasjon? Her finner du svar på det meste om transport, parkering, overnatting og annet nyttig.
Here you will find the most asked questions we get at the Tourist Information in Hemsedal. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us via mail: info@hemsedal.com or phone: +47 32 05 50 30.
Transport:
Where can I find information on buses to/from Hemsedal?
Go to hemsedal.com or vy.no/en , local bus: brakar.no Do you need help with the entire journey from A to B, check out: entur.no.
Which bus stop should I choose?
In the center of Hemsedal, the bus stops outside the bank/Rampa shopping center. If you're heading to the ski resort, you should get off at the Hemsedal skisenter stop on the rv. 52 near Holde bridge. Some buses also go all the way to SkiStar Lodge and Fýri Resort. Check the travel planner or ask the bus driver for details about your departure.
Where do I find the bustable for the ski bus?
You'll find it here - ski bus
How do I get a taxi?
Contact Din Taxi - Hemsedal Taxi Central.
Accomodation
Where do I book accommodation in Hemsedal?
www.skistar.com/hemsedal or see here hemsedal.com/Stay
Camping
Can you recommend any campsites in Hemsedal?
Hemsedal Fjellcamp is open year-round and is beautifully situated in the mountainous surroundings of Hulbak. In the summer, you can also visit Elvely Camping, located along the river at Ulsåk.
Where can RV toilets be emptied?
There is a waste disposal station near the fire station at the eastern end of the town center - google.maps
Shopping
Where is the liqour store in Hemsedal?
The "Vinmonopolet" is located in Rampa Shopping center.
Where can I buy sourvenirs?
The Tourist Information sell some sourvenirs and postcards. Otherwise the supermarkets and sports shops also have a small selection.
Do Hemsedal have a pharmacy?
Yes, it is located besides Hovtunsenteret in the town centre.
When are the grocery stores open in Hemsedal?
- Kiwi is open Monday–Saturday from 07:00 to 23:00 and Sundays from 09:00 to 21:00. For special opening hours, see kiwi.no. Kiwi is open every day of the year except 17 May.
- Spar is open Monday–Friday from 08:00 to 21:00 and Saturdays from 08:00 to 20:00. Closed on Sundays. For holiday opening hours, see spar.no.
- Coop Extra is open Monday–Friday from 07:00 to 23:00, Saturdays from 08:00 to 23:00, and Sundays from 09:00 to 21:00. Coop is open every day of the year except 17 May. For variations in opening hours, visit coop.no.
- Matkroken Alpin is open Monday–Friday from 08:00 to 20:00, Saturdays from 08:00 to 18:00, and Sundays from 08:00 to 16:00. Matkroken Alpin is open during the winter season. For any changes to opening hours, see coop.no.
Service
Do Hemsedal have a gym?
We have 3 gyms in Hemsedal. Helselaben which is located in Hovtunsenteret, Åreknuten at Fanitullen and one in Trøimshallen for members of Hemsedal IL.
Where can I find a publicrestroom?
You will find restrooms in Rampa shopping center and at Shell sas station.
Where do I find an ATM machine?
The ATM machine is inside the bank, which is located oposite the Tourist Information in Hemsedal town center.
Is there a sun bed (tanning bed) in Hemsedal?
Yes at Fanitullen in Hemsedal center. Bring coins for payment.
Where can I do laundry?
At Fanitullen in the town centre, you’ll find a washing machine and tumble dryer. Detergent is included. Please contact reception.
Can I take a shower anywhere?
Showers are available at Fanitullen in the town centre. In winter, they also offer a sauna. Please contact reception.
The hotels Skogstad, Fyri, Skarsnuten also have wellness and spa facilities.
I would like to hire a babysitter when on holiday in Hemsedal, is it possible?
Yes, most likely. In Hemsedal, the local Volunteer Centre runs a babysitting service (Barnevaktsentralen) where trained and trusted babysitters can be booked in advance. Availability may vary by season, so we recommend contacting them as early as possible. https://hemsedal.frivilligsent...
Tourism
How often are the cross-country ski trails groomed?
The cross-country ski trails are groomed daily at the Gravset ski stadium and in the most frequently used trails in the valley. Other trails are groomed as needed. The high-mountain trails open for the winter holidays and are maintained as long as possible
Where can I find floodlit cross-country trails in Hemsedal?
Several trails at Gravset Ski Stadium are floodlit until 10 pm every day. This includes the 1 km, 2 km, 3 km and 5 km loops. There are also floodlit trails in Totteskogen, although these are steeper than those at Gravset.
When does the ski resort open?
Hemsedal Ski Resort opens in late November or early December, once there has been stable cold weather for at least two weeks and snow production is complete. The exact opening date is published on skistar.com and hemsedal.com when confirmed.
Solheisen Ski Centre usually opens around Christmas. Check solheisen.no and hemsedal.com for confirmed dates.
When is the best time for alpine skiing in Hemsedal?
- November–December: Variable conditions depending on snowfall and temperatures
- January–March: Excellent groomed slopes and great off-piste powder
- March–May: Sunny spring skiing and softer snow conditions
What equipment do I need for a ski holiday in Hemsedal?
You will need: a hat or headband, winter jacket/ski jacket, ski trousers, gloves, ski goggles, and wool base layers or similar.
You can rent: skis, ski boots, snowboard, boots, helmet and poles.
See the article What to pack for a mountain holiday.
Where can I rent equipment for ski touring (randonnée)?
You can rent this from Moh Sport.
Where can I rent ski equipment in Hemsedal?
- Alpine and cross-country equipment: SkiStar Hemsedal
- Ski touring equipment: Moh Sport
- Alpine and touring equipment: Solheisen
- Cross-country equipment: Vis Motus
Is there a ski school in Hemsedal?
Yes, SkiStar Hemsedal offers ski and snowboard lessons.
Vis Motus offers cross-country skiing lessons.
Can you go ice skating in Hemsedal?
Yes, Fyri Resort has opened an ice skating rink near the hotel, where you can also rent skates. Additionally, there are two other ice skating rinks in Hemsedal maintained by volunteers: one by the football field in the town centre and another in the Svøo residential area. You can find more information about the hockey rink in the town centre on the Facebook group "Hemsedal Hockey."
What can of equipment do I need for skiing in Hemsedal?
You will need: Beanie/headband, winter- or skiing jacket, skiing pants, gloves, goggles, thermal underwear. You can rent: Skis, skiing boots, snowboard, boots, helmet, poles.
Check out our article What should you pack for a mountain vacation.
Where can I rent randonée or gear for touring?
You find that at Moh Sport in Hemsedal center.
SUMMER
Where can I buy hiking maps in Hemsedal?
You can buy them at the Tourist Office or in sports shops.
Where can I buy a compass?
At MOH and Anton Sport in the town center.
Where can I buy Top 20 pins if the Tourist Office is closed?
You can buy pins at Anton Sport, Moh Sport, and at the SkiStar reception.
What clothing do I need for hiking in Hemsedal?
Good footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and an extra jacket for the summit and descent. Bring water and possibly some food, as well as a map and compass. See the article What should you pack for a mountain vacation.
Which hikes do you recommend in Hemsedal?
- Skogshorn (1,728 m): A classic – longer hike with शानदार views
- Storhøvda: A 2-hour hike, easy and family-friendly
- Veslehorn: A 3-hour moderate hike with stunning views by Hydnefossen waterfall
You’ll find all hikes, including parking, photos and duration, in the Hemsedal app.
Is there a dog park in Hemsedal?
Yes, there is a dog park in Hemsedal, and you can find more information about it at Hemsedal Hundepark.
Where should I park when going hiking?
Each hike in the Hemsedal app includes recommended parking.
Open the app, select your hike, and follow the map directions.
Can I go horse riding in Hemsedal?
Yes, horse riding is available all year round. Haugen Farm offers rides for both beginners and experienced riders, as well as sleigh or carriage rides in winter. Booking is available via bookhemsedal.com.
Night life
What is the age limit for the bars in Hemsedal?
The age limit for bars and nightlife varies in Hemsedal.
- Stavkroa aprés ski and Hemsedal Cafe has 20 yrs, if there are exceptions they annouce that on their SoMe channels.
- Skistua aprés ski
Mon–Thu: 18+
Winter holidays (weeks 7–9): 18+
Easter (weeks 14–15): 20+
Peak weekends (weeks 2–6, 10–12, 50–52): 20+
Other weekends: 18+ - Hollvin aprés ski
Mon–Thu: 18+ (under 18 allowed with parent/guardian)
Winter holidays, weeks 7–9, Fri–Sat: 18+ (under 18 allowed with parent/guardian)
Peak weekends, Fri–Sat (weeks 50, 2–6, 10–18): 20+ - Døli bar has 18 yrs until 9pm and after that 20 yrs. On event 20 yrs.
- Skarsnuten Hotel - 18 yrs in the bar on aprés ski. 20 yrs during Easter.
Seasonal work
Where do I apply for work in Hemsedal?
You send your application directly to the companies. For a list of possible employers see sesongarbeider.no.
PARKING, TOLL ROADS AND PAYMENT IN HEMSEDAL
Where do I pay for parking – and which service is used?
Hestanåni – Trefta (Skogshorn) – Holdeskaret Cross-Country Parking
- Payment via Vipps or Gravset annual parking pass
Applies both summer and winter
Gravset
- Payment by card on site or Gravset annual parking pass
Applies both summer and winter
Hemsedal Town Centre – Hovtun & Rampa
- Payment via OnePark – ticket machine on site
Ski area / Alpine parking
- Payment via OnePark
- More information at skistar.com
Skigaarden
- Payment via the Voids app, Parkly app, or on the Parkly website
Skarsnuten Mountain Resort
- Payment via: XX
Fýri Resort
- Payment via OnePark
Toll Roads in Hemsedal - Which toll roads are there – and how do I pay?
Lykkjavegen / Panoramavegen (after Lykkja)
- Payment by card - Open all year
Hydalsvegen
- Payment via passpay.no
Holdeskarvegen
- Payment via YouPark
Bulien
- Payment via Vipps
Fekjanstølen – Fekjan
- Payment via YouPark
Torsetstølane
- Payment by card
Important Information
- Parking and toll road fees are normally not included in accommodation unless stated otherwise.
- Always check signage at the parking area or toll gate for updated prices and payment instructions.
- Make sure you select the correct zone when paying via app.
