Round route from Helsinglia to Storhøvda
Explore Storhøvda and Gravsetåsen – a beautiful round route in varied terrain with stunning views over Hemsedal. Choose between a short or longer route, both well marked and easily accessible. The hike is suitable for both families and experienced hikers.
Images
The hike can be started from two locations along Helsinglivegen, both are signposted. There are also parking spaces at both places.
- By the water house (840 m.a.s.l.), approx. 400 meters into Helsinglivegen from Lykkjavegen.
- At the west end of Helsingvatn (830 m.a.s.l.), approx. 2.5 km into Helsinglivegen from Lykkjavegen.
Note! There are grazing animals in the area, so remember to close gates behind you and keep your dog on a leash. (Extended leash requirement in Hemsedal from April 1st to October 31st.)
Turn-by-turn directions
Route 1 – via Stakkestøhovda and Storhøvda
From the water house, follow the blue-marked trail with a steady ascent up to Stakkestøhovda (1058 m.a.s.l.). After about 350 meters, turn right at the first trail junction and continue following the path to Storhøvda (1078 m.a.s.l.). Continue west from the summit, and after about 250 meters turn right at the sign towards Helsinglia. Follow the blue-marked trail down to Helsinglivegen, turn right and follow the road back to the start.
Route 2 – direct to Storhøvda
From the west end of Helsingvatn, follow the blue-marked trail with a steady, somewhat steeper climb up to Storhøvda. The trail first follows the ski track, then crosses a tractor road before becoming a normal path. Good solid ground all the way. After about 1.2 km from the start, turn left at the trail junction towards Storhøvda. From Storhøvda, continue east, and after about 250 meters turn left at the trail junction towards Helsinglia. Follow the blue-marked trail down to Helsinglivegen, turn left and follow the road back to the start.
Extension – Gravsetåsen and Ulsåknuten: If you want a longer hike with magnificent views over Hemsedal, you can continue west from Storhøvda. After about 250 meters at the first trail junction, take the blue-marked trail over Gravsetåsen via Lusestålhovda (1065 m.a.s.l.) and Ulsåknuten (1055 m.a.s.l.). After about 3.6 km you will reach a trail junction – then turn right towards Helsinglia and follow the trail down Stegbakkane to the end of Helsinglivegen. From there it is about 3.5 km back to the start at the water house.
If you want a longer hike with beautiful views over Hemsedal, continue west at the first trail junction about 250 m after Storhøvda – follow the blue-marked trail on Gravsetåsen over Lusestålhovda (1065 m.a.s.l.) and Ulsåknuten (1055 m.a.s.l.) to the first trail junction after about 3.6 km – turn right at the sign to Helsinglia and follow the blue-marked trail down Stegbakkane to the end of Helsinglivegen – follow Helsinglivegen back to the start, approx. 3.5 km (water house)
Note! There are grazing animals in the area, so remember to close gates behind you and keep your dog on a leash. (Extended leash requirement in Hemsedal from April 1st to October 31st.)
Safety information
- Follow the map carefully and where the marked trail goes since there are several side trails along the way.
Map
Topographic maps of mountain hikes/trails, cycling routes, and cross-country ski tracks in Hemsedal can be purchased at Hemsedal Tourist Office and sports shops.
Directions
From Hemsedal center, drive to Ulsåk, where you turn towards Lykkja. After a few kilometers, you will reach a lake on the right side (Vannen); just after the bend, turn left towards Helsinglia.