Synarsvaet nature & culture trail

Above Hulbak Farm & Hemsedal Fjellcamp lies the trail to Synarsvaet.

The name “Synarsvaet” means rock slab with a good view. This special rock slab was and is used for searching and overseeing grazing animals. In addition, the name illustrates large parts of the hike in the trail network, as there are many possibilities for good views over Hemsedal.

The landscape is varied and distinctive with mountain cliffs, lush birch slopes, open plains/marshes, and fresh mountain streams. Many rare plants grow in the nutrient-rich soil facing south, providing early grazing in the spring.

Cultural monuments such as seasonal mountain farms with clearance cairns and stone fences, as well as mowing areas with haylofts and remains of such, tell how people at the farms have lived off natural resources and shaped the cultural landscape. There are 27 registered remains in the area. Hulbakkleive and the trail up from Rusto are valuable cultural heritage built by ancestors.

You can see the connection between the natural conditions and the farmer’s work to provide enough feed for the livestock which gave, and still gives us milk, meat, wool, and skins. There are several information boards in the area explaining the natural qualities, farming, and living conditions for animals and people through time.

The mountain area is owned by the Hulbak farms, Rusto farms, and Finset farms, and it is the owners of these farms who maintain the trail network and manage traffic in the area. The area is grazed by sheep and cattle that must be respected. Grazing and mowing have been and still are conditions for maintaining biodiversity and the cultural landscape.

Great starting point for mountain hikes between Kyrkjebønnøse and Kvitingatn.