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Best known as one of Norway's leading ski destinations, Hemsedal offers big mountains, a long winter season and plenty to do once the snow disappears. Here's what you need to know.

Located roughly midway between Oslo and Bergen, Hemsedal is one of Norway's best-known mountain destinations. It's particularly popular during the winter, when skiers and snowboarders come from across Norway and beyond.

Hemsedal is best known as the location of one of Norway's best ski resorts, but these days it's increasingly promoted as a year-round mountain destination. Hiking, mountain biking and climbing help keep the valley busy long after the ski lifts wind down for the winter.

Where is Hemsedal?

Hemsedal is a mountainous municipality in Buskerud, roughly halfway between Oslo and Bergen. The main village lies in the Hemsedal valley, surrounded by high mountains that give the area a noticeably more alpine feel than many Norwegian ski destinations.

Despite the mountain setting, Hemsedal is relatively straightforward to reach by public transport.

Gol station, on the Oslo to Bergen railway, is the nearest railway station. From there, buses run to Hemsedal in around 30 minutes. It's possible to book the train and connecting bus as one journey through Vy. 

There is also a year-round express bus between Oslo and Hemsedal, while a pre-bookable transfer service operates between Oslo Airport and Hemsedal during the winter season.

Hemsedal ski resort

Hemsedal is one of Norway's biggest and best-known alpine ski areas. Its dramatic mountain setting has earned the area the nickname the Scandinavian Alps.

Today, SkiStar Hemsedal offers 22 lifts and 51 slopes spread across three mountain peaks, with runs ranging from gentle green slopes to demanding black pistes. The vertical drop is 810 metres. 

That size shouldn't put off beginners. Hemsedal has dedicated children's areas, ski school and plenty of easier terrain, making it a popular destination for families and people learning to ski.

More experienced skiers have plenty to keep them occupied too, from steep pistes to freeride terrain and ski touring opportunities. Anyone heading off-piste should of course pay close attention to avalanche conditions and consider using a local guide.

Hemsedal's long season is another major attraction. In a typical year, skiing runs from December until late April or early May. For the 2026/27 season, SkiStar currently plans to operate until 2 May, subject as always to snow and weather conditions. 

Getting around is easy even without a car. A free ski bus connects the village centre, Fýri Resort and the main ski area, with another route serving other parts of the valley including Skarsnuten.

Snow parks and snowboarding

Hemsedal has long had a strong reputation among snowboarders and freestyle skiers.

Rather than being aimed solely at experts, the resort's snow parks cater to several ability levels. There's a blue park with smaller jumps, boxes and rails, a more advanced red park, and a mini park for younger riders and beginners.

The parks have also had input from Norwegian Olympic and X Games champion Birk Ruud, helping underline Hemsedal's reputation as one of Norway's major freestyle destinations.

“Freestylers will get to enjoy one of the best parks in Europe, and theres a load of good accessible back country routes,” said the .

Winter activities in Hemsedal

There's much more to a winter trip to Hemsedal than downhill skiing.

Cross-country skiing: More than 250 kilometres of prepared trails run through the valley and surrounding mountains, with routes suitable for both classic and skate skiing. 

´¡±è°ùè²õ-²õ°ì¾±: Norway isn't generally famous for its après-ski culture, but Hemsedal is an exception. A review of the resort in said that “grown-ups will certainly enjoy Hemsedal after hours.”

Stavkroa is the best-known venue, while several hotels, restaurants and bars offer everything from lively parties to a quieter drink overlooking the mountains. 

Dog sledding: Husky tours remain one of Hemsedal's most popular alternatives to skiing and are suitable for families as well as adults looking for something different.

“It’s a team effort between the people and the dogs. Everyone gets surprised by their power,” said Johan Müller of .

Horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing, winter horse riding, sledding, ice skating and indoor climbing are among the other activities available during the winter season.

Hemsedal in the summer

Hemsedal becomes a very different place once the snow disappears. The ski slopes and white mountains turn green, opening up an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails.

Hiking remains one of the biggest attractions. The  programme highlights 20 mountain hikes of varying lengths and difficulty, from relatively short outings to demanding full-day climbs. Visitors can also track their progress through the Hemsedal app. 

Mountain biking has become an increasingly important part of Hemsedal's summer offering. Purpose-built trails include the eight-kilometre Silverstone blue flow trail from the ski lift down through the resort, while easier trails provide an introduction for families and less experienced riders. 

The summer chairlift operates on selected dates, giving hikers and cyclists an easier way to gain altitude.

Climbing, via ferrata, horse riding, fishing, golf and even river snorkelling are among the other summertime activities available.

Waterfalls in Hemsedal

The valley is also home to several impressive waterfalls.

The best known is , a powerful double waterfall near Tuv, about six kilometres from central Hemsedal. A short woodland path leads from the roadside parking area to the waterfall and a suspension bridge. 

It's an impressive place for a short excursion, but take care around the water. Swimming is prohibited close to the waterfall because of the strong currents. There are calmer swimming spots farther downstream. 

Another landmark is Hydnefossen, which tumbles down the mountainside above the valley and is particularly striking during periods of high water.

Where to stay in Hemsedal

As one of Norway's premier mountain destinations, Hemsedal has an impressive range of accommodation for such a small place. Options range from high-end hotels to self-catering apartments, traditional cabins and ski-in, ski-out accommodation.

Those looking for a lively resort atmosphere should consider . The modern mountain hotel has direct access to the ski slopes, several restaurants and bars, a sports club and a pool club with heated indoor and outdoor pools. 

Higher up the mountain,  sits at around 1,000 metres above sea level with panoramic views across Hemsedal. Its spa includes saunas, a jacuzzi, cold bath and treatment facilities, while the location is particularly convenient for skiers wanting to stay close to the slopes. 

There are also many cabins and apartments around the ski area, which can make more sense for families or groups staying for several days. If you're visiting primarily to ski, check the exact location before booking: accommodation described simply as being “in Hemsedal” can be some distance from the lifts.

Hemsedal will always be associated first and foremost with skiing, but that's no longer the whole story.

With its hiking trails, rapidly developing mountain bike network and impressive mountain scenery, it's become a convincing year-round destination in the heart of southern Norway.