'''Hemsedal'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemsedal] is a small town in Norway with ca 2000 inhabitants. Hemsedal is scenic located in South Norway, right between Oslo and Bergen. The town is surround by high mountains, similar to the alps, and has a river, Hemsila going thru the valley. Hemsedal is best known for its large alpine skiing area, which is the second largest in Norway, but is also a great place in summer with many activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, horse back riding and more.

Get in

Hemsedal is a 3 to 4 hour drive from Oslo.

'''By Bus'''

  • '''Norway Bus Express''' has buses from Oslo to Hemsedal all year round. Check out the timetable for the routes
  • '''170 Sogn og Fjordane Ekspressen'''[http://nor-way.no/wsp/nbe/frontend.cgi?session=306f3d5d98bc41a37aa1d8a70d971a&func=frontend.show&func_id=170&template=vis_rutetider&tr=t], and route '''175 Hallingbussen'''[http://nor-way.no/wsp/nbe/frontend.cgi?session=e5d0ea0bac92c05af56ccb0eedb7c5&func=frontend.show&func_id=175&template=vis_rutetider&tr=t].
  • '''Airport Transfer Bus'''[http://www.hemsedal.com/index.jsp?a=118758&exp=70027] From Gardermoen Airport Oslo directly to Hemsedal on Fridays and Sundays during the winter.
  • '''By Train'''

    Another option is to ride the NSB train from Oslo to Gol, which departs around four times a day. The trip is three hours and costs from 199 to 365 NOK. From the train station at Gol there is a bus picking up immediately after the train arrives and ending in Hemsedal town center, about 40 minutes later. '''The timetable.''' [http://www.ruteinfo.net/ruter-f1/t/06-331.htm] The trip costs 46 NOK.

    Get around

    There are busses going from town to the skilifts which are free. Expect to take a lot of taxi. You can also walk, e.g, on the other side of the river which takes half an hour or more.

    It is practical to have your own car, especially in the summer..

    Parking is free of charge, exept from the parking lot at Gravset, the main crosscountry area, in the wintertime.

    See

    There are quite a few things to see in Hemsedal:

  • Skogshorn. ocated in Lykkja. ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skogshorn. One of the most known landmarks and mountains in Hemsedal. In summer there is a marked track to the peak.
  • Rjukandefossen. ocated at Tuv. A powerfull and impressive double waterfall dropping 18 meters down a narrow ravine. The waterfall is a popular spot in summer and used for ice climbing in winter. There is also a suspension bridge in the area.
  • Hydnefossen. ocated close to Torsetstolane. This large waterfall plummets 140 meters from Veslehorn mountain. Also a popular ice climbing spot in winter. The waterfall is best seen from the mainroad (r52), after Ulsak towards Gol.
  • Hemsedal Bygdatun. ocated at Ulsak. This museum is a restored coutyard from ca 1730. There are guided tours during the summer.
  • Hydalen. ocated in Grondalen. Hydalen is a nature reservoir and one of the most beautiful areas in Hemsedal, rich in flora and fauna.
  • Ulsakstolen. ocated in Lykkja, under Skogshorn. 47 922 31 413. Ulsakstolen is a popular summerfarm for families. Here the children (and parents) can see animals such as rabbits, goats and pigs, experience the summerfarm life and taste products made at the farm. In the wintertime the farm is a cafe for crosscountry skiers.

    Do

    '''Winter'''

    One of the best rated ski resorts in Norway. 42 slopes and 22 lifts! The unique mountain scenery gives Hemsedal a decidedly "alpine" feel. It has the highest alpine point in all of Scandinavia, 1500 metres above sea level, and a vertical drop of 810 metres.

  • '''Hemsedal Skisenter''' is the second largest ski resort in Norway.
  • Variety and diversity characterises Hemsedal's network of pistes. The pistes are wide, well groomed and suited to all levels of expertise. Everyone can enjoy the clean fresh air, the panoramic view and the descent from the highest mountain, as there are green pistes all the way down to the base area, as well as more advanced runs.

    Hemsedal on world_fs top five to go boarding! The snowboard/ terrain park is considered one of Europe's best, known for its high standard and challenges for all. Big jumps, fun boxes, half pipe, two quarter pipes, rails and more attractions make this an ideal playgroound for the thrillseeker. There is also a separate park for beginners.

    The children's area is the biggest in Norway and covers an area of 70 000 m2! Here you find several lifts, slopes, forest with trolls, bbq stations, restaurant, bar, sport shop, skirental, supermarket and even an outdoor kindergarden. The area is also perfect for beginners trying their first turns.

  • '''Solheisen Skisenter''' is a small ski resort located in Grondalen, 8 km from Hemsedal Skisenter.
  • Here you find 3 lifts and 6-7 seven slopes. A perfect place for families and those who want to ski in calmer area. Also good off piste possibilities.

    Afterski and nightlife is comparable to or better than the big resorts in the European Alps!

    Buy

    Hemsedal is not the largest city, but has some good shops:

  • Hemsedal Sport. 560 Hemsedal. ocated in the town centre at Rampa Shopping Centre. 47 32 06 03 50. Large selection of ski- and snowboard equipment in winter and fly fishing, hiking and more in summer.
  • Totten Sport. 560 Hemsedal. ocated in the town centre at Hovtun Shopping Centre. 47 32 06 00 67. Complete assortment, summer and winter.
  • Skandinavisk Hoyfjellsutstyr. 560 Hemsedal. ocated in the town centre . 47 32 06 00 67. ttp://www.hoyfjellsutstyr.no/. Wide selection of outdoor and mountain gear.
  • Finbeck & Fia. 560 Hemsedal. ocated in the town centre at Rampa Shopping Centre. 47 32 06 06 90. Shoes and clothing for men, women and youth. Brands such as Diesel, Gant, Elisa Cavaletti, Timberland, Zdar and more.
  • Spekter. 560 Hemsedal. ocated in the town centre. 47 32 05 96 37. Women and men's fashion. Clothing for children and youth. Brands such as Vero Moda, Only, David & Goliat, Reimatex and more. Cheap towels and bed linnen.
  • Stugu Husflid. 560 Hemsedal. ocated in the town centre next to the tourist office. 47 32 06 0633. Handcrafts from Hemsedal and Hallingdal
  • Kjellaren. 560 Hemsedal. ocated in the town centre. 47 32 06 05 88. Souvenirs, gifts, cards and Norwegian trolls.

    Eat

    There are cafes in the skiing-area. Alternatives are

  • Kjokken Kroken, Hemsedal Cafe, Peppes Pizza, Cafe Dali, Cafe Dinkys and the restaurant and Bistro at Skogstad Hotel in the town centre
  • Skarsnuten Hotel located up in the mountains with a beautiful view over the ski resort/Hemsedal
  • Fossheim Hotel in Ulsak with first class food.
  • Drink

    Norway is chronically expensive. Expect to pay at least thrice the price for a beer in Hemsedal as in the Alps.

    The afterski starts in Skistua on the slopes around 4, and continues at Hemsedal Cage in town from around 7. Be there early to make sure you get in. Probably the best place to party in Norway.

    Beer can be bought at the supermarkets on weekdays from 8 a.m to 8 p.m and Saturdays from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. On Sundays it is not allowed to sell alcohol in the supermarkets. Wine and liquor can be bought at the "vinmonopol" (wine and liquor store) in Gol, 30 km from Hemsedal.

    Sleep

    Hemsedal has accommodation for most budgets, there are fancy design hotels, cosy cabins and reasonably priced apartments and campgrounds.

  • Hemsedal Booking. 47 32 05 50 60. ttp://www.skistar.com/hemsedal/english/online_booking/?bpid=70101. The main booking in Hemsedal for cabins, apartments and hotels
  • Fossheim Hotell. 560 Ulsak. 47 32 06 03 15. ttp://www.fossheim.com. A charming hotel with a friendaly atmosphere and first class food
  • Skogstad Hotell. 560 Hemsedal. ocated in the town centre. 2 05 50 00. ttp://www.skogstadhotell.no. The largest hotel in Hemsedal. Two restaurants, disco, pub with its own micro brewery and a wellness/work out area.
  • Skarsnuten Hotel. 560 Hotel. ocated up in the mountain next to the ski centre, ski in ski out.. 2 06 17 00. ttp://www.skarsnutenhotel.no. A modern design hotel with the best view over the ski resort and Hemsedal. Has good restaurant and bar.
  • Harahorn Hotell. 560 Hemsedal. ocated in Grondalen, close to Solheisen, at 1100 m above sea level. 47 32 05 51 10. ttp://www.harahorn.no/. A special place build in a typical, local style. Perfect for groups both business and family (weddings and other celebrations).
  • Fausko Skysstasjon. 560 Hemsedal. ocated at Tuv. 47 32 05 51 00. ttp://www.fausko.no. Perfect for groups, both business and family/friends. Excellent kitchen and local entertainment.
  • Moen Camping. 560 Hemsedal. ocated at Ulsak. 47 32 06 01 36. ttp://www.moencamping.com/vinter/hytter.htm. The largest campground in Hemsedal. Open all year round. Cabins, caravan and tent.
  • Elvely Camping. 560 Hemsedal. ocated at Ulsak. 47 32 06 02 69. A charming campground open all year round. Cabins, caravan and tent.
  • Fossheim Hytter. 560 Hemsedal. ocated at Ulsak. 47 32 06 03 15. Cabins for 4 and 6 person. Check in at Fossheim Hotell.
  • Bru haug Camping. 560 Hemsedal. ocated in the town centre. 47 32 06 05 25. ttp://www.bru-haug.no/?pageid=3022&show=7. The campground is open all year round. Cabins (summer and winter), space for caravan and tent (summer).
  • Hulbak Camping. 560 Hemsedal. ocated between the town centre and Tuv. 47 32 06 22 75 / +47 351 55 642. ttp://www.hulbak.no/velkommen_eng.html. A very nice campground located in a calm area. Only open during summer. Cabins, space for caravan and tents.
  • Rjukandefossen Camping. 560 Hemsedal. ocated at Tuv. 47 32 06 21 74. ttp://www.rjukandefosscamping.no/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&lang=en. The campground is open all year round. Cabins and space for caravan.

    Get out

    Hemsedal is located in the south of Norway, right between Oslo and Bergen. This makes Hemsedal the perfect base for day trips both to the fjords and mountains. Here are some tips:

  • the '''Sognefjord'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sognefjord], only 1 hour drive from Hemsedal.
  • '''Flam''', located by the Sognefjord, is appr. 2 hour drive from Hemsedal. Here you can take a cruise on the Sognefjord and take the famous and 4th most visited attraction in Norway,'''Flamsbana'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fl%C3%A5msbana].
  • '''Langedrag''', a wolf park located 1,5 hour drive away. A lot fun for the whole family. They also have farm animals and other wild animals such as lynx, moose, deer and fox.
  • the '''Bear Park''' in Fla, Watch the bears in their natural habitat, bathing and climbing trees. They also have bear babys summer 2009! Other animals are moose, rabbits, goats and more.
  • '''Hardangervidda'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardangervidda], only 1-1,5 hour drive away.
  • '''Jotunheimen'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jotunheimen], also just 1-1,5 hour drive away
  • The tourist office in Hemsedal has a booklet with 7 day trips by car, costs NOK 40.

    Contact

    Internet:

  • WIFI - Hemsedal Cafe, Skogstad Hotell, Hemsedal Tourist Office, Cafe Dinky's, Cafe Dali, Hemsedal Alpin Lodge, Experten Sportsbar.
  • Internet Stations - Experten Sportsbar
  • More Information

    Hemsedal Tourist Office[http://www.hemsedal.com], tel +47 32 05 50 30, e-mail: info@hemsedal.com