From biking and mountain hikes to alpacas,
swimming spots and ice cream.
3 summer days in Hemsedal with kids
Bike trails, mountain hikes, swimming spots, animals, ice cream and just the right amount of action. Summer in Hemsedal is surprisingly good for families — whether you are staying in a cabin, an apartment or simply packed the car for a few days of fresh mountain air.
Here are three summer days that work well for both little ones and teenagers. No stressful schedules, just good experiences, proper breaks and activities that are actually doable with kids.
Day 1: Bikes, playtime and pizza
Start the day with flow trails and fun
Ease into the day with biking at Hemsedal Rides or Tottelia Bike Park. You will find flow trails and riding areas suitable for children who are new to mountain biking as well as teenagers looking for a bit more speed.
The best part? No long transfers or complicated planning. Ride a few laps, stop for a snack, then head out again.
Travelling with younger kids? Hemsedal Activity Park is a perfect stop afterwards. Kids can skate, cycle, climb, swing, play beach volleyball and run around while the adults enjoy a break in the sun.
Easy lunch break
After a few active hours outdoors, pizza always tastes extra good. Peppes Pizza is a safe family favourite when everyone starts getting hungry at the same time.
And yes — holiday ice cream from the petrol station on the way home is basically mandatory.
Afternoon: Swimming or simply slowing down
If the sun is out, end the day at the swimming area in the village centre or head to Grytevatn. Both are great for families wanting to relax after an active day.
Just remember that the river current near the centre can be strong in places, so younger children should always be supervised.
Day 2: Mountain hikes, animals and icy mountain water
Mountain hikes for more than just hardcore hikers
In Hemsedal, you do not need to go the furthest or highest to enjoy a great mountain hike.
Geiteberget is a favourite among many families. The hike is manageable for children, the views are beautiful, and along the way you pass Hemsedal Bygdatun, the local open-air museum which is open during July. Here you can learn more about old Hemsedal and see how people used to live in the mountains.
To make the hike even more exciting for children, stop by one of the library’s Troll post boxes along the route. These small book boxes hidden in nature are surprisingly motivating once little legs start getting tired.
Other family-friendly mountain hikes include:
Many of these hikes include streams, bridges and small stops that make the journey just as fun as reaching the top.
After the hike: Farm life and animals
Dalo Fjellgård is close to a must-visit for many families spending summer in Hemsedal. Here you can meet farm animals, slow down a little and join one of the popular alpaca walks. The pace is calmer here. Less “we have to fit everything in” and more proper summer holiday feeling.
Evening: Mountain swimming and late summer light
Finish the day with a swim. Mountain water might be colder than Mediterranean temperatures, but surprisingly few children seem to mind.
Day 3: Choose between action or a slower summer day
This is the day to adjust the pace depending on the weather, energy levels and how tired everyone’s legs actually are.
For families wanting more action
Hemsedal Fjellsport offers activities for many age groups:
- indoor climbing at Hemsedal Climbing Centre
- climbing and abseiling
- Via Ferrata from around 12 years old
- canoe rental
Høyt & Lavt climbing park is also a big family favourite. Bonus: climbing guests get discounts on food at Hemsedal Cafe afterwards.
If you want even more speed, Mountain Cart is great fun for both children and adults. Older children can drive themselves, while smaller children can ride together with an adult.
For families wanting a slower day
Take the bike or drive towards Tuv.
Here you can:
- visit Flatbrødbakeriet and Ein Smak tå Hemsedal and taste local delicaties
- stop for lunch
- hunt for ice cream
- cross the suspension bridge at Rjukandefossen waterfall
- enjoy short walks nearby — see the Hemsedal app for ideas
The swimming area near the village centre with large boulders and easy walks towards Bruøyne, the climbing park and the lit trail is also a nice option.
The walk along Hemsilstigen is perfect if you want an easier walk with children. You can go at your own pace, stop by the river and test the suspension bridge along the way.
What do you do in Hemsedal when it rains?
Put on an extra layer.
It might sound like a joke, but many of the best experiences in Hemsedal still happen outdoors even when it rains a little.
But if the weather really turns, there are still plenty of options:
- indoor climbing at Hemsedal Climbing Centre
- river snorkelling — you are getting wet anyway
- Mountain Cart — a bit of mud only makes it more fun
- cafés
- shopping
- bowling at Pers Hotel
- Tropicana Waterpark in Gol
Or maybe the weather is simply better on the other side of the mountains? Borgund is only about 45 minutes away with cosy cafés, beautiful walks and the famous Borgund Stave Church.
Hemsedal with kids is really about this
Not about fitting in as much as possible.
Just filling the days with enough small adventures that everyone falls asleep happy at the end of the day. Maybe with sand in their shoes, wet socks from a mountain stream — and ice cream on their T-shirt.
Frequently asked questions about Hemsedal with kids
Is Hemsedal good for families in summer?
Yes — especially for families who enjoy active days outdoors. You will find everything from bike trails and mountain hikes to swimming spots, farm visits and climbing parks.
What can younger children do in Hemsedal?
Younger children often enjoy activities like visiting Dalo Fjellgård, hiking to the Troll Cabins at Gjeiteberget and Høllekølten, Hemsedal Activity Park, easy walks along Hemsilstigen and swimming in mountain lakes and rivers.
Are there easy mountain hikes in Hemsedal?
Yes. Gjeiteberget, Høllekølten, Buaklanten, Hemsilstigen, Karisetberget and the walk to Brekkefossmølla are all great for families wanting mountain hikes without steep or demanding terrain.
What can you do in Hemsedal when it rains?
Many people still head outdoors with an extra layer or waterproofs, but you will also find indoor climbing, cafés, shopping, bowling and a nearby waterpark in Gol.
Where can you swim in Hemsedal?
The swimming area in the village centre and Grytevatn are popular during summer. Many families also stop at rivers and small mountain pools along hiking trails. If you are more adventurous and enjoy jumping from rocks and cliffs, the swimming spot beyond the suspension bridge at Rjukandefossen is a great choice.
Where should families stay in Hemsedal?
Many families choose cabins or apartments close to the activity areas, making it easy to reach biking, hiking, restaurants and family activities.
Tips from locals
- Always bring an extra wool layer and a light waterproof jacket — mountain weather changes quickly.
- Many swimming spots are nicest later in the evening.
- Coffee and cake taste even better after a mountain hike.
- Do not plan too much in one day. Hemsedal works best when there is room to slow down a little.