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Ready for a summer with a bit more speed, longer days and bigger experiences? Hemsedal is for those who like to feel the mountains in their body – whether you travel solo, with friends, as a couple or with older children who want more than short walks and simple activities. Here you’ll find challenge, variety and that well-earned sense of calm afterwards.
By: Katarina
5 min
Updated 05 February 2026

This is the summer for those who want a little more

Summer in Hemsedal suits you if you:

  • feel best when the day starts outdoors

  • enjoy hikes that offer views and a raised pulse

  • prefer trails to tarmac

  • appreciate slowing down afterwards – with good food and relaxed shoulders

This is not an extreme holiday. It’s active mountain travel for people who are comfortable in nature, and who want to make use of it.

Mountain hikes with views, height and a sense of achievement

Hemsedal offers a wide range of mountain hikes for those who want to go a little further and a little higher.

Many start with the Top 20 hikes, which range from accessible peaks to longer day hikes in the high mountains. This is not about chasing kilometres, but about views, flow and the feeling of arriving.

For those who want more height and space around them, there are hikes where the mountains truly open up – long ridges, rocky sections, open high plateaus and views in every direction. Perfect for both adults and teenagers who are done with the shortest routes and want to feel a bit more challenge and achievement.

Gjeng med damer som sitter å har kaffepause på fjelltur i Hemsedal
Hiking with friends
En dame ikledd bøttehatt, som sitter på en av trappetrinnene på veien opp/ned Skogshorn.
Skogshorn
Sykkel Hemsedal Rides Kalle Hägglund 1
Biking in Hemsedal Rides

Trail biking, flow and long descents

Hemsedal is well known for trail biking – and it’s easy to see why.

Here you’ll find everything from natural mountain trails to purpose-built flow trails that give that smooth feeling of rhythm and connection. Hemsedal Rides offers trails in different difficulty levels, where experienced riders and confident teenagers alike can find challenges that suit them.

Whether you enjoy technical sections, long flowing descents or a mix of both, this is cycling that leaves you smiling – and nicely tired.

  • Silverstone is a blue flow trail with berms, rollers and small jumps – fun, accessible and addictive.

  • The red flow trail offers more speed, bigger challenges and a solid adrenaline rush for experienced riders.

Don’t have your own bike with you? There are good bike hire options available in the village.

Climbing, height and experiences beyond the comfort zone

If you like to challenge your head for heights, Hemsedal offers several activities that combine excitement with real achievement.

Via ferrata – climb the mountain face

Want to experience the mountains from a completely different angle? Via ferrata gives you the feeling of climbing steep rock while being safely secured the entire way. You’ll be hanging many metres above the ground, with views that quite literally take your breath away.

Hemsedal has two different routes:

  • The Original Route suits anyone from around 12 years old who wants a steep mountain experience with extra excitement. No prior experience required.

  • The South Face is more demanding and suited to those with experience who want a bigger challenge and more exposed climbing.

This is one of Hemsedal’s most iconic summer experiences.

In addition, guided rock climbing and abseiling allow you to experience the mountains from new angles – safely organised, yet with a genuine outdoor feel. These activities suit adventurous adults and older children/teenagers who are comfortable with height and physical activity.

Høyt & Lavt climbing park and zipline

Want to challenge your fear of heights in safe surroundings? In the climbing park you’ll move between the treetops, test your balance and finish with a zipline across the Hemsila river. A playful and airy experience suited to both adults and older children with a taste for adventure.

skysleeping telt i fjellveggen, med mennesker i.
Skysleeping
These are experiences that bring a sense of achievement, shared laughter and memories that stay with you.
AC5 I7966
River Snorkling

Wheeled dog sledding – full speed, even in summer

Dog sledding isn’t just for winter. In summer, the runners are replaced with wheels and the pace picks up. With both Hemsedal Huskies and Dalo Fjellgård, you can experience dog sledding on dry land – an activity full of speed, energy and wide smiles.

River snorkelling in the Hemsila

Snorkel on, dry suit on – and let the river carry you. River snorkelling, lets you float down the Hemsila through crystal-clear water. Cold? Yes. Very cool? Absolutely. If you’re lucky, you might even spot trout as you drift all the way towards the village centre.

Mountain Cart – the mountain’s most fun three-wheeler

Mountain Cart is exactly as fun as it sounds. A solid three-wheeled cart with brakes takes you down gravel roads in full control – wind in your face, gravel flying and laughter guaranteed. Tip: bring glasses you’re not too attached to.

Skysleeping – sleep on the mountain wall

For the truly adventurous: climb the via ferrata, set up camp in a tent suspended on the rock face and sleep between sky and mountain. Waking up to sunrise at height is an experience you’ll never forget.

Kayaking in the Nærøyfjord

With Vis Motus, you can explore the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord by kayak. Paddle at your own pace, surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls – a perfect contrast to high-adrenaline mountain days.

Tandem paragliding

Want to see Hemsedal from above? In tandem with an experienced instructor, you can glide high above the valley and surrounding peaks. The silence, the views and the feeling of freedom make this one of the most spectacular experiences in the area.

Dame som sitter i en donut i elva (sommer).
Mountain pools

Cooling swims and quiet moments

After a day of high pulse, few things beat a refreshing dip in mountain water or a quiet break by the river.

Hemsedal has many natural pools and swimming spots that are perfect for cooling down on warm summer days. The water is clear, fresh – and effective. Make sure you know where it’s safe to swim, and always respect nature and conditions.

The calm after the adventure

What makes Hemsedal more than just an activity destination is the contrast.

After long days outdoors, you can look forward to:

  • great meals

  • wellness at spas and pool clubs

  • views, silence and fresh mountain air

Whether you choose a restaurant in the village, dinner at your hotel or simple food in the sun, these moments of rest are what allow you to keep going – day after day. If your body needs a bit of extra recovery, you’ll find spa and wellness options at Skarsnuten Spa, Pool Club at Fyri Resort, wellness at Skogstad Hotel, or a relaxing massage at Helselaben in the centre of Hemsedal.

Accommodation that matches your rhythm

In Hemsedal, you’ll find accommodation that suits the pace you choose. Hotels, apartments or cabins – close to the mountains and ready for the next day.

This isn’t about luxury for luxury’s sake, but about comfort that gives you the energy to head back out again tomorrow.

Where can we eat?