Autumn in Hemsedal –
plan a long weekend in the mountains
Friday: Arrive and settle in
Start the weekend around the table
Pack the car after work and head for the mountains. Once you arrive in Hemsedal, there’s really no need to fit much more into the day.
Check in, slow down and find somewhere to eat. Hemsedal has everything from relaxed restaurants and pizza to local flavours and dinners worth lingering over.
And the rest of the evening?
It can be completely plan-free.
Saturday: A full day in the mountains
Choose your mountain adventure
Autumn is a fantastic time for hiking in Hemsedal, whether you want a short walk through the birch forest or to spend most of the day in the mountains.
For a proper mountain adventure, set your sights on classics such as Skogshorn, Røggjin or Harahødn. If you’re looking for something shorter, there are plenty of options among the Topp20 hikes – while Rjukandefossen is a great choice when you want plenty of scenery without spending the whole day on the trail.
Choose your hike according to the weather, conditions and your experience – and remember that mountain weather can change quickly in autumn.
From mountain air to warmth
Rosy cheeks and pleasantly tired legs?
That’s when coming back inside feels particularly good. Find a sauna or a warm pool, order something nice to drink – or simply head back to your cabin and do as little as possible for a while.
It is the weekend, after all.
Good food tastes even better after a day outside
Once the hiking boots are off for the day, it’s time to find a table.
Hemsedal has restaurants for everything from a quick pizza to a long dinner. Find somewhere that suits your group – and remember to check opening hours and book ahead, particularly on busy weekends.
Sunday: One more adventure
Don’t pack the car just yet.
Use the last few hours for a shorter trip before heading home. Walk to Rjukandefossen, choose one of the shorter Topp20 hikes, jump on your bike or find an activity that suits the weather and the time you have left.
You don’t need a full day in the mountains to squeeze a little more Hemsedal into your weekend.
When is the best time to visit Hemsedal in autumn?
September: Often brings colourful mountains, crisp air and plenty of opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
October: Can bring anything from clear autumn days to the first wintry conditions at higher elevations. The autumn school holidays also bring extra activities and more places open.
Conditions in the mountains can change quickly in autumn, so always check the weather, trail conditions and opening hours before making your plans.
Find your base for the weekend
Would you rather wake up at a hotel and head straight to breakfast, gather everyone in a cabin or stay somewhere smaller and more personal? Find the base that suits the way you want to spend your weekend.
Hotels with spa – combine your hikes with wellness and great food.
Cabins in the mountains – wake up to views straight onto nature.
Charming farms and guesthouses – for a social and informal base.
Perhaps you’ll pick an extra good weekend?
Autumn brings concerts, food experiences, races, markets and other events to Hemsedal.
The programme changes throughout the season, so check the calendar when planning your trip. Your weekend might just have something extra in store.
Frequently asked questions about an autumn weekend in Hemsedal
When are the autumn colours at their best in Hemsedal?
The autumn colours usually begin to appear during September, but exactly when they arrive and how long they last varies from year to year and between the valley and the high mountains. Temperature and weather conditions both affect how quickly the colours change.
Is Hemsedal good for an autumn weekend with children?
Yes. There are both shorter hikes and activities suitable for families. There is usually a wider range of activities during the autumn school holidays, but always check current opening hours before travelling.
What should I pack for an autumn weekend in the mountains?
Bring layers, waterproof and windproof outerwear and good footwear. A hat and gloves can be useful even in early autumn. If you’re heading out on a hike, bring food, water and the equipment you need for the trip.
Can I bring my dog hiking?
Yes, but make sure you check local leash regulations and always show consideration for grazing livestock, wildlife and other people enjoying the mountains.
Do activities need to be booked in advance?
Some activities require advance booking, while others can be enjoyed independently. Check the information for the activity you’re interested in before your trip.
Book your autumn weekend
Three days. One good mountain hike. Maybe a challenge you hadn’t planned. A dinner that lasts a little longer than usual – and just enough time with no plans at all.
That’s really all a good autumn weekend needs.
Find your place to stay, gather your people and head for the mountains.
