Chasing waterfalls
in Hemsedal
In short
- Most spectacular: Rjukandefossen
- Great roadside stop: Hydnefossen
- Best for a swim: Fekjanåne
- Hidden gem: Trøymsånefossen
- Small but worth it: Slurpafossen
Want everything in one place?
You’ll find all the waterfalls – and plenty more hikes – in the map in the Hemsedal app. Perfect when you’re out and looking for your next stop.
Well-known waterfalls in Hemsedal
Rjukandefossen
Just a short drive from the town centre – or a nice bike ride from Tuv – you’ll find Rjukandefossen. A powerful waterfall that really makes an impression.
You might spot the occasional thrill-seeker balancing on a slackline or jumping from the cliffs below. For the rest of us, it’s more than enough just to stand there and feel the force of the water.
Swimming:
Swimming is not allowed close to the waterfall or up towards the suspension bridge. Further down the river, however, you’ll find great cliffs and perfect spots for a refreshing dip.
Directions:
Follow road 52 from the centre towards Tuv and continue towards Lærdal. Look for signs to Rjukandefossen, park on the left-hand side of the road and follow the path until you hear the waterfall.
Hydnefossen
You’ll see it before you even realise it: Hydnefossen towers above the valley as you approach Hemsedal from the east.
But take a closer look. Next to the waterfall lies Kjerringkjeften – a rock formation that looks like the mouth of a troll woman lying on her back. And the waterfall? That’s her hair cascading down the mountainside.
And the stories don’t stop there.
One old legend tells that St. Olav once passed through Hemsedal. As he made his way across the valley, a large rock broke loose from the mountain near Kjerringkjeften. The king grew so angry that he grabbed the rock and threw it into the river Hemsila. It still lies there today – known as Klokkarsteinen.
Suddenly, the landscape feels a little different.
In winter, ice climbers take on the frozen falls. In summer, it’s a perfect stop – whether you want to enjoy the view or continue towards Hydnekjeften, Veslehødn or Storehødn.
For the adventurous: can you find your way behind the waterfall?
Note: Requires mountain experience and a bit of patience.
Directions:
Drive towards Gol. After approx. 9 km, turn right towards Torsetstølane. Follow the toll road to the parking area. From there, a path leads towards the waterfall and further into the mountains.
Hidden waterfalls and swimming spots
Fekjanåne
This is one of Hemsedal’s true summer favourites. Turquoise water, smooth rock slabs and just tricky enough to find.
You’ll need to look a little – but that’s exactly what makes it worth it.
Perfect for warm days when you want a refreshing swim and a bit of peace and quiet.
Directions:
Follow the panoramic road towards Lykkja. Turn towards Ulsåkstølen and follow the gravel road to the end. Continue towards Såta/Nibbi. Don’t stop at the first waterfall – keep going a bit further.
(Toll road – paid via YouPark)
Trøymsånefossen
Hidden in the forest on the way up to Steget, you’ll find this small gem. You hear it before you see it.
Mystical atmosphere, dense forest and the sound of rushing water – this is the perfect spot for a quiet break.
Who knows, maybe the Huldra is watching?
Directions:
Follow Kyrkjebønsvegen behind Skogstad Hotel. At Kyrkjebønn, turn right after the barn and continue towards Steget along the marked trail. Follow the sound of the water.
Lysebøttåne
Start at Vavatn, with views of the surrounding mountains, and head towards the Topp20 peak Ranastøngji.
Along the trail you’ll follow Lysebøttåne – a small stream with several little waterfalls flowing down the mountainside. It’s not the biggest, but it does exactly what it should: slows you down, fills the air with the sound of running water, and gives you a reason to pause.
And this is just the beginning.
Continue along the road past where you parked, and the landscape opens into Hydalen – one of Hemsedal’s true hidden gems. A lush valley surrounded by steep mountains, with old summer farms, quiet lakes, and plenty of small streams, waterfalls and natural pools for a swim.
This is where the pace drops. And that’s kind of the point.
Perfect if you want to step away from the busy and into something more real.
Directions:
From Tuv, drive into Grøndalen and up Hydalsvegen (toll road). After the toll, continue past Vavatn. Park at Vabuleino and walk towards Ranastøngji. Follow the trail along the stream – and consider continuing down into Hydalen.
Slurpafossen
Small, but impossible not to like.
On the way towards Buaknuppen, this waterfall appears – surrounded by wildflowers, mountains and views towards Mørekvam.
Perfect as a break on your way up, or as a short trip on its own.
And then there’s that feeling:
It almost looks like you can walk behind the waterfall. Whether you actually can is up to you to find out – just keep a safe distance and respect nature.
Cattle often graze in this area, so show consideration. If you’re bringing a dog, keep it under control, in a leash and at a safe distance from the animals.
Directions:
From Tuv, drive towards Grøndalen and continue towards Mørekvam (toll road). It’s best to park at Tubba and walk or cycle along Mørekvamvegen. Follow the trail towards Kljåen and continue towards Nevreskaret.
Want to find your way to the next waterfall?
Open the map in the Hemsedal app and explore even more spots nearby.
