What to Do in Hemsedal on Rainy Days

Just slightly wetter adventures.

To menn som klatrer i fjellvegg, i dis og tåke.

There is a saying in Norway: there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. And honestly, in Hemsedal that is often true. A bit of fog over the mountains, rain on your hood and wet shoes after a walk by the river can easily become the days you remember the most. Of course, sunny days in the mountains are hard to beat. But Hemsedal does not shut down when the clouds roll in. You can still go biking, hiking, climbing, swimming, enjoy good food or simply slow down and watch the rain hit the windows from inside a cosy café. And truth be told? Kids usually care far less about the weather than adults do. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Hemsedal on rainy summer days.

By: Katarina

4 min

Updated 19 May 2026

Put on an extra layer and head outside

The highest peaks can wait until the weather clears up a little, but many hikes in Hemsedal are perfect even on grey and rainy days. Lower forest trails offer shelter from the wind, and waterfalls, rivers and streams are often even more beautiful after rainfall.

Great hikes for unsettled weather include:

For children, the Troll post boxes (Trøll-tue) make the walk even more exciting. Small outdoor library boxes hidden along the trails where kids can stop, read a book and recharge before continuing the adventure. You can also visit the "normal" library in Hemsedal center.

And yes — always pack an extra wool jumper. Mountain weather changes quickly.

Perfect weather for practising map reading and compass skills

On clear summer days with dry trails and open views, it is easy to simply follow the marked paths. But when the clouds roll in and the mountain tops disappear into the mist, using a map and compass suddenly becomes a lot more fun. Rainy days are perfect for practising navigation in safe and easy terrain — especially with children who love the feeling of leading the way themselves.

And who knows, maybe the biggest adventure of the day is simply finding the right trail back again. Forgot your compass? You will find one in the sports shops around Hemsedal.

Things that are actually more fun in the rain

Some activities are almost better when the weather is less than perfect. Mountain Cart in wet conditions? Even more fun. A bit of mud on your trousers is basically part of the experience.

River snorkelling works perfectly well in the rain too. You are getting wet anyway. At Høyt & Lavt climbing park, it really does not matter much whether the sun is shining or not. Flying through the forest on a zipline is still just as fun when the trees are dripping with rain.

And when the mist settles low over the mountains, both Via Ferrata and mountain biking suddenly get a completely different atmosphere.

Indoor activities and slower moments

If the rain really decides to stick around all day, there are thankfully a few places to warm up indoors.

Hemsedal Climbing Centre is the main indoor activity in Hemsedal during summer and works well for both children, teenagers and adults with energy left to burn. If you would rather slow things down a little, head to Fyri Resort Pool Club or Skarsnuten Spa. Warm saunas, pools and mountain views somehow feel even better when the rain is pouring outside.

Or maybe the day simply calls for:

a large cup of hot chocolate
something good to eat
a bit of shopping
bowling at Pers Hotel
a quiet café stop

Sometimes that is more than enough.

Indoor climbing

Mountain Cart

Slitene hunder i Hemsedal på hundetur, om sommeren.

Dog sledding on a rainy day

Rainy days with kids

Rainy days with children do not have to be complicated. Let them jump in puddles. Build small dams in the streams. Run around in waterproofs. Stop for hot chocolate. Children are often far more interested in adventure than in checking the weather forecast.

Hemsedal Activity Park works well even on days with changing weather, and shorter walks along Hemsilstigen or to Brekkefossmølla are perfect when you want to keep things simple. Check out the Hemsedal app for tips on hikes.

And if everyone ends up a little cold and soaked afterwards? Pizza and holiday ice cream somehow taste even better then.

Go where the weather is better

Sometimes it only rains on one side of the mountains.

Borgund is around 45 minutes from Hemsedal and makes a perfect day trip if you want to try your luck with better weather elsewhere. Here you will find peaceful hikes, cosy cafés and the beautiful Borgund Stave Church.

A good reminder that mountain weather rarely stays the same for long.

Food always tastes better on rainy days

There is something special about stepping inside after a wet day outdoors.

In Hemsedal you will find everything from long lunches and fresh pastries to pizza, local food and mountain dinners with a view.

Stop by:

Flatbrødbakeriet på Tuv - Ein smak tå Hemsedal
Hemsedal Cafe
Liv Restaurant hos Fyri Resort
Skarsnuten Hotell
Peppes Pizza
Bear House på Ulsåk

Or simply find a place to dry your gloves and stay longer than planned.

Frequently asked questions about rainy days in Hemsedal

What can you do in Hemsedal when it rains?

Many people simply continue outdoors with good clothing and slightly lower expectations of staying dry. Others choose indoor climbing, spa visits, cafés, shopping or bowling.

Can you go hiking in Hemsedal when it rains?

Yes. Many lower-altitude hikes work perfectly well in unsettled weather, especially forest trails and walks along the river.

Are there indoor activities in Hemsedal?

Yes. Hemsedal Climbing Centre stays open throughout summer, and both Fyri Pool Club and Skarsnuten Spa are great rainy-day options.

What can children do in Hemsedal on rainy days?

Children often enjoy activities like the Troll Cabins, short hikes, climbing parks, splashing in streams and warming up in a café afterwards.

Is Hemsedal worth visiting even if the forecast looks bad?

Absolutely. Mountain weather changes quickly, and many people find that the calmest and most atmospheric days happen when the clouds hang low over the mountains.