Round trip from Helsinglia to Storhøvda
Explore Storhøvda and Gravsetåsen – a great round trip in varied terrain with beautiful views over Hemsedal. Choose between a short or longer route, both well marked and easily accessible. The trip is suitable for both families and experienced hikers.
Images
The walk can be started from two places along Helsinglivegen, both are signposted. There are also parking spaces at both locations.
- At the water house (840 m above sea level), about 400 meters into Helsinglivegen from Lykkjavegen.
- At the west end of Helsingvatn (830 m above sea level), about 2.5 km into Helsinglivegen from Lykkjavegen.
Note! There are grazing animals in the area, so remember to close gates after you and keep your dog on a leash. (Extended leash enforcement in Hemsedal from 1 April-31 October)
Turn-by-turn directions
Route 1 – via Stakkestøhovda and Storhøvda
From the water house, follow the blue marked path with a steady climb up to Stakkestøhovda (1058 m). After approx. 350 meters, turn right at the first crossroads and follow the path to Storhøvda (1078 m). Continue west from the top, and turn right after approx. 250 meters at the sign for Helsinglia. Follow the blue marked path down to Helsinglivegen, turn right and follow the road back to the start.
Route 2 – direct to Storhøvda
From the west end of Helsingvatn, follow the blue marked path with a steady, somewhat steeper climb up to Storhøvda. The path first follows the ski slope, and then turns onto a tractor road, before becoming a regular path. Good firm ground all the way. After approx. 1.2 km from the start, turn left at the crossroads towards Storhøvda. From Storhøvda, continue east, and after approx. 250 meters, turn left at the crossroads towards Helsinglia. Follow the blue marked path down to Helsinglivegen, turn left and follow the road back to the start.
Extension – Gravsetåsen and Ulsåknuten If you want a longer hike with magnificent views over Hemsedal, you can continue west from Storhøvda. After about 250 meters at the first junction, take the blue-marked trail over Gravsetåsen via Lusestålhovda (1065 m) and Ulsåknuten (1055 m). After about 3.6 km you will come to a junction – then turn right towards Helsinglia and follow the trail down Stegbakkane to the end of Helsinglivegen. From there it is about 3.5 km back to the start at the water house.
If you want a longer hike with a beautiful view of Hemsedal, you can continue west at the first crossroads about 250 m after Storhøvda – follow the blue marked trail on Gravsetåsen over Lusestålhovda (1065 m) and Ulsåknuten (1055 m) to the first crossroads after about 3.6 km – turn right at the sign to Helsinglia and follow the blue marked trail down Stegbakkane to the end of Helsinglivegen – follow Helsinglivegen back to the start about 3.5 km (the water house)
Note! There are grazing animals in the area, so remember to close gates after you and keep your dog on a leash. (Extended leash enforcement in Hemsedal from 1 April-31 October)
Safety information
- Follow the map and where the marked path goes as there are several detours along the way.
Map
Topographic maps of mountain hikes/hiking trails, cycling routes and cross-country skiing trails in Hemsedal can be purchased at Hemsedal Tourist Information and sports shops.
Directions
From Hemsedal center you drive to Ulsåk, where you turn off towards Lykkja. After a few km you will come to a lake on the right (Vannen), right after the bend you turn left towards Helsinglia.