Brekkefoss old mill from Tuv - Hiking path

The mill in Brekkefoss was built in the early 1800s and was in use until the 1920s, and most of the grain from the north of the valley was made here. It is still unclear when grain cultivation began in Hemsedal, but when it did grain could be found up to 900 metres above sea level. However, late springs, cold summers and frosty nights made cultivation difficult in the mountains. Due to this farmers in Hemsedal were obliged to light huge bonfires around their fields when the temperature was expected to go below 0 degrees in order to create smoke that would settle in the bottom of the valley and protect the crops from the cold air. Back in the day people in Hemsedal were dependent on grain in order to survive, and up to 200kg of grain was cultivated in Brekkefoss each day. The mill is unique as it has two storeys and two millstones. This is due to the mill being used and owned by many at the time it was built. In the old days symbolic carvings would be visible on the log as people believed it would protect them from the river sprite and other sorcery on dark autumn nights. Grain cultivation in Hemsedal ended in the middle of the 1950s.

The mill in Brekkefoss is open to visitors, but is only in use during demonstrations. Welcome!

Take the detour up to Karisetberget, a Topp20 peak. It is a short and easy green hike with fantatisc view over Hemsedal.