Sights in Hemsedal
Hemsedal has several sights worth to see - especially in the nature.
Hemsedal Bygdatun Heritage sites of the beaten track Kongevegen-The old Royal route Hydalen nature reservoir Klokkarsteinen rock Rjukandefossen Hydnefossen waterfall Natures guest
Hemsedal Bygdatun is a restored courtyard dating from approx. 1730 and set in a scenic location at Ulsåk. Join a guided tour and learn to play games our grandparents played. Combine a visit with a hike to Geiteberget (“Top 20” hiking programme).
Open: 20.06-27.08, daily at 11:00-15:00
Show: 22.07 at 18:00: ”Huldra and prince Hadding and the rock chrystal” Fun theater play for the whole family!
Entrance: adults NOK 50,- / children under 16 years NOK 20,-.
Free entrance for guests with the Hemsedalcard.
Physical traces in the landscape can tell us things about how people lived here in Norway from the end of the ice age until the middle age for 1000 years ago.
Overgrown fields and farms
When walking in forests and fields, we often see traces of previous exploitation of the countryside where there is overgrown fields and farms that have fallen into disuse. These areas are often rich in vegetation.
Grain and sawmills
– Brekkefossen and Hustadbekken
Small grain- and sawmills were often built near streams. We often find traces of these buildings, channels and other technical construction.
At Brekkefossen Waterfall in Tuv and at Hustadbekken beck there are restored mills.
Deer traps
Many places you can see depressions in the ground. These were used for trapping larger animals such as moose, but the use of them ended with the introduction of guns. There are several traps along the «The Valley Route» from Holdebrua Bridge to Tuv.
In the mountains you can see walled pits against ridges that were used to trap reindeer. Long guiding fences often extend from these pits. Shelters where the hunters hid during the hunt can also be seen. The area around Vavatn shows many traces of reindeer hunting.
Animal hides and horns were important trading goods.
Charcoal production
Other depressions in the ground below the timer line can be traces of charcoal production. Charcoal was used to produce iron, which was an important trade 1,000 years ago, until the Plague. Tonnes of iron were transported from Hallingdal and Valdres. The area around Lykkja shows traces of this production.
Viking expeditions, and later trade journeys abroad, brought the local population into contact with other cultures, resulting in Norway becoming a united kingdom. Christianity was introduced and stave churches were built throughout the country.
The Old Royal Route, from Gol across Hemsedal to Western-Norway, was
built in the years 1825-1844. From Skinnfellgården farm at Tuv to the
Hemsedal Mountains the road is mainly passable, but at two stretches the road is concealed under today’s main road.
The road was an important traffic artery between Eastern and Western Norway, and was used both by traders and Salmon-lords. Among others, Emperor Wilhelm travelled on this road from Lærdal to Bjøberg.
Go by foot or bike along the road and experience the variations in landscape and terrain. On four sites along the road there are boards with information about the building and use of the road, culture and nature, life on the mountain pastures, the Ice Age and geology and hunting culture in the highmountains (by Venås, the mountain pasture in Heimdalen, Ershovd and Eldrehaugen).
The Hemsedal March is arranged 13.09 along the Old Royal Route.
Hydalen and the surrounding area have a rich and distinctive fauna. The journey from Vavatn Lake into the depths of the verdant Hydalen Valley is breathtaking, particularly by bike, foot or by car (reached via a toll road, NOK 40). Hydalen is a tranquil place, surrounded by steep mountains, far from the stress and hustle of everyday life.
Fishing permits for Hydalsvatnet Lake can be bought from a vending machine. Try your luck at angling, or take a dip in the calm waters.
Klokkarsteinen rock protrudes from the river by Fossheim at Ulsåk. Several folktales tell how the stone got here. This is an excellent place for picnic and swimming.
An impressive and powerful double waterfall dropping 18 meters down a narrow ravine. Near the waterfall there are several pothole formations and a thrilling rope bridge. The water flow is large most of the summer. Located at Tuv, by Rjukandefoss Camping (Road 52). See signposts. Follow
the footpath approx. 200 meters from the car park.
Hydnefossen plummets 140 meters straight down from Veslehorn Mountain (1:300 meters). The waterfall is at its fullest in spring. During winter the waterfall is a popular challenge for experienced ice-climbers. Visible from Road 52 at Ulsåk.
When you are out and about in the forests and fields, please
show respect for plants and animal-life and other’s private
property.
• Follow the countryside code with free access to outlying
fields, not in home fields (pastures, courtyards and
planted forestland).
• Open fires in, or close to, woodlands are forbidden
15.04-15.09.
• Dogs must be kept on a leash 01.04-30.09.
• Do not break branches of trees or pick/disturb rare
plants – leave them for future generations to enjoy.
• Show respect for animals, birds and heritage sites.
• Leave picnic sites clean and tidy, do not litter!
• Fences break easily, please do not climb over them.
• Leave gates as you found them – if they are open,
please do not close them.