Heidal

Heidal combines the river landscape of the Sjoa with a remarkable number of old farms and wooden houses. There are also kayaking and rafting opportunities, cross-country ski trails, horse-riding activities and fishing. When choosing a holiday apartment in Heidal, you can first consider whether your trip will be shaped mainly by the water, by culture and history, or by activities in different seasons.

The Sjoa shapes the landscape and experiences

The Sjoa River flows through Heidal. Along its course, it passes through varied landscapes: in some sections it runs through steep gorges, while in others it flows past built-up areas in flatter terrain. Those interested in rivers and water sports will find both a striking river landscape and specific activities on the water in Heidal.

Sjoa Rafting AS offers a day trip covering about 11 kilometres on the river. The tour ends at the camp in Nedre Heidal. The Sjoa River Festival is also part of the area’s kayaking tradition: run by volunteers, the event has been held since 1997 and is centred around the Strie-Strømmer kayak shop by the Sjoa. A river trip and a community-run kayaking event thus offer different ways to experience the water.

Old farms and wooden houses

Heidal has the highest density of listed houses and farms in Norway, many of which are still inhabited. 60% of the houses date from before 1900. The old wooden houses Heidal is known for date back to the 18th century, and some even to the 16th century. These figures and time periods give the cultural landscape a tangible dimension: historic buildings here are not just individual sights, but a defining feature of the area.

Another destination for those interested in culture is Bjølstadkapellet in the surrounding area. This medieval log church has distinctive portal boards in the Urnes style. It dates from around 1531 and represents a transitional form between stave and log construction. The chapel is on the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage’s list of automatically protected churches. It originally stood on the Bjølstad farm, a few kilometres west of Heidal Church; it was reconsecrated on 26 July 1964.

Active days in different seasons

In winter, Heidal has kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails. These include touring trails and floodlit trails, both in the forest and above the tree line.

In summer, Øien Øvre at Høgsetra in Heidal offers horse-riding activities: half-day trips, day trips and overnight trips. Fishing is another way to experience the landscape. You can fish with a fly or rod in mountain lakes, streams and rivers. Guests can therefore choose from a range of activities, from spending time by the water to longer horse-riding trips.

Cheesemaking history and onward travel

A guided tour at Heidal Ysteri combines the history of Heidalsost with a product tasting and an introduction to the cheesemaking process. The experience is for groups and lasts about an hour. It complements a visit to the old farms with a look at a local cheese speciality and how it is made.

The road connection may also be relevant when planning your trip: the road through Heidal is described as the shortest route via Valdresflya for onward travel towards Jotunheimen, Valdres or Hallingdal. If you choose Heidal as your holiday destination, you can focus on culture, river activities and cross-country skiing, or include the area as part of a onward journey through the regions mentioned.

More places to explore: Mysusæter, Otta, Høvringen and Sel.

Return to the main travel overview: Sel.