History Hemsedal

hemsedal church



hemsedal church sanctuary


early history

hemsedal stave church (hemsedal stavkyrkje) believed have been built between 1207 , 1224, , first mentioned, ecclesia aamsodal, in accounts , diaries of papal nuncios sent scandinavia collect tithes in 1282–1324. in 1327 mentioned under name skodvinar kirkja hemsudali; refers alternate names of farm stood, kyrkjebøen: skodvin , skadengård. church dismantled in 1882, when replaced hemsedal church (hemsedal kyrkje) 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) away.

the valley has traditionally had small , medium-sized farms scattered on valley bottom on both sides of river , along slopes. because of high altitude, farming has concentrated part on livestock , dairy, , use of summer shielings has been important farms, not find sufficient pasturage in valley bottom. therefore had milking stations on shielings.

in 1647 cadastre there 1 farm in hemsedal large enough pay full taxes; there 24 liable half taxation , 15–16 assessed disused. in addition, there number of enterprises not assessed tax. estimated population 400 (the exact number unknown). until mid-19th century, population increased steadily. in 1845 there 1,775 people in village. however, population declined again on next 75 years, result of emigration north america. in 1920 had fallen 1,358, before once more starting increase.

recent history

aerial view of hemsedal in winter



view of hemsedal in summer tuv

the first hotel in village, skogstad hotell, completed in 1905. before that, in latter half of 19th century, road had been built through village hope become major route western norway. however, things changed dramatically opening of bergen railway in 1909. hemsedal once more became detour, while upper hallingdal took on main route.

after world war ii, new places stay established in valley, such vangen pensjonat (inn) @ tuv (1947) , lykkjaheim pensjonat (1953). tourist agency established in 1939 , in 1952 suggested building ski lift in hemsedal, did not happen until 1959, when fossheim pensjonat created tottenheisen, 350-metre (1,150 ft) ski lift behind inn @ ulsåk, serving first piste in village, tottenløypa. however, lift torn down in 1961.

hemsedal skisenter opened @ holdeskaret in 1961, , few years later, planning began tourist development. on 5 years beginning in 1980, series of new businesses aimed @ tourists established. first chairlift, olaheisen, opened in 1983. tourism has continued grow in economic significance hemsedal. more half of visitors come abroad. hemsedal popular in summer season, due opportunities fishing, hiking, climbing, cycling, golf , other activities.