THE ALPS VIBE IN HEMSEDAL
VISION BOOK
Welcome to Tuv Hemsedal!
In the heart of the mountains, Scandinavia’s coziest alpine village is taking shape.
CONTENTS
1. WHERE THE MOUNTAINS MEET THE SKY P 6
2. WHERE EAST AND WEST NORWAY MEET P 10
3. YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION FOR ACTIVE MOUNTAIN PEOPLE P 16
4. IN THE HEART OF VIBRANT HEMSEDAL P 20
5. MORE THAN A CENTURY OF PROUD TOURISM TRADITIONS P 24
6. DEVELOPMENT IN HARMONY WITH HISTORY,
NATURE AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY P 28
7. FIND YOUR UNIQUE PLACE IN GREATER HEMSEDAL P 34
8. URBAN LIFESTYLE CLOSE TO NATURE P 38
9. NEW AND SMART LIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS P 43
10. WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT TUV HEMSEDAL P 46
11. A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AT TUV P 48
12. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT TUV P 52
13. TRENDS P 57
14. ABOUT TUV HEMSEDAL UTVIKLING AS P 60
Now I am determined, I follow the call to walk the heights! My lowland life I have lived out; up here on the plateau is freedom and God. Down there the others grope.
HENRIK IBSEN EXCERPT FROM THE POEM ON THE PLATEAU, 1871
The call of the mountains
Where the mountains meet the sky 1
The drives into Hemsedal, with the Skogshorn range, Hydnefossen and Kjærringskjeften ahead in the windscreen, have become a recurring and welcome image that I never tire of.
Fredrik Geelmuyden
I still remember the feeling I had when I visited Hemsedal for the first time almost forty years ago. I was with my best friends, on a trip with no parents and on my way to the mountains, skiing and après-ski that everyone was talking about.
The drives into Hemsedal, with the Skogshorn range, Hydnefossen and Kjærringskjeften ahead in the windscreen, have become a recurring and welcome image that I never tire of. Since then, the Scandinavian Alps have captivated me, and I always long to return!
We are building Scandinavia’s cosiest alpine village
In 2018, we bought the old Fekene Hotell in Tuv, a place with over a century of proud tourism traditions. In 2022, we gathered a group of long-term investors, all skiers and passionate mountain people, with a common mission to create Scandinavia’s cosiest alpine village.
This vision book for Tuv Hemsedal describes the overall plan for the project, the ideas behind it, what will be created and how the project will come to fruition.
This site development project in Hemsedal will be on a unique scale in Norway. With a focus on sustainable development, we are revitalising Tuv and creating a modern alpine village connected to Hemsedal Ski Resort. With its practical urban features, functional apartments in all price ranges, a grocery store, bakery and restaurants the development will offer new and customised services to the area.
Welcome to Tuv Hemsedal, in harmony with nature, the alpine resort and its lifestyle.
Fredrik Geelmuyden
Tuv Hemsedal Utvikling AS Chairperson & co-founder
Hemsedal Coat of Arms
Hemsedal Municipality has a strong connection to traditions and nature, which is reflected in its history and symbols. The municipality’s coat of arms features a lynx head.
The lynx in Hemsedal represents both the wild nature and the close interaction between people, nature, and wildlife in the municipality. The icon we have designed based on the lynx head also reflects mountain peaks and trail maps.
We aim to develop Tuv in harmony with nature and local culture. By designing the village with respect for nature’s own lines, using sustainable materials, and integrating ecological solutions, a mountain village can become part of the landscape rather than dominating it.
The stylized form of the lynx head is Tuv Hemsedal Utvikling AS’s signature for our project in Tuv.
INSPIRATION
HEMSEDAL COAT OF ARMS
The municipal coat of arms of Hemsedal features a lynx head, designed by Stein Davidsen, and was approved by the Council of State on October 2, 1992.
Where east and western Norway meet 2
The mountain village located midway between Oslo and Bergen
Hemsedal is the mountain village at the top of Hallingdal in Buskerud County, midway between Oslo (205 km) and Bergen (275 km), surrounded by majestic mountains and within a short drive to the world-famous fjords of Lærdal (82 km).
A vibrant village with a young population, fantastic nature, well-developed infrastructure and activities that attract newcomers, holiday cottage owners and year-round visitors.
The Scandinavian Alps, ski enthusiasts’ first choice
Hemsedal is a leading Scandinavian destination with proud tourism traditions. With alpine skiing from three peaks over 1200 meters in Norway’s best alpine resort, off-piste facilities close to the lifts, and fantastic cross-country skiing and ski touring opportunities. It’s no wonder that Hemsedal is referred to as the Scandinavian Alps and is the first choice for ski enthusiasts.
Hemsedal Municipality has just under 2,700 inhabitants, living in the settlements of Ulsåk, Trøim and Tuv which are located along the national road that winds through the valley.
Hemsedal is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic nature experiences all year round.
Tuv is at the heart of everything but set a little away from the buzz and action, with untouched nature and majestic mountain areas right outside the door.
HEMSEDAL
Year-round destination for active mountain people 3
Mountain village
Hemsedal is a distinctive mountain village, where 80% of the area is located higher than 900 metres above sea level and the Høgeloft Mountain (1,920 m) is the highest point in the municipality. Since the 1980’s, the village has been a melting pot for active mountain people throughout all the seasons. It’s a place where local enthusiasts and visitors have come together for the activities and experiences in the mountains.
Norway’s most complete ski destination
Hemsedal Ski Resort was established in 1961 by local enthusiasts, and in 2000 SkiStar purchased the alpine resort, which has annually been named Norway’s most complete ski destination. Nowhere else in the country offers such a well-developed alpine resort, large and varied areas for lift-based free skiing, diverse nightlife and restaurant offerings, including the world-famous après-ski at Stavkroa, as well as endless opportunities for cross-country skiing, ice climbing and ski touring.
Everyone loves Hemsedal
Hemsedal is a destination you never “grow out of”. Whether you are a family with children, a family with teenagers, adults with or without older children, or retirees. Hemsedal has everything for all generations.
There is a unique combination of opportunities for outdoor sports and activities all year round, and an impressive selection of urban facilities such as restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Tuv is at the heart of everything but set a little away from the buzz and action, with untouched nature and majestic mountain areas right outside the door.
Year-round destination
Summer in Hemsedal is no less impressive than the fantastic winter. Miles of cycle paths, organised mountain hikes, water and rivers to explore, climbing parks and fantastic rock climbing, Via Ferrata, unique fishing opportunities, golf courses, tennis and paragliding. These are just a few examples of how this area has truly become a year-round destination over the last ten years. Hemsedal offers fantastic experiences throughout the year, with activities that suit different interests and generations.
Whether you are a family with children, a family with teenagers, adults with or without older children, or retirees. Hemsedal has everything for all generations.
In the heart of vibrant Hemsedal
Accessible Tuv
Tuv is the rural centre in the northwest where the valley divides into Grøndalen and Mørkedalen, a hidden gem that is easily accessible, surrounded by river systems and mountains, close to Hemsedal ski resort and its facilities. It is not unlike similar small alpine villages in Central Europe.
The newest area of Hemsedal is being developed here
Tuv is one of three settlements in Hemsedal (Ulsåk, Trøim and Tuv). In the municipal plan it is described as a focus area for further local development, both for downtown and urban development and Røggelia a new alpine infrastructure as part of Hemsedal Ski Resort.
Based in Tuv, you are in the heart of Hemsedal and its experiences, with all the urban comforts but only a short distance to nature, mountains, activities, and convenient service offerings. The world-famous fjords of Lærdal in Western Norway are only an hour away by car.
Based in Tuv, you are at the heart of Hemsedal and its experiences, with all urban qualities and just a short distance to nature.
TUV HEMSEDAL
More than a century of proud tourism traditions
The tourist village
Hemsedal has proud traditions in agriculture, hydropower, industry and tourism, which have coexisted and secured the economic base and population growth in the municipality for the past century. Over the past twenty years, the tourism industry has developed significantly, and now has nearly 400 employees, which constitutes 52% of employment in the private sector. Over the past ten years, Hemsedal has also taken the step from being a leading Norwegian national destination to becoming an attractive international year-round destination with guests from all over northern Europe and beyond.
The mountain pasture hut at Nordre Fekene in Hemsedal. The photograph was taken around 1930.
FRA HEMSEDAL BYGDEARKIV
Organised tourism since 1900
Hemsedal’s modern tourism history began around the 1900s, when the Skogstad Hotel was completed as the first hotel in the village in 1905, quickly followed by Fossheim Boarding House at Ulsåk in 1906. From 1915, the first cabin constructions began in the area, when people from outside the village bought up old style Hemsedal storehouses and moved them to the mountains. At that time, it was the fresh mountain air, hunting and fishing that city people came to enjoy - not winter sports like today. Hemsedal Destination Company (HTTL) was founded in 1939, and after the Second World War, new accommodation options appeared, including Fekene Tourist Hotel and Vangen Boarding House at Tuv.
Over sixty years as an alpine resort
In 1961, Hemsedal Ski Lifts were established, and the first slopes were built in what is now Hemsedal Ski Resort. From 1980 until today, tourism has become increasingly more important for the municipality, and since SkiStar bought Hemsedal Ski Resort in 2000, the development and growth of the tourist industry has accelerated. Today, Hemsedal is a complete alpine destination with one of Scandinavia’s largest ski resorts.
Røggelia, a planned expansion of Hemsedal
Ski Resort down to Tuv
As part of the further development of the alpine options at Hemsedal Ski Resort, concrete plans are now being worked on to expand the alpine infrastructure down to Tuv. The spatial plan for the project is being processed by the municipality, and it is anticipated that development will begin in early 2027. Until then, Tuv will still be accessible with regular ski buses (ski in - ski out) which only take 5 minutes.
1 ODD AALSTVEIT ASSISTING WITH EASTER TRANSPORT FOR CABIN-GOERS. GUDRUN AND STEIN DAVIDSEN. HERE AT STOREVATN IN HEMSEDAL IN 1940. SKOGSHORN IN THE BACKGROUND. 2 OPENING OF THE “OLAHEISEN” LIFT AT HEMSEDAL SKI CENTER IN 1985. FROM THE LEFT: CHAIRMAN SVEIN KIRKEBØEN, TOURISM DIRECTOR RAGNHILD KVERNBERG, MANAGER ODD HOLDE, LIFT MANUFACTURER ARTUR DOPPELMAYR, AND FORMER LONG-TIME CHAIRMAN OLA EIKRE. 3 AND 7 TUV COOPERATIVE STORE OPENED AROUND 1930. 4 FEKENE HOTEL AT TUV IN HEMSEDAL. 5 HUSOVOLLEN AT LIASTØLANE 89/2 IN HEMSEDAL IN 1950. FROM THE LEFT: EIRIK HUSO, BIRGIT HUSO, AND OLAF HUSO. 6 PHOTO TAKEN SOUTH OF RESE AT TUV IN HEMSEDAL, OVERLOOKING THE TUV AREA. ALL PHOTOS FROM HEMSEDAL LOCAL ARCHIVE
After World War II, new accommodations emerged, including Fekene Tourist Hotel and Vangen Guesthouse in Tuv.
Development in harmony with history, nature and the local community
Hemsedal has traditionally consisted of small and medium-sized farms scattered along the valley floor, on both sides of the river, and up the alley slopes.
TUV HEMSEDAL
Hemsedøler
It is believed that Hemsedal has been inhabited since around 200 - 300 AD, and the first settlers probably made a living as hunters and gatherers. People who originally lived in the village are called Hemsedøler. They speak a dialect that lies in the transition between East Norwegian and West Norwegian, a dialect that has deep roots in Old Norwegian. People from outside the village who have bought a holiday home in the valley are called cabin-Hemsedøler.
From agriculture to tourism
The valley has traditionally consisted of small and medium-sized farms scattered along the valley floor, on both sides of the river and up along the valley sides. Due to the high location in the landscape, farming has mostly revolved around cows for milk production. “Støling”, meaning keeping animal barns in the mountains was important because the farms could not manage on the pastureland down in the village. Most farms therefore had “støler” (mountain barns) in the mountains, where the livestock was moved in the summer. Today, many of these mountain barns have become cabins.
The houses in Hemsedal were called Hallingstuer, and were typically log-built in one story, with small and few windows, and a gabled roof covered with turf or wooden materials.
Advertisement for Fekene Hotel at Tuv – from the Hemsedal Village Archive, photo: Andeberg & Co
Local building customs
The building customs in Hallingdal and Hemsedal were very uniform from the early 17th century until well into the 19th century. The houses were called “Hallingstuer”, and were often single storey, had very few small windows and a gable roof covered with turf or wooden material. In the 20th century, with the emergence of newer styles of farms and homes, many of the “Hallingstuer” were converted into storehouses or fell into disrepair.
At Tuv, we want to utilise some elements of the old building customs in Hallingdal, with a focus on the choice of materials, architecture, design and colour palette, and fuse this in a modern design. Where possible, we will also incorporate old buildings and materials from Hemsedal and Hallingdal.
A tourism village with a vibrant cultural landscape
We will manage the village’s proud history and tourism traditions for the next hundred years to ensure a good economic base and balanced development in the municipality. We are focussed on constructive coexistence and good cooperation with agricultural, trade and other industries. This diversity is what creates a vibrant village and a rich cultural landscape, rooted in respect for our history and cultural heritage. This is also what makes Hemsedal unique for both permanent residents and visitors, and not least newcomers and entrepreneurs moving up to the mountains.
At Tuv, we aim to carry forward the qualities of the traditional building style from Hallingdal, with a focus on material choices, architecture, and color palette.
Find your unique place in greater Hemsedal
A cosy alpine village for everyone
Our mission is to create Scandinavia’s cosiest alpine village. With a focus on sustainable local development, we are revitalising Tuv and creating a unique, modern and cosy mountain destination that is harmonious with all visitors and residents, nature and our cultural heritage.
At Tuv, leisure apartments and homes, a grocery store, bakery, restaurants, fitness facilities, sauna with river bathing, co-working facilities and other flexible service offerings will be developed.
CULTURE / STORAGE
RENTAL
RESTAURANT/CAFÉ
CONFERENCE / CINEMA / TRAINING
Urban lifestyle close to nature
The good life in the mountains
Technology, globalisation and new working patterns have changed how people combine leisure and work time. At Tuv, we are excited to develop holiday homes, residences and mountain offices, all combining great mountain life with urban needs and services, with nature right on the doorstep.
We develop effective and functional solutions, including quality common areas, social zones and meeting places, as well as co-working spaces with meeting rooms.
Functional housing at the heart of everything
Many people take their work and family to the mountains for longer periods – so-called ‘workation’. Our team working on the development of Tuv have families with children and know how important it is to balance work and downtime seamlessly.
We are developing real-life solutions, so that residents or guests can enjoy the spaces they want: smart holiday homes that can also function as mountain offices, functional apartments, smart storage spaces and sheds, good common areas, social zones and meeting places, co-working areas with meeting rooms, fitness room, sauna and mountain river bathing, activity room and offers for children, organised winter and summer activities, grocery and bakery, as well as restaurant & catering, etc.
Do you want to become a Tuving?
Become part of the local community in Hemsedal and at Tuv, which is set to become Scandinavia’s cosiest alpine village for active mountain people. Interested? We’d be happy to have a chat over coffee about the possibilities!
At Tuv, we build vacation homes, residences, and mountain offices that combine all the qualities for a great life in the mountains with urban amenities and services.
New and smart living in the mountains 9
Live comfortably in the mountains with access to everything At Tuv we develop thoughtful and cost-effective holiday homes and residences, which give you the freedom to combine own use and rental time. Our adaptable infrastructure and smart living concepts mean that you can grow through the different phases of life: as a young first-time buyer, a family with small children, adults with older children, or active retirees.
From road to street
A modern alpine village with comfortable apartments and easy access that allows for efficient use of time including: private underground parking, smart storage solutions, pleasant common areas, co-working offers, grocery store, cafes, SPA & fitness facilities, sauna with river bathing, cross-country ski trails and trails for hiking and cycling. In these respects Hemsedal and Tuv are unique.
TUV HEMSEDAL
Early-phase illustrations, Baus Architecture 2024
What people say about Tuv Hemsedal
“Hemsedal is Scandinavia’s best alpine destination. The mountains and slopes of Hemsedal are one of Stereo Ski’s preferred areas for testing the skis that are being developed, and a destination where all our products can be used either on the alpine slope or on a summit tour.”
JENS-MARTIN JOHNSRUD, FOUNDER AND OWNER OF STEREO SKIS
“Finally! A long-awaited revitalisation of a traditional village centre is coming. As a local patriot, I welcome this, and with my heart in the right place, I know this will be good.”
KNUT FAUSKO, TUVING
“We love Hemsedal, and the mountain areas inspire us when we do product development. The Tuv project represents something new in mountain Norway, with its year-round approach and focus on sustainable development of the rural community in balance with the tourist destination.”
SUSANNE HOLZWEILER, CO-FOUNDER HOLZWEILERS
“We welcome the development plans for Tuv, emphasizing the importance that these are based on local premises.”
MONA TAAJE, HEMSEDAL FLATBRØDBAKERI & TUVING
“Tuv Hemsedal is an innovative project in mountain Norway, and will consolidate Hemsedal as Norway’s most complete alpine destination, with the alpine feeling found in Central Europe.”
JENS M. JØRGENSEN, CO-OWNER STAVKROA AND HEMSEDAL CAFE
“Hemsedal is my sanctuary where I go to hang out with family and friends, a lifestyle arena where like-minded people meet to be active, social, and live out the urban mountain life. The Tuv project represents something new and exciting, which will add a new dimension to Hemsedal such as we find in Central Europe.”
ANETT SOFIE RINGSTAD JALAND, FOUNDER MONIKER CEO COLINA AGENCY
A sustainable future in Tuv
Sustainable area development provides an attractive travel destination
Sustainable development should meet today’s needs without compromising the opportunities for future generations. The concept of sustainability encompasses social, environmental, cultural and economic sustainability. An equal spotlight on these four themes creates a balanced and sustainable development of Tuv as a place and as a travel destination.
Think globally – Do it locally
We are a local company in Hemsedal and cannot solve the major global climate and social challenges, but we can contribute at a local level in collaboration with Hemsedal Municipality and other partners. Sustainable development means getting as many people as possible to take responsibility for their own development using sound sustainability principles. In this way the sum of measures and actions contributes to solving both national and global challenges; many small streams make a big river!
Our focus areas for sustainable local development in Tuv
1. Ensure a sustainable tourism industry that creates value and year-round jobs
2. Preserve cultural heritage and the natural environment
3. Respect and highlight local history, character and cultural heritage
4. Spotlight on comprehensive spatial planning
5. Ensure smart utilisation of development areas
6. Good resource utilisation and low greenhouse gas emissions
7. Reduce waste
8. Utilise renewable energy sources
9. Contribute to good visitor management and local regulation
10. Highway 52 through Tuv as a main thoroughfare; safe for road users and pedestriansm miljøgate; trygghet for trafikanter og
Sustainable local development should meet the needs of current users without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Investment opportunities at Tuv 12
In close collaboration with SkiStar, the apartments at Tuv will be offered as part of a well-functioning booking and rental platform.
Own, rent, combine?
At Tuv you can invest in holiday homes that give you the freedom to combine both use and rental, with flexible infrastructure and design.
Invest for rental?
Hemsedal as a destination is unique when it comes to renting holiday homes that are close to the alpine slopes. Several of our clients are buying several apartments as an investment, because they can be rented out in whole or in part to cover all - or part of the capital costs, depending on how much you and your family choose to use the units yourself. In close cooperation with SkiStar, the apartments at Tuv can be offered as part of a well-functioning booking and rental platform. This economic model has been implemented in Hemsedal and works very well.
SkiStar, the world’s 4th largest player
SkiStar has been developing its business model for more than fifty years and is today the world’s 4th largest player in alpine destinations (Hemsedal, Trysil, Åre, Sälen, Vemdalen). It has revolutionised the Northern European alpine world with its trading portal skistar.com. If you want to rent out your apartment permanently or for part of the season, SkiStar and we as developers have seamless solutions to allow for this, so that you earn income from your apartment without having to spend time on this.
Coolcation
In recent years, Norway as a travel destination has gained popularity as southern destinations have become unbearably hot during the summer. People are simply seeking cooler climates and more memorable vacations.
Trends 13
The magic of the mountains
The allure of the mountains is timeless and will continue to fascinate new generations of urban people. With nature in every direction, groomed alpine slopes, bike paths and planned hiking trails this creates a low threshold offering to experience nature in all seasons.
Alpine resorts in Norway and Central Europe largely attract urban visitors, who are less accustomed to mountains than previous generations, and who sought the peace of mountain cabins. Ski resorts have increasingly become social meeting places and lifestyle arenas where clothing style is often more important than riding style on the slopes, where socialising as we know it has become more international and cosmopolitan.
The white gold
By 2050, in just 25 years, around half of Europe’s current ski destinations could be unable to maintain operations, due to a lack of natural snow. Resorts in Europe that are above 2000 – 2500 m above sea level, as well as alpine resorts in mountainous Norway that are around 1000 m above sea level, such as Hemsedal, are probably the ones that will do best in the winter months then.
Coolcation
The word simply means a holiday in cooler areas but is more than just a holiday. “Coolcation” is a growing international trend, where tourists are looking for experiences that offer adventure, exploration and the opportunity to get to know local traditions. In recent years, Norwegian destinations have increased in popularity as southern destinations have become unbearably hot in the summer. People simply want cooler climates and more memorable holidays.
Coolcation simply means vacation in cooler areas, but it’s more than just a vacation.
About Tuv Hemsedal Utvikling AS 14
Tuv Hemsedal Utvikling AS (THUAS) is a local development company, working with the long-term and sustainable site development of Tuv as a place, and year-round tourist destination.
THUAS has taken a central position in Tuv since 2018 through the purchase of plots in the village centre and is currently the largest landowner. Development of Tuv represents a development potential of approx. 35,000 m2 and involves new options for different markets and target groups. The products to be developed and offered are holiday homes, homes, commercial premises and plots.
THUAS collaborates with the landowners in Røggjin Utvikling AS (RUAS) to comprehensively integrate the Tuv and Røggelia projects. Read more about us at tuvhemsedal.no.
The
Alps Vibe in Hemsedal
CONTACT
Tuv Hemsedal Utvikling AS
Adress: Hemsedalsveien 3440, 3560 Hemsedal
E-mail: info@tuvhemsedal.no
Web: tuvhemsedal.no