Her Majesty the Queen of Norway, Sonja, have always been a passionate hiker. It is no wonder that this is one of her favourite hikes. It is panoramic, and you will witness all the Hardangerfjord contrasting landscapes at its finest! You will hike on the foothill of Hardangervidda National Park, gaze towards Sørfjord and Folgefonna glacier in the distance.
On this trip, you will walk in HM Queen Sonja’s footsteps. During the hike you will notice that the normal trail marks, the red “T”, are not used, but rather the blue “D”. This is the only trail in Norway marked with a “D”: Dronning is the Norwegian word for queen and the trail marking is a way of honouring her.
The journey goes on the mountain ridge between Kinsarvik and Lofthus. From the parking at Røte we walk on a gravel road until we reach the first major viewpoint of the trail. This is also where we start to follow a hiking trail switching between rocks, dirt path and boardwalks on some of the swampiest areas. Several lakes and countless view spots towards the Hardangerfjord are waiting for you! Just before the descent starts, it is possible to take a sharp left turn and make a little detour towards Rukjande waterfall. The scenery will surprise you: a wild cascading river running down from Hardangervidda national park, through the narrow gorge and becoming a waterfall on its way down to Lofthus.
Inspired by all the power in the water, we use last bits of our energy to start the descent towards the civilisation in the village again. Passing the famous “Monk Steps” and through the orchards we stroll down the steep mountain side back to the fjord. What a nice ending of your spectacular day!
Professional Guide, Storyteller & Motivator carrying safety and first aid-equipment
Micro spikes or snowshoes if needed
Hiking poles on demand
Information about local nature and history
Pictures: your guides help you with taking photos during the entire tour
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Please inform your guide of any medical conditions that might impact you during the tour or in an emergency.
Requirements:
Approximately 7-9 hours • 16 km • 900m ascend • 1,100m descend to Lofthus
9:30 am. Meet your guide and travel companions at the parking in Røte starting point for HM Queen Sonja's trail (between Lofthus and Kinsarvik)
Travel directions to Røte: From Lofthus, you drive north towards Kinsarvik. Right before the gas station, Esso, you take a right, then right again and continue all the way to the end of this road. There is a sign “Dronningstien” leading you to the parking.
Shuttlebus Hardanger also offer to drive you from your accommodation in the region to the start of the trail. More information about it on their webpage: https://www.shuttlebushardanger.no/
In Norway there is a saying that “There are no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. Sometimes the bad weather turns out to be the most special: It is more mysterious, it creates a spectacular light play between the sun, clouds and rain, it makes you feel alive.
The weather here on the west coast changes fast and therefore we only rely on the weather forecast 1-2 days ahead of the tour. We hope for the best but prepare for the worst conditions. A good tip is to use the onion look: layers that can easily be taken on and off to adjust your temperature.
If the “bad weather” is so bad that we consider it as dangerous we cancel the tours. We will inform you in case of cancellation. Please read our cancellation policies for more information.
Water, lunch and snack for approximately 7-9 hours
To book a private guide, choose the option ‘Private guide’. A group with a private guide, can include up to 8 participants/the price is equal to the price of 8 persons booked. For the private guide, make a booking for 8 persons, when placing your booking info, write ‘Private guide xx persons’ in the cell for your first name. And your full name in the cell for the last name.
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