The Queen's Path from Hotel Ullensvang

The Queen's Trail is a hike around Hotel Ullensvang that was opened by the Queen herself in 2013.

For 20 years, the Queen's Trail has been one of H.M. Queen Sonja's favorites, a hike she undertakes either on foot or on skis. The trail runs through the mountains between Kinsarvik and Lofthus and offers fantastic views of both the Hardangerfjord, Hardangervidda National Park, and Folgefonna National Park.

The hike starts at Røte ("Velteplassen"), located 6 kilometers north of Hotel Ullensvang (between Lofthus and Kinsarvik), and one must continue up the tractor road to Hardangervidda, 890 meters above sea level. There, the marked trail begins. The local Lions Club has marked the summer route according to instructions from the Queen. Signage with blue Ds follows the route, instead of the traditional red Ts we are used to in mountainous Norway. The hike is the only one officially titled with the name of H.M. Queen Sonja.

The word "panorama" describes the route in all its glory; you pass several great viewpoints where you can overlook Sørfjorden, Odda, Folgefonna, Hardanger Bridge, and Eidfjord. You also see across to Utne and Kvanndal, as well as the fjord towards Kinsarvik. The southern part of the route goes through what has become known as the "Monk Stairs," consisting of 616 stone steps laid by local monks between 1210 and 1537.

Hiking package includes:

🥾 Two nights in a standard double room with mountain views
🥾 Breakfast both days
🥾 Dinner both days
🥾 1 packed lunch per person
🥾 Free access to Ullensvang Bad (bathing facility)
🥾 Free parking

Good tips from us: The beginning of the trail can be wet as it crosses two marsh areas - bring good hiking shoes. Walking sticks are recommended for the descent to Lofthus.

Read more about the Queen's Trail here.