The Queen's trail


Hotel Ullensvang are able to offer their guests fantastic nature experiences. One of the favourites is HM Queens Sonja’s trail, a popular trail and the only one that can be titled with HM Queen Sonja.

Over the last 20 years this trail has been one of Her Majesty’s favourites, which she completes either on foot or on skis. It is recommended to walk the trail no later than the end of September.

The word Panoramic describes the view in all its glory. The trail is open from around the middle of June to the middle of October, depending on when the snow melts on the mountains. For an easier and quicker option, hike "a glimpse" of the tour only.

Package includes:
· 2 nights accommodation
· 2 x breakfast (7 - 10 am)
· 2 x dinner (7 - 9 pm)
· 1 packed lunch p.person.
· Entrance to Ullensvang Bath with panorama views of the fjord and mountains

HM Queen Sonja's Panoramic Hiking Trail – Level III 
Driving time from Hotel Ullensvang to Røte: 10 minutes (one way)
Duration: 6 - 8 hours

The hike starts at Røte (“Velteplassen”), six kilometres north of Hotel Ullensvang (between Lofthus and Kinsarvik). From Røte, you follow a tractor track to the Hardangervidda mountain plan, 890 metres above sea level. This is where the waymarked trail starts.

The local Lions Club has waymarked the trail according to instructions from HM Queen Sonja. This is truly a panorama trail, offering breathtaking views of the Sørfjord, Odda, the Folgefonna glacier, Hardanger bridge and Eidfjord. You can also see all the way over to Kvanndal and Utne, and along the fjord to Kinsarvik.

The descending part of this trail to Hotel Ullensvang is through 616 steps made by local monks, who started the arduous work in 1210 and finished in 1537. The steps are now known as the Monk Steps.

A good tip! The beginning of the trail can be wet as you cross two morass areas - bring waterproof hiking shoes. Walking sticks are recommended for the descending part back to Lofthus. 

Heng - A Glimpse of the Panoramic Hiking Trail - level II
Driving time from Hotel Ullensvang to Røte: 10 minutes (one way)
Duration: 2.5 hours

This hike provides an introduction to HM Queen Sonja’s panorama trail. The hike starts at Røte (“Velteplassen”), six kilometres north of Hotel Ullensvang (between Lofthus and Kinsarvik) and follows a tractor track up to the Hardangervidda mountain plan, 890 metres above sea level.

At the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the entire Hardangerfjord.

Explanation of levels:
Level I = Simple walk
Level II = Easy hike in the mountains
Level III = Difficult hike in the mountains
Level IV = Extreme hike in the mountains

Bus transportation from Hotel Ullensvang to the starting point of The Queen Sonja’s trail can be added in the booking. Departure every day from June 1st - October 15th.