HM Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail

About

The H.M. Queen Sonja’s Panorama Hiking Trail, known in Norway as “Dronningstien” (Queen’s Path) in Hardanger, has become one of Norway’s most popular hiking trails. It is also one of H.M. Queen Sonja’s favorite hiking trails – given the spectacular view over the Sørfjorden during the entire hike, that is easy to understand!

The trail leads through the high mountains between Kinsarvik and Lofthus. The hike takes about 6 - 9 hours and has a total difference in altitude of 1,100 meters - in other words; it is a strenuous hike. But you will be rewarded with the unique contrasts in the Hardanger landscape - the terrain varies from forest to high mountains and lush orchards with thousands of apple trees. Additionally, you will have a fantastic view over the Sørfjorden, parts of the Folgefonna Glacier, and scenic nature.

The 16-kilometer-long hiking trail connecting Kinsarvik and Lofthus can be walked in both directions. Most hikers choose to start in Røte near Kinsarvik. To do this, turn off at the Esso petrol station in Kinsarvik and follow the road as far as it is paved. Here you can park for a parking fee of NOK 100 (payable by Vipps or bank transfer).

At the beginning of the hike, you follow the gravel road from Røte up to Heng, 750 meters above sea level. From Heng, the hiking trail is marked with blue D-letters (D stands for Dronning, which means queen). The last part of the hike down to Lofthus leads over the well-known monk stairs. This part is marked with red T-letters (the hiking trail markings of the Norwegian Hiking Association).

Shuttlebus Hardanger offers transportation service between the start and end of the Dronningstien. You can find the timetable and booking information here.

Both in Lofthus and Kinsarvik, there are numerous other exciting activities and attractions nearby. In the area around Sørfjorden, you will also find many accommodation options. More information about accommodation experiences all over Hardanger follow below on this page.

View map
Altitude profile

Start: Røte. Leave the main road R.V. 13 in Kinsarvik near the Esso station and follow the asphalt road up to Røte.

Parking: We prefer it if you park at Røte or Vassmyrane (where the hike starts form the Kinsarvik side) or by the old ferry parking in the centre of Kinsarvik (opposite Esso, by the fjord). There is a 200NOK fee for parking at Røte or Vassmyrane. In the centre of Lofthus there is only short term parking (max. 4 hours). If you have to park in Lofthus you can park by Hordatun sports arena or by the church (when there are events in the church there will be fewer parking spaces available). It is possible to take a shuttle bus or taxi between the different parking areas and each starting point for the hike. Please see all the parking areas on the map amongst the photos.

Length: 16 kilometers
Total difference in altitude: 1,100 meters
Duration: 6-9 hours
Season (average year): July - mid-September