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The King's Road over Filefjell is a historical hiking trail. On foot, travel between historic markets, stunning fjords and inland valleys, just as Norway’s historic ancestors did. After a few days, you’ll venture into new landscape with its own aromas, sounds and topography, heading from lush fauna in the Lærdal valley to the high mountain flora on the Filefjell plateau.
On this multi-day hiking trip you'll have one basecamp, and make use of a daily shuttle service to the starting point of the different highlights of the route. The King's Road will give you a great taste of what this amazing area has to offer, and yields the possibility to see both fjords and mountains, sample traditional local food and learn about local history and culture.
Program Map
The King's Road is suitable for all members of an average family. Ask for advice about what routes will fit your family if you are uncertain.
This is the perfect round trip for active best-agers looking for the little extra. History, good food and amazing views in great combination.
The King’s Road is a journey through history. The massive stone walls along the route were handbuilt by thousands of workers, forming the main road between Oslo and Bergen in the 18th and 19th century.
The 100 km route consists of four original road sections connected by secondary roads. The authentic sections make up a total of 45 km of road, and are perfect hiking trails with overgrown grass and gravel. If you choose Filefjellstuene as your base and make use of their daily shuttle service, you can enjoy as many of the highlights of the route as you prefer, without having to worry about your luggage along the way.
Kvamskleiva is the first section of the hike along Kongevegen from Vang to Lærdal and one of the original roads built in 1808. The trail lifts you up and over Kvamskleiva overlooking Vangsmjøsa, Vang’s beautiful lake.
The original stone walls lining the road were built to help travelers maneuver the trail safely, but this road was known to be quite treacherous for vehicles when it was used for transportation. Now acting as just a hiking path, it is one of the best known and highly regarded hiking trails that one can enjoy in Norway.
The hike over Kvamskleiva is easily combined with a stay at Bøflaten camping. Bøflaten camping offers cabins and nice places to put your tent.
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The historic road between Øye and Tyinkrysset starts at the end of the Vangsmjøsa lake by the Øye Stave Church. The trail is mainly grass and gravel and takes you from wooded inland countryside to the open mountain scenery on the Filefjell plateau.
Filefjell is a mountain village and resort with several different options on where to stay.
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The hike over Filefjell, from Kyrkjestølen to Maristova, takes you over the highest point of Kongevegen. The high mountain trail, above the treeline, provides incredible views of Jotunheimen and the nearby fjords.
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Vindhellavegen is the most spectacular stretch of Kongevegen over Filefjell, one of Norway’s most historic hiking trails. Beginning next to the stunningly preserved Borgund Stave Church the trail leads to the mesmerising switchbacks that lead the road back and forth down the steep hill to Husum. From there, another historical walking trail leads through the forest back to the church.
The road is an excellent depiction of what types of roads were possible to build before dynamite was readily available.
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This hike takes you through the lush Lærdal valley along the river down to the fjord. Lærdal river is one of the most famous salmon fishing lakes in Norway and at Seltun gard there is a good chance you could see salmon swimming upstream in the river.
Lærdal is known for the vegetable gardens. The steep hill sides turns into wide flood plains as you are walking from Saltkjelen to Rikheim. If you are hiking late August or September you can buy apples or plums on your way to Lærdalsøyri.
Lærdalsøyri is an old trading place at the end of the Sognefjord. Walk through the streets and see the wooden houses built 100 to 300 years ago. Lærdal was once a lively fishing village with lots of boats al…
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Want to hike the King's Road over Filefjell? Book your next mountain holiday with one of these tour operators.
