About
The road replaced the bridle and ford road from the Iron Age, the single track road from the Middle Ages and the post road from the 17th century. This was the main road towards Bergen where the saga kings of Norway in the Middle Ages sometimes posted guards to protect the city.
Today, «Den Bergenske Kongeveg» is a popular hiking destination perfect for short day trips or multi-day hiking experiences. The road is a total of 100 kilometres, but the distance is divided into 13 sections and 4 round-trips, each with its own start and end point and its own car park. The King's Road is easy to walk and suitable for all ages and everyone in the family.
Some highlights are «Galdane» and «Vindhella» which meander away on high stone walls. Nearby are other hikes varying from 1.5 to 4 hours in duration. The hikes follow other historic roads constructed between the Middle Ages and the 19th century.
One of the most popular sections is to walk «Vindhella» one way and the «Sverrestigen» going back.
«Vindhella» and «Sverrestigen» tour description:
Park your car at Rimskjold, in Vindhellavegen 264 in the valley of Lærdal. The round-trip starts and ends here.
On this walk you will be following the route of the King's Road along the high stone walls of «Vindhella». You'll pass the magnificent Borgund Stave Church and the Swiss styled Husum hotel. The picturesque landscape features horses, Norwegian wild sheep, ancient farms, and historic roads, offering a glimpse into cultural heritage. Surrounded by the dramatic scenery of western Norway, the natural beauty is truly captivating.
Legend has it that in 1177, King Sverre took the «Sverrestigen» path to outmaneuver the farmers who were ready to throw stones and logs at the heads of the rebel army Birkebeinerne who passed on the King's Road below. Instead of confronting them head-on, King Sverre launched a surprise attack from behind. Today, a wooden statue of King Sverre, crafted by a local chainsaw artist, stands proudly along the «Sverrestigen» path, commemorating this historic event.
Duration/Length:
The round trip consists of the horse and cart road Vindhellavegen and the «Sverrestigen» nature trail and is a total of 4.6 kilometres. The round trip takes 1.5 hours to 2 hours. Along the route, you'll find pleasant rest areas and benches. The walk goes around the ancient hillfort «Klanten».
It is also possible to combine the round trip with a hike over «Klanten». From «Sverrestigen», «Klantenstien» and «Annastien» you return to «Vindhella».
Season:
Lærdal is Norway's second driest place with little rain and snow, which makes it possible to explore the various sections and round-trips almost year-round.
How to get to "The Kings Road" from Bergen:
By car:
From Bergen, follow the highway E16 in the direction of Oslo, to Lærdal . The drive will take you approximately 3 hours. Look for the brown signs «Kongevegen over Filefjell» when you are arrive in Lærdal. Park your car at Rimskjold, in Vindhellavegen 264 in Lærdal. The hike starts here and ends at the same place.
If you are driving from Bergen to Oslo, the Kings Road in Lærdal is a great place to explore along route.
By public transport:
From Bergen there are daily bus departures to Lærdal and Vindhella, for example NW162 which goes right past «Vindhella» in the summer. Or the Sognefjord Express route NW420 to Håbakken, and a new bus further up the Lærdal valley. All buses that go to Sogn via Håbakken and Lærdal can be used to get to «Vindhella-Sverrestigen».
By train/bus:
If you prefer to travel by train or bus, you can take the train to Voss and then transfer to the same bus routes as mentioned above.
Guided tours on Kongevegen:
Kongevegen is a protected road that is open for walking free of charge, but there are also options for both short and longer guided tours available. You can join one of the guided tours through visitKongevegen.no or arrange for a private guide for you and your group. Having a guide adds an extra dimension to the experience, as they can share the fascinating story of the King's Road.
If you want to experience «Vindhella» with a guide, you can join a guided tour during the summer season.
Read more here: Guided walk on the King's Road to Vindhella
You can also choose a guided tour that includes the entry and guided tour of Borgund Stave Church.
Read more here: Guided walk on the King's Road, including Vindhella and Borgund Stave Church
More guided hikes and multi-day tours can be found at visitkongevegen.no
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