Foto: Halvard Kr Toften
Foto: Halvard Kr Toften
Foto: May Britt Helgesen
Foto: Halvard Kr Toften

THE PEARL OF VESTERÅLEN

Welcome to Dronningruta’s very own homepage where you can find useful information about the renowned hiking trail! Facing the mighty Atlantic Ocean, it follows the ragged coastline between the fishing villages Stø and Nyksund in Øksnes municipality, Vesterålen. If you want to experience the magic of Dronningruta, you have to walk, as Her Majesty Queen Sonja did in 1994. Hence the name Dronningruta; the Queen’s Route.

THE PEARL OF VESTERÅLEN

Welcome to Dronningruta’s very own homepage where you can find useful information about the renowned hiking trail! Facing the mighty Atlantic Ocean, it follows the ragged coastline between the fishing villages Stø and Nyksund in Øksnes municipality, Vesterålen. If you want to experience the magic of Dronningruta, you have to walk, as Her Majesty Queen Sonja did in 1994. Hence the name Dronningruta; the Queen’s Route.

Watch Lars Monsen hike Dronningruta

The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) marked its 150th anniversary in 2018. As part of the celebration, DNT and the Norwegian Broadcasting Association (NRK) partnered up to promote Norwegian nature and outdoor recreation. Vesterålen was one of four selected regions for this purpose, and Dronningruta in Vesterålen was chosen to highlight hiking paths along the coast.

About Dronningruta

Dronningruta is easy to follow using the DNT’s waymarking of red letter Ts along the entire length of the path. The trail is varied, and you will encounter both easy and more challenging terrain. You will also experience both mountains and even pass a white sandy beach. You can choose whether you want to complete the entire hiking trail or only parts of it.

Description of the Trail

You can choose either Stø or Nyksund as your starting point for Dronningruta. The latter is a historic fishing village, whilst the former is still bustling with activity. The hike will be breathtaking either way! You will find useful information boards at both locations.

Useful and Important Information

There are always some considerations to bear in mind before setting off on a hike, and this also applies to hikes along the Dronningruta trail. Here you will find some useful advice!

The Historical Path

In addition to being a great way to experience Øksnes’ magnificent nature, the hiking path also has an interesting history. You can find traces from several thousand years back in time, and actually “walk” from the Stone Age and up until today.

Notable people who have explored Dronningruta

In addition to yourself, there are several other people from Norway and abroad who have taken an interest in Dronningruta – and even completed the hiking trail. Here you can read about some of them.

Dronningruta’s Good Friends

Dronningruta is dependent on having many enthusiastic volunteers who donate their time and efforts. Here you will find the most important ambassadors of Dronningruta and voluntary organisations working for its best.

Other Experiences in Øksnes and Vesterålen

The new Master Plan for Tourism in Vesterålen focuses on “Hikers paradise”, “Wildlife” and “Five fishing villages”. In other words, Vesterålen has a lot to offer to you as a tourist. Here you will find suggestions on where to find more information and who to contact.

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