Sortland
Dronningruta (The Queen’s Route) is a marked hiking trail between the historical fisherman’s villages Nyksund and Stø in the Vesterålen archipelago. The route is a round trip which winds its way along the coastline, the white sand beach Skipssanden, and over mountain tops 400 meters above sea level with an incredible view of the Atlantic ocean.
The Queen’s Route overview:
- 12-15 km, 5-8 hours.
- Varied landscape with mountains, shoreline, marshland , white sand beach and stone.
- Highest point of the hike: Finngamheia 448 masl.
- Steep incline in some places, but clear path the whole route.
- Accommodation possible in both Nyksund and Stø.
"Dronningruta" is a round trip of about 15 km which takes between 5-8 hours from start to finish. It was named after Her Majesty Queen Sonja who first did the hike in 1994. There are many points of interest along the way, with beautiful views, the white sand beach Skipssanden, the view down to the fisherman’s villages and varied paths. You can choose to start in either Nyksund or Stø, but we recommend that you always walk the mountain path towards Stø, and along the shoreline towards Nyksund due to some steep areas. The highest point on the hike is Finngamheia 448 masl. The hike is signposted with starting points and marked with the National Trekking Associations red T’s along the way.
How to get to Nyksund or Stø
You can get to Nyksund or Stø by local bus from Sortland, or by private car. By car, you need to take RV 820 from Sortland in the direction of Myre. At Frøskeland, you turn right onto RV 821. When you reach the centre of Myre, you turn onto FV 935 in the direction of Stø/Nyksund. It takes a little over an hour to drive to Stø or to Nyksund.
Recommended hiking gear
Normal hiking gear, such as good walking shoes, is recommended due to the varied terrain. Windproof clothes are also recommended. There is no access to water on the trail, so bring plenty of water and food for the trip. You can get maps for the trail in the regional tourist information in Sortland, or get to know the route by having a look at the info boards in Stø and Nyksund.
Nyksund
Nyksund is a traditional fisherman’s village which slowly fell into disuse, but is now an active and creative place with artists and tourism businesses. With its colorful wharf and creative atmosphere Nyksund is a great stop on your hiking tour, or Vesterålen adventure.
Parking facilities
A car park has been established at the entrance to Nyksund village, it is also accessible to hikers on Dronningruta (see photo).
Myre
Myre is the modern fishin village and one of the biggest in the world on export of sea food. In downtown Myre you`ll find a nice base for trips, experiences and exciting excursions.
Stø
Stø is a small, charming and active fisherman’s village on the northernmost point of Langøya. Only a few minutes’ walk away you will find the beautiful white sand beach Skipssanden, and 15 minutes away by car is Myre harbor, the most prolific fishing harbor in Norway.
Overnight accommodation
There are rooms/rorbu cabins/flats for hire in both Nyksund and Stø. There are also places for tenting or having a caravan at the local campsite.
Accommodation options:
Holmvik Brygge, Holmvik Sjøhus, Huset på Skåltofta, Utsiktsleilighet i Nyksund Havn og Bed & Breakfast Nyksund.
Hikers Paradise
Vesterålen has more than 200 marked hiking routes. The level of difficulty varies with trails suitable for the novice and seasoned walker alike.
Read more of hiking in Vesterålen: https://visitvesteralen.com/?id=2134489827
Fuente: Visit Vesterålen