Dronningruta

The Queen's Route links the villages of Nyksund and Sto on the outer coast of Langoya, about fifteen kilometres in a loop: one leg climbs over the ridge with the sea on both sides and the Vesteralen coast opening out, the other follows the shoreline back at sea level past coves and boulder beaches. It takes its name from Queen Sonja, who walked it in 1994 and has returned since, and it has become the best-known day walk in Vesteralen. Nyksund at one end is a story of its own: a fishing village abandoned in the 1970s when the harbour proved too small for modern boats, then gradually resettled from the 1980s by artists and incomers, with buildings restored around a still-visible ruin.

What's there

• The ridge leg - a high crossing with sea views on both sides.
• The coastal leg - a shoreline return past coves and boulder beaches.
• Nyksund - an abandoned fishing village partly resettled since the 1980s.
• The outer coast - open Atlantic and the Vesteralen islands beyond.

When to go

June to September, when the route is clear of snow and the midnight sun extends the day; June and July give continuous daylight. The ridge is exposed and should be avoided in strong wind or fog.

Before you go

The full loop is a long day with a steep climb, and the coastal section is slow going over boulders. There is no shelter and no water on the ridge. The route can be shortened by walking one way and arranging a lift back.

Nearby

Sto and Myre are on the same peninsula; Andenes and the Vesteralen ferries lie north.