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Valdres Natur- og Kulturpark
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Photo: Samuel Taipale, Valdres Natur- og Kulturpark
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.
Author’s recommendation
The construction of Kongevegen was an engineering achievement during its time in history. The section through Vindhella is the most beautiful historical road that exists in Norway today. In 2017, Kongevegen over Filefjell was awarded the EU’s highest cultural heritage honor, Europa Nostra.
Road history
Until 1793: Travelers follow simple paths on foot.
1793: Kongevegen opens and it becomes possible to travel with a horse and cart. The road follows the ups and downs of the terrain.
1843: The road is improved with walls which made it easier to travel with carts and shortened the travel time.
1872: Dynamite is now available and a new road is built along the river between Husum and Borgund.
Valdres Natur- og Kulturpark
Track types
Show elevation profileTips and suggestions
- Borgund Stave Church Visitor Center provides toilets and a café, as well as information, guides, and souvenirs. Open from May 1st to September 30th.
Roadbook
The trail starts from behind the Borgund Stave Church.
Follow the trail north along the edge of the forest until you reach the main Kongevegen trail. Turn to the left and follow the road. Kongevegen has a grassy and even surface with large stones running along the edges.
The trail rises to the top of the Vindhellaskaret and then drops slightly over the next few hundred meters, until it becomes dramatically steeper. Here you’ll find the view of beautiful switchbacks as the road continues in big turns down towards the car road.
Instead of hiking on the same route back to the church, follow the Sverrestien trail back to Borgund. Follow the car road to the south briefly before joining the trail to your left. The trail continues south before looping back around toward the church, leading mostly through forest. History tells us that King Sverre used this trail to bypass the farmers who were waiting to throw stones to kill him and his men in 1777.
Borgund stavkyrkje
Directions
Vindhellavegen is located right next to Road E16 between Oslo and Bergen, a 25 minute drive east of Lærdalsøyri. Park at the visitor center opposite Borgund Stave Church.
Bus
From Bergen, the Øst-Vestekspressen bus stops at Borlaug, where there is accommodation. From Borlaug, take the local bus to Borgund (the stop is called “Lo Aust”). From there it’s a 2 kilometer walk to the church.
From Oslo there is a bus to Borlaug everyday except Sundays.
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