Venture into the realms of Romsdalen: Explore the Kingdom of Romsdal with a rope and a guide

Summer, autumn

Last updated: 05.09.2024

Step into an enchanted mountain realm.|© Julien Riedel

When you make your way up towards Trollstigen, a twisting tarmac road spiraling up a mountainside in Norway, the towering giants to the right are hard to miss. These mountains make up the Kingdom of Romsdal, with its wild mountain peaks plunging from the sky into the deep valley below. From the valley, they seem inaccessible and daunting.

Imagine standing at the top of one of these massive peaks, looking down at the cars inching their way up Trollstigen. You're sweaty, tired, and your heart races from both fear and exertion. But there's a smile on your face because you've challenged yourself and succeeded. You are now at the top of the Kingdom of Romsdal.

At the summit, you will be looking at a majestic trio of: Bispen (the Bishop), Kongen (the King), and Dronninga (the Queen). These, along with the scenic Bispevatnet, form the heart of the Kingdom of Romsdal. You can join a guided hike to explore this enchanting mountain world, which can be challenging to navigate on your own.

Our Best Hiking Tip: Book a Guide

Bispen, Dronninga, and Kongen are demanding mountains requiring mountaineering experience and a high level of physical fitness. For a safe journey through exposed terrain, book a hike with a certified guide (IFMGA).

Stay safe in the mountains with an experienced guide.|© Anunatak

Guides provide the expertise and safety you need to tackle challenging scree slopes and exposed ridges. They also enhance your experience with knowledge about the region's history, geology, botany, and local nature.

Discovering the Kingdom of Romsdal

The Kingdom of Romsdal offers five exciting hikes. While climbing experience isn't necessary, you should be in good shape and comfortable with exposed terrain. Choose your hike based on your experience level.

The trail to Bispevatnet
The Bishop´s hike to Bispen
The king’s route to Kongen
The queen’s route to Dronninga
The Traverse in the Kingdom

The trail to Bispevatnet. | © Anunatak

The Trail to Bispevatnet (1,000 m.a.s.l.)

Bispevatnet is a stunning blue-green lake at the foot of Bispen, the first mountain in the Kingdom. A guided hike here includes fascinating stories about the area's history and nature, with the lake providing a perfect spot for a lunch break. You can even take a refreshing dip in the lake.

The trail to Bispevatnet

At an altitude of 1,000 meters in the Kingdom of Romsdal, you can fill your lungs with fresh air as you gaze upon the turquoise glacial waters of Bispevatnet lake.

The Bishop's Hike to Bispen (1,462 m.a.s.l.)

Bispen is the mildest of the peaks and a great starting point if you're new to the area. The mountain rises steeply from the Trollstig plateau, offering airy sections and simple climbing. Guided hikes in the Kingdom are suitable for teenagers aged 16 and above.

The Bishop´s hike to Bispen

Emerging straight from the Trollstig Plateau, Bispen stands tall at an impressive 1,462 m.a.s.l. Here you'll encounter a mix of both scrambling and easy climbing sections.

It's easy to get caught up in an enchanting atmosphere in the Kingdom of Romsdal. | © Anunatak

The King's Route to Kongen (1,614 m.a.s.l.)

Kongen, the highest peak in the Kingdom of Romsdal, offers an exhilarating climb. The final stretch requires the use of rope, with a plateau at the top that’s larger than it seems from afar. The view from the top is breathtaking.

The king’s route to Kongen

Kongen 1,614 m.a.s.l. is the highest peak in the Kingdom of Romsdal. From a distance, the summit resembles a royal crown adorned with a steep and long cloak that descends all the way to the valley floor.

The Queen's Route to Dronninga (1,544 m.a.s.l.)

If you're comfortable with airy and steep climbs, this hike is for you. Dronninga stands beside Kongen, and its route involves a long ridge with small pinnacles. The climb is demanding but rewarding, with a unique Kodak moment at Vippesteinen, a rock block balancing on the first peak.

The Queen's Route to Dronninga

Perched faithfully on the northern side of Mount Kongen at an altitude of 1,544 meters, stands Dronninga. Offering the longest, steepest, and most challenging hike in the Kingdom of Romsdal.

Trollstigen — The Kingdom of Romsdal.|© Nordlandblog

The Traverse in the Kingdom 2 000 hm.

This ultimate kingdom tour involves all three royal peaks in a single day, with over 2,000 meters of steep vertical gain. This hike requires solid hiking experience and above-average physical fitness. It's a thrilling adventure for those seeking a real challenge.)

Get in touch to tailor your traverse

Leave no trace

The mountains are not only shared with your fellow adventurers, but also with generations to come. Just as we wouldn't dream of littering the King's Residence, we have a responsibility to leave no trace when venturing into nature.

Your guide will show you the essentials of leave no trace – from bringing back home everything we take into nature, to respecting wildlife and minimizing your impact on the delicate ecosystem. By following these principles, we ensure that the Kingdom of Romsdal remains a place where future adventurers can experience the same sense of wonder as we do today.

Find your place to stay near the Kingdom of Romsdal

Parts of the car road from Åndalsnes to Trollstigen are closed, but the mountains remains open

The famous Trollstigen hairpin bends are closed until the end of 2024, but with a guide, you can safely reach the top of Kongeriket Romsdal via alternative trails.

Kongeriket Romsdal is accessible via Kløvstien or from Valldal. The Queen's Route to Dronninga is open as usual from Innfjorden.

The Kløvstien trail avoids the unsafe area along Trollstigen road, offering an exclusive and unique experience of Trollstigen. With a nature guide accompanying you, you get both safety and extra insights into nature and history along the way.

Kløvstien ends at the Trollstigplatået and the spectacular viewpoint, where you can enjoy the view of the Norwegian Senic Route with its 11 hairpin bends. The return trip goes down the same path you came up. The hike up Kløvstien will extend the Kingdom hikes by 1-2 hours.

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