Discover Valen: Hiking and History

Valen combines hiking with a history reflected in its paths and the listed grounds of Valen Hospital. When choosing a hotel, consider whether the landscape, local history or both should shape your stay. The routes differ in their course and character.

Hiking from Valen

The hike to Vikefjell starts and ends at Valen Church; parking is also available there. Along the way, expansive views stretch from the sea to the mountains. They take in parts of Sunnhordland as well as Valen and the neighboring villages. Unlike the Postvegen, which runs from Husnes via Valen to Handeland, the Vikefjell hike starts and ends at the same church.

The Postvegen stretches for about 9 km and runs from Husnes via Valen to Handeland. The route is classified as green and easy, and is suitable for strollers and motorized wheelchairs. Most of the route can still be used as a hiking trail today. Surface conditions can change; take this into account when planning. The Postvegen therefore offers a different route from the hike to Vikefjell: it connects several places, while the Vikefjell hike starts and ends at Valen Church.

History along the paths and in the local landscape

The listed grounds of Valen Hospital include selected buildings and a cemetery belonging to a psychiatric hospital dating from around 1910. Together, the buildings and cemetery form a historic landmark in Valen.

The Stavangerske Posttour is another historical reference point. Established in 1647, it ran from Stavanger through Kvinnherad to Bergen; its historic route passes through Valen. This brings different route histories together in Valen: the Postvegen, now mostly usable as a hiking trail, and the traditional route of the historic postal tour. The hiking route and local history offer different points of reference when choosing a place to stay.

More to explore in the wider destination of Kvinnherad

The wider destination of Kvinnherad also offers distinctive cultural and nature experiences. In Rosendal, Baroniet Rosendal is Norway’s only barony and Scandinavia’s smallest castle. The estate includes a castle dating from 1665 and a garden with 300 years of gardening history. Rosendal Havecafé serves seasonal lunch dishes made with ingredients from the kitchen and herb garden, as well as coffee and cakes. Check seasonal information before visiting.

On Halsnøy, the history of Halsnøy Kloster dates back to 1163. The estate includes, among other things, 14th-century monastery ruins, a residence dating from 1841 and gardens. Guided tours, exhibitions, lectures and concerts are held there throughout the year. So, alongside hiking, the wider Kvinnherad area offers a range of cultural experiences to choose from.

The regional hikes also differ in destination and time frame. The trail to Bondhusvatnet near Sundal in the municipality of Kvinnherad is short and easy and can be hiked almost all year round; winter conditions may still affect accessibility. The hike to Malmangernuten starts in the center of Rosendal at Rosendal Fjordhotel, takes about four hours in total and reaches a summit 890 meters high, with views of Rosendal, neighboring villages and the Hardangerfjord.

For a longer outing, the two-day Folgefonna glacier crossing offers a different kind of hiking experience: it starts at Bondhusvatnet, follows a T-marked trail through Bondhusdalen to the Fonnabu cabin and includes an overnight stay in a DNT cabin. The crossing is a guided seasonal activity. Check route and weather conditions before traveling. This lets you distinguish between the shorter hike to Bondhusvatnet, the roughly four-hour trip to Malmangernuten and the two-day glacier crossing when planning, based on the time each takes.

Explore more destinations: Ølve, Rosendal, Sandvoll, Husnes, Høylandsbygd, Hatlestrand, Onarheim, Seimsfoss.

Back to the wider travel guide: Kvinnherad.