Valen on Vannøya: Trails and Tours

Valen on Vannøya is best understood through the Dronningstien and specific individual tours: the hiking trail runs from Valen to Slettnes, while other trails are part of the island’s coastal network. There are also kayaking and ski tours from previous years, as well as a summit tour package offered on Vannøy. If you are looking for a hotel, it is worth distinguishing the starting point, route distance and time frame of each tour. This helps you clearly separate what is directly connected to Valen from offers relating to Vannøya or the broader destination of Karlsøy.

Hiking between Valen and Slettnes

The Dronningstien runs on Vannøya from Valen to Slettnes. The island’s coastal trail network is separate: Queen Sonja officially opened it in 2012. The route between Vannavalen and Hamre is 23 kilometers long; via Slettnes, it is 28 kilometers. Slettnes thus appears in both trail references, but the distances of 23 and 28 kilometers belong to the coastal network, not to the description of the Dronningstien. This distinction helps you correctly understand the specific route and its associated distance.

Skipsfjorden in the surrounding area

The Skipsfjorden protected landscape area lies in the central part of Vannøya and in the area around Valen. The southern access via Skarbruna is considered particularly impressive. Coastal trails on Vannøya also lead into the protected area. This distinction is useful when planning your tours: Skarbruna is the southern access described here, while the coastal trails connect the protected area to the island’s trail network. As access conditions may change, check the situation that applies to your trip before setting out.

Kayak and ski tours with specific details

In August 2017, a kayak tour covered 3.8 kilometers from the landing place near the youth center in Valen to Store-Skorøya. In March 2010, a ski tour went from the rorbuer in Valen along the Skjevikelva to Vannkista, at an elevation of 947 meters. A second ski tour in March 2010 started on the shore by the rorbuer in Valen and led to an unnamed summit at an elevation of 749 meters; its total duration was about two hours. The figures describe different measures: 3.8 kilometers is the kayak route, 947 and 749 meters are the elevations of the two destinations, and about two hours is the total duration of the second ski tour.

A multi-day summit package on Vannøy

A summit tour package for four to six people is also offered on Vannøy. It includes four days, three summit tours and three overnight stays. As a multi-day group offer, it differs from the individual tours from Valen, which are described with specific dates.

Travel planning in the broader destination of Karlsøy

In the broader destination of Karlsøy, Svipper ferry route 185 connects Hansnes, Karlsøy and Vannøy. The corresponding timetable is valid from January 1, 2026. Check departures before your trip, as timetables can change at short notice.

Discover more destinations: Rebbenes, Vannvåg, Karlsøy, Vannareid, Hansnes, Dåfjord.

Go to the broader travel overview: Karlsøy.