Norangsdalen: Where Royalty and Artists Once Roamed

Traveling from Hellesylt to Øye takes you through the breathtaking Norangsdalen on Road 655. The scenery is absolutely stunning, making the journey a joy to experience. Norangsdalen has been a gem for tourists, not just for decades, but for over a century. In the past, when travel was a luxurious and leisurely pursuit for a privileged few, Norangsdalen was a sought-after destination. Since the 1890s, it has attracted famous artists, writers, and even royalty who came to hike the mountains and explore the area by land. Personalities such as Kaiser Wilhelm, Karen Blixen, and Arthur Conan Doyle, among others, made their way here, with many arriving by ships and staying at Hotell Union Øye. From there, they were transported, initially by horse and cart, and later by car, through the picturesque Norangsdalen to Hellesylt and then further to the breathtaking Geiranger fjord. The valley's royal connection dates back to 1993 when Norwegian King Harald and Queen Sonja celebrated their Silver wedding. During their celebrations, they traveled all over Norway, both by ship and land, and made a special visit to Øye, journeying through the captivating Norangsdalen. Since then, the valley has earned its nickname, "The Queen Route". Since we were staying for a couple of days at Hotel Union Øye, we drove the route multiple times, giving me ample time to take some pictures – Road 655, Møre og Romsdal county, Norway