Valen: Vikefjell, the Post Road and history

In Valen, hiking trails and historical traces give your trip different points of focus. The hike to Vikefjell leads to expansive views, the Post Road offers a different route, and the protected Valen Hospital complex tells the story of the area. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider whether you want your stay to focus mainly on a hike, a longer stretch of trail or cultural history.

Hiking for the views or along the Post Road

The hike to Vikefjell starts and ends at Valen Church, where parking is also available. From the trail, views extend from the sea to the mountains. They take in parts of Sunnhordland, as well as views over Valen and the neighbouring villages. If you enjoy taking in both landscapes and settlements while hiking, this route is a specific reason to consider Valen as a destination.

The Post Road offers a different experience: the route runs for about 9 km in total from Husnes through Valen to Handeland. Today, most of it can be used as a hiking trail. This green, easy route is suitable for pushchairs and motorised wheelchairs. Trail conditions can change, so check the latest conditions before setting out. When planning, it makes a difference whether you are looking for the views on the hike to Vikefjell or want to include a longer route through several places in your stay.

Historical traces in Valen

The protected Valen Hospital complex includes selected buildings and a cemetery belonging to a psychiatric hospital dating from around 1910. Valen is also connected to the history of postal services: the Stavangerske postal route was established in 1647 and ran from Stavanger through Kvinnherad to Bergen; its historical route passes through Valen. These are two distinct glimpses into the area's history—the hospital complex as a preserved ensemble and the documented route of a postal service.

These themes offer a different way to shape a stay in Valen than hiking alone. If you are interested in historic places, you can consider the hospital complex and the history of the postal route as separate points of focus alongside the trails. By contrast, the hike to Vikefjell and the Post Road offer practical guidance for days when hiking is the main activity.

More places to visit in the wider destination of Kvinnherad

The wider destination of Kvinnherad also offers its own cultural and landscape themes. 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 history. The seasonal Rosendal Havecafé serves lunches made with ingredients from the kitchen and herb garden, as well as coffee and cake. If you plan to visit the café, check seasonal opening arrangements in advance.

Another historic site is Halsnøy Kloster, whose history dates back to 1163. It includes the ruins of a 14th-century monastery complex, a dwelling house dating from 1841 and gardens. Guided tours, exhibitions, talks and concerts are held there throughout the year. For a culture-focused stay, you can choose between the historical themes in Valen and the different sites and activities in Kvinnherad.

Kvinnherad also offers a range of hiking experiences. The trail to Bondhusvatnet near Sundal is short and easy and can be walked almost all year round; winter conditions may still affect accessibility. The hike to Malmangernuten can start in the centre of Rosendal, at the Rosendal Fjordhotel. It takes about four hours in total and reaches a summit 890 metres high, with views of Rosendal, the neighbouring villages and the Hardangerfjord. This information can help you decide what kind of outing you want, without conflating these destinations with the trails in Valen.

Decide which of these themes matter to your trip, then look for a holiday apartment in Valen or Kvinnherad.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sandvoll, Varaldsøy, Hatlestrand, Matre, Sæbøvik, Høylandsbygd, Fjelberg, Løfallstrand.

Back to the main travel overview: Kvinnherad.