King Harald V and Queen Sonja Toured The Picturesque Villages of Norway During Annual County Visit

Their Majesties, King Harald V of Norway and Queen Sonja embarked on a three-day county trip, exploring the picturesque Norwegian counties, from August 30 to September 1, 2022. 

It has been the tradition of the Norwegian royal couple to embark on a county trip annually in an effort to visit different municipalities of Norway and personally meet His Majesty's subjects and learn from their work and lifestyle.

King Harald V and Queen Sonja embarked on a 3-day county trip

Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

The stunning lakeside as the royal couple embarked on county trips

Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

On August 30, Their Majesties The King and Queen began their county trip in Møre and Romsdal, a county in the northernmost part of Western Norway, and visited five municipalities, which are some of Norway's most stunning villages: Fjord, Sykkylven, Vanylven, Sande and Hareid.

Arrival of Their Majesties in Fjord Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

Their Majesties' first stop was at Fjord, a newly created municipality in Møre and Romsdal, established only in January 2020 after the merger of two municipalities, Stordal and Norddal.

Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

Aboard the Royal Yacht, the King and Queen visited the strawberry village of Valldal, showcasing the breathtaking landscape of the mountains, the scenic lake, and the stunning view of the Fjord countryside. 

Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

Queen Sonja and King Harald V of Norway
Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

Their Majesties met with the villagers who offered them the best products of the municipality, from sweet berries, and fruits, to ice cream.

Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

They continued their journey to Sykkylven, known for its terrific alpine mountain ranges and emerald lake. They were greeted by children who welcomed them with fresh bouquets of flowers. 

The King and Queen met with the local business community and got to experience the history, music, hospitality, and humor in the municipality during the visit.

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The King and Queen of Norway aboard the Royal Ship of Norway
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On August 31, Wednesday, they began their day with a visit to another picturesque village of Venheim in the municipality of Vanylven, which is also surrounded by blue lakes and majestic mountains.

Royal Tradition of County Trips

According to The Royal House of Norway's official website, the annual county trips of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, offered them an excellent "opportunity to meet the people of Norway where they live and work and to gain insight into contemporary life in different parts of the country".

Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

His Majesties delivered a speech during the trip
Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

"These annual visits are very close to our hearts", according to the speech of Queen Sonja. We are allowed to experience our country in all kinds of weather and get the opportunity to enjoy the best of local culture, food and traditions. Yet the best of all is to meet all the people that live throughout our country. People that are proud of their homes and that make up the large and small warm communities in towns and villages".

Credit: Royal Court of Norway instagram

His Majesty, in his part, had also expressed his joy visiting the municipalities in Norway. "Traveling on a county trip with the Royal Ship in More and Romsdal is a blow to body and soul. We look and we see, we are turning all the time because it's so beautiful everywhere".

Their Majesties wrapped up their county trips on September 1 by hosting a reception aboard the Royal Ship of Norway - their home away from home.