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After two years, it is finally Easter in Sikkilsdalen again for King Harald and Queen Sonja. This year only with the company of memories of previous Easter races and guests.
On Easter 2007, Queen Sonja excelled on the slalom track during the traditional Easter ski slope at Sikkilsdalseter on Easter night, while King Harald (in a green jacket) followed from the touchline. Photo: Erlend Aas / NTB
Prinsehytta, privately owned by the royal family since 1924, is located in Sikkilsdalen in Jotunheimen, a valley side to Gudbrandsdalen from Vinstra. To get there, the royal couple usually take a train to Vinstra and a tracked car.
Many times the royal couple have described the jewel that they believe is Prinsehytta, and that the traditions here mean a lot.
– Sikkilsdalen is very important to us. There we retired, King Harald told reporters during the state visit to Chile in 2019. Then it was not long until Easter, and he and Queen Sonja were going to the cabin.
Last year there was no trip, but this year they were able to travel, although it will not be possible for many guests.
At Sikkilsdalsseter, they also confirmed to NTB that there will be no Easter ski race this year either. The royal family always tends to join the race on Easter night if they get the chance.
– Many of us are disappointed that we cannot be with friends and family. I still hope everyone tries to do their best based on the situation we find ourselves in. That we can all find joy in the little things we can do after all, said the king in his Easter greeting to the people before going to the mountains.
In 2002, it was the first Easter in Sikkilsdalen as newlyweds of Crown Prince Haakon and grain princess Mette-Marit. The royal family participated in the traditional Easter ski slope in Sikkilsdalseter on Easter morning, with the exception of the Crown Princess, who broke her ankle early in Easter and had to hobble around on crutches. After his efforts on the ground, where Marius Borg-Høiby also took over, the Crown Prince received a kiss from his wife.
1 of 7Photo: Jarl Fr. Erichsen / NTB
Originally, the hunting lodge consisted of a large log cabin with eight rooms and an outside corridor. When the then Crown Prince Olav got the cabin for the day of the government in 1924, several houses were built.
During the reign of King Harald and Queen Sonja, it has been expanded with even more houses. The property now consists of groups of houses around two yards, which are used mainly during Easter and the hunting season in the fall.
In April 1968, the newly engaged couple Sonja Haraldsen and Crown Prince Harald traveled together for the first time on the Easter holidays to Prinsehytta, first by train and then to Sikkilsdalen. Photo: Erik Thorberg / NTB
The Crown Prince’s family is in their own cabin in Uvdal this Easter.
