In 1888, the young Wilhelm II, King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany from 1888 to 1918, was at a painting exhibition in Berlin.
Two German painters, Joseph Krieger and Adalbert Heine, had been to Lofoten and their paintings were presented here.
Most of the paintings were from Digermulen and Raftsundet, and the emperor wrote in his memoirs: I was so captivated by these paintings that I decided there and then to travel to Digermulen to see if it was really that beautiful there.
Planning of a Digermulen voyage was initiated in the summer of 1889, but this was extended up to the North Cape, with many calls both north and south of Digermulen.
On the southbound route, Hohenzollern came to Digermulen on Sunday 21 July, in glorious summer weather. The imperial entourage climbed Digermulkollen and Keiservarden and his majesty wrote that he was very pleased with what he saw.
Before the entourage began their descent, they built a cairn that is still standing. This is considered the beginning of mass tourism in Northern Norway. The emperor returned year after year, and with him tourists from many countries.
