Reine Rorbuer: Which One to Book
Seven dreamy hotels with rorbuer to stay across Reine, Hamnøy, Sakrisøy, and the coastline around
Not a bad view to wake up too! Our room at Rostad Retro Rorbuer
Reine is the name on every Lofoten postcard, but it's not really just one place. What people mean by "Reine rorbuer" usually stretches across a string of small settlements tucked along the same stretch of coastline, Hamnøy, Sakrisøy, Olenilsøy, Toppøy, Andøy, each with its own rorbuer (read fisherman’s houses), its own dramatic view, and its own personality. Here’s our guide to the best rorbuer in Reine and around, because it’s the most authentic and picturesque accommodation you can stay at.
🛌 Where to stay:
• Rostad Retro Rorbuer, Reine — we stayed here on a last-minute deal and it turned out to be one of the best views we've ever had.
• Eliassen Rorbuer, Hamnøy — the red cabins from every Lofoten photo you've ever seen.
• Reinefjorden Sjøhus — a quieter waterfront pick near Hamnøy.
🇳🇴 Top experiences:
• Midnight sun kayak — paddle past rorbuer and mountain peaks straight into the fjord.
• Northern lights tour from Henningsvær — small group (max 7), guided by a local who tracks the forecast in real time.
• Snowshoe hike — Enjoy the still, frozen beauty of Lofoten without the crowds
🚗 You need a car in Lofoten. The islands stretch 170km and public transport isn't great. Book your rental in Bodø before you cross — usually cheaper than picking one up on the islands.
Jump to: Hamnøy, the classic view · Sakrisøy, the yellow village · Olenilsøy, our favorite · Reine town · Toppøy and Andøy, further out · What to know before you book · FAQ
Best Reine rorbuer: Quick answer
"Reine rorbuer" covers more ground than the village center alone. The classic red cabins most people picture are actually in Hamnøy, a short drive north. Sakrisøy has its own cluster in mustard-yellow buildings. Reine proper, Toppøy, and Andøy each have great options too. So, the honest answer to "which Reine rorbu" depends less on quality and more on which view and how much quiet you want.
Hamnøy, the classic view
The postcard you’ll see everywhere on a moody day: Eliassen Rorbuer on Hamnøy
Hamnøy is the little cluster of red rorbuer on stilts that shows up in basically every Lofoten photo you've seen, framed against the peaks of Festhælltinden and Olstinden. Staying here puts you inside that postcard view.
Eliassen Rorbuer is the property behind most of those photos, original fishermen's cabins converted for guests, right on the water. It’s a photographer’s favorite, and an absolute classic.
Reinefjorden Sjøhus sits nearby with a quieter, more modern take on the same waterfront setting.
We hiked Reinebringen one October, timing it just before the season's first real snow. Having a rorbu within a short drive of the trailhead meant an early start without a long drive beforehand (during which the weather can drastically change, believe us!).
Sakrisøy, the yellow village
The over-photographed yellow house on Sakrisøy (and yep, I photographed it too!)
A couple of minutes past Hamnøy, Sakrisøy is a tiny fishing islet known for its mustard-yellow buildings instead of the usual red, a deliberate contrast that photographers specifically seek out.
Sakrisøy Rorbuer is the main option, close enough to walk to both Hamnøy and Reine. If you visit, make sure to stop at Anita’s Seafood Cafe. The dry fish lamps are incredible, and they sell a bunch of seafood products.
Olenilsøy
Our view from Rostad Retro Rorbuer. Do you understand why it’s our favorite?
Rostad Retro Rorbuer sits on the small island of Olenilsøy, part of this same cluster and close to Hamnøy and Sakrisøy. The views are absolutely out of this world (I couldn’t even manage to write an article!). We got a really good price in October, and it’s our favorite option in the area. When we arrived, NRK radio was playing: the perfect soundtrack for a hot chocolate looking at the best view we ever had!
Reine town
I can imagine a worse-looking village than Reine…
Reine itself is the working village, a ferry terminal, a few restaurants, and the base most people actually picture when they say they're "staying in Reine."
Reine Rorbuer by Classic Norway Hotels is a traditional establishment that puts you within walking distance of the village center, and a short drive to the Moskenes ferry.
Toppøy and Andøy
Cool-looking turf-roofed rorbu on Andøy
Between Reine and the most popular rorbuer around Hamnøy, Toppøy and Andøy trade a bit of convenience for more space and fewer crowds.
Toppøy Rorbuer and Andøy Vest Rorbuer Reine both sit right on the water with the same dramatic backdrop, and are quieter than the more-photographed spots closer to Hamnøy.
What to know before you book a rorbu in Reine
Rorbuer forever!
What’s a rorbu?
A rorbu was originally a fisherman's seasonal cabin, built cheap and close to the water for the cod season. “Rorbuer” is the plural in Norwegian (been learning the language for 3 months an I’m showing off). What you're booking now is a converted version of that, usually wood-clad, often on stilts over the water, and almost always smaller than an apartment and less soundproofed than a standard hotel room (which is really not a problem). This is the accommodation we recommend in Lofoten — it’s part of the landscape! You’ll find options in other areas, and more classic hotels in our selection of the Best Hotels & Rorbuer in Lofoten.
Book early
This stretch of coastline is the most photographed part of Lofoten, and the handful of properties here sell out well ahead of summer and during aurora season. Plan on a rental car. Reine's village center and the Hamnøy-Sakrisøy-Olenilsøy cluster are connected by one road that's adrive rather than a walk, and the same car gets you to the Reinebringen trailhead and further down the E10. Read our guide to Hiking in Lofoten for more.
Zoom in and out on the map below to find a rorbu in Lofoten:
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FAQ: Best Reine rorbuer
What does "rorbu" mean?
A rorbu was originally a simple fisherman's cabin built along the coast for the seasonal cod fishery. Most rorbuer available to travelers today are converted versions of these, still wood-clad and usually right on the water.
Are Reine's rorbuer actually in Reine village?
Some are, but the name covers a wider stretch of coastline. The most-photographed cabins are technically in Hamnøy, a real drive from Reine itself, with more options in Sakrisøy, Olenilsøy, Toppøy, and Andøy nearby.
Do I need a car to stay in a Reine rorbu?
Yes, in practice. Reine's village center and the Hamnøy-Sakrisøy-Olenilsøy cluster are connected by a single road that's a real drive, not a quick walk, so you'll want a car to move between them and to reach the Reinebringen trailhead.
How far ahead should I book a Reine rorbu?
As early as you can, especially for summer. This is the most photographed and most searched-for stretch of Lofoten, and the number of properties here is genuinely limited.
Reine's rorbuer aren't just one option, and your Lofoten accommodation should be a part of your trip, not just a place to stay. Hamnøy puts you inside the postcard view. Sakrisøy trades red for yellow and a quieter pace. Reine town keeps you close to the ferry and village life. Toppøy and Andøy pull you a little further from the crowds without losing the scenery. All of them are excellent choices, and absolutely Instagram-worthy.
Looking for activities? Read our favorite Things to do in Lofoten. Not sure where to base yourself? Read our guide Where to Stay in Lofoten by Area. Finally, explore all our Northern Norway Travel Guides here.
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