Hiking in the Lofoten Islands: An Arctic paradise
Hiking Reinebringen
The Lofoten Islands are a stunning playground for hikers. So picture-perfect, in fact, that the first time you’ll go there, you’ll have a hard time believing it’s a real place — and not something out of Arendelle!
And you don’t even have to earn it! You can just drive around and stop at the most scenic spots. But even if it’s awesome, you’d be missing out.
If you’re physically able to hike, that’s how you’ll breathe and feel the Lofoten Islands. And forever fall in love.
While increasingly popular, these gems are still not crowded with tourists. But hurry, it won’t last long. We already noticed a lot more footsteps on the trails last time we were there, and that means more mud.
So, put on your hiking shoes and follow us on our favorite Lofoten hiking trails!
Note: While you can use public transportation in summer, a rental car is the best way to explore the islands. Flying to, and renting a car in Bodø and take it on the ferry might be cheaper than renting a car in the Lofoten.
Hiking in the Lofoten Islands: Our trail selection
Reinebringen
You might have seen the view from Reinebringen on social media. It’s just too “wow” not to share.
And the story of this trail is also incredible. A few years back, the hike started to gain popularity, resulting in an impracticable and dangerous path to the top. So, what did Norway do? They hired the most skilled mountaineers in the world. A team of Sherpas built stairs with over 1500 steps — large steps! —, almost all the way to the summit.
Easy, you might think? With an elevation of 448 meters on just 1 kilometer, it’s quite steep. OK, very steep. Ask your calves to let us know how they feel the next day!
And a piece of advice: Stop looking at the number of steps, it doesn’t help!
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Make sure to keep up with the last safety recommendations on the trail’s Facebook page. They rarely close the access, but they often strongly advise against climbing, especially in winter.
There are accidents, so be prepared for any weather and wear proper mountain shoes. We saw a group with sneakers, and it did not end well.
That being said, if you’re cautious, especially at the top — there’s often snow and ice — you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views you’ve ever seen.
On a practical side, you can park your rental car in Reine and then walk along the road until reaching the start of the trail. You’ll see some Tibetan flags!
Mount Ryten
Aaah, another favorite… and admittedly, one of our favorite views in the world. We’ve done it in summer and fall, and every time, the contrast of colors between the turquoise ocean, the golden sand and the green — or white — slopes is just unreal.
You can hike Mount Ryten solo — allow 4 to 6 hours total, depending on how wet the terrain is — or in a combo with Kvalvika Beach (see below) if the weather is not too bad. 68north has a fantastic map of both options.
Now part of the Lofotodden National Park, the trails are marked. They weren’t the first time we were there, resulting in an unexpectedly steep climb from the beach!
Just do like the sheep and don’t look down…
Eli overlooking Kalvika Beach from Mount Ryten. After waiting an hour, the clouds cleared up for the pic!
Kvalvika Beach
The trail for Kvalvika Beach typically starts from the parking area at Fredvang (same for Ryten), where you'll find a sign marking the beginning of the hike. Do a favor to the locals and pay attention to the “no parking” signs in front of some houses.
This easy hike usually takes around 2 to 4 hours total, depending on your pace and fitness level, and especially the mud situation.
The trail does ascend — you can’t really avoid that in the Lofoten —, but it’s not very steep.
Once you reach the pass, you'll witness a panoramic view of the beach and the turquoise waters.
Descend to the mighty Kvalvika Beach and spend time relaxing, or continue on to Mount Ryten. It’s also a popular camping spot, so you won’t be alone in summer.
We know the color of the water is inviting — irresistible, Eli would say — but swimming is NOT recommended due to strong currents and waves.
Røren
Røren/Ytresandheia is a fairly flat ridge, which makes it quite easy for all hiking levels. Allow roughly 2 hours total if the terrain is dry.
Unfortunately, in October, the snow was already so deep that, without snowshoes or skis, we had to turnaround halfway.
After a short ascension, you’ll get stunning views over the Caribbean-looking waters of Yttersand beach and the mountains of Flakstadøy in the distance. A true Lofoten postcard with a limited effort!
Yttersand Beach in October
Mannen
Another fairly easy hike, and another beautiful beach! Allow roughly 2 to 3 hours total.
Please note that if you have vertigo, some stretches edge very close to steep cliffs.
If you’re lucky to hike Mannen on a sunny day, you’ll have a hard time believing that you’re above the Arctic Circle:Lagoon-looking turquoise waters and impossibly green slopes.
Hike it on an icy day, though, and you’ll remember where you are. We even got a lovely snow storm at the top!
Just before the tunnel to Uttakleiv, a sizable parking area for Haukland is available. Mannen can be spotted rising above the tunnel.
Facing Mannen, the trail follows the gently rising ridge on the right side of the summit.
Take in the view: you don’t see this every day!
Uttakleiv and Haukland beaches are fantastic spots to watch the Northern Lights, if weather and solar activity allow. One of Eli’s pictures, taken at Haukland beach, was featured in My Aurora App.
Difficulty level for trails in Norway
Norwegians are not like us. Apparently, they’re born with skis and crampons.
In Norway, you’ll see parents climbing with a baby in their backpack, and toddlers running on trails where most of us would have a severe vertigo attack. Or at least a lot of respect for Mother Nature.
So, bear that in mind when check for trails difficulty level and estimated time. A hike that might be rated as “easy” and supposed to take “3 hours” in Norway, might be rated as “demanding” and estimated to last “5 hours” in a country like Spain!
Also, while the most popular trails are usually marked, most trails aren’t.
Always make sure to allow plenty of time to come back before dark, even if you’re an experienced hiker.
Also, in the Lofoten, relatively flat trails are very hard to find. So, at some point or another, you’ll have to climb.
Finally, if you don’t have any hiking experience, it might be a good idea to book a guided hike.
Don’t like the weather? Wait for 5 minutes
We’re used to crazy Arctic weather, but the Lofoten weather is next-level crazy.
In fact, it’s so unpredictable that you can’t really plan hikes ahead of time.
Summer offers milder temperatures and extended daylight hours, making it an ideal time for hiking. But the weather can still be unstable.
Personally, we love fall, when mountain summits are covered in a fresh blanket of snow, but the trails are still OK for hiking. Sure, you’ll get more rain, but fewer people hiking!
Pack safe
In October, practically every hike we did was rewarded by a snow or hail storm… and some Ballerina and Bixit cookies, hence Jake’s delighted face!
Check out our article on Arctic Foods to know more about these yummy cookies!
Pack layers, as you can get snow, rain, wind, sun and sleet in half an hour — in any season.
An extra pair of socks is also a good idea, and food, of course.
The best thing to do is to drive to the start of a trail, wait in your rental car if the weather is awful, and check the Norwegian weather page for the latest updates.
But there’s a silver lining to this. If you make it to the top and the views are hidden by the clouds, just wait half an hour. It might clear up for a few pics, an amazing sunset or even the Northern Lights!
And speaking of Northern Lights, definitely check the weather in different parts of the islands to drive to the clearest skies. You’ll find other tips in our article “Northern Lights for Dummies”.
There’s nothing like arriving to a super cozy, “hygge” accommodation after a strenuous hike in the Lofoten’s charming weather — note the sarcasm.
During this trip, we mostly stayed at Kaikanten Kro og Rorbu, which offers great value.
INRK Norwegian Jazz radio was playing when we arrived to the other lovely Rorbu we stayed at - booked last minute for a steal -, so here is a playlist to get you in the mood.
Light a candle, kick off your soaked hiking boots, get a hot chocolate and chillax… In our opinion, life doesn’t get better than this!
It might seem common sense, but respecting nature, being prepared for changing conditions, and embracing the raw beauty of the environment are essential for an unforgettable hiking experience in the mighty, majestic, grandiose — ok, we stop — Lofoten Islands.
If you don’t fall in love, well, we just won’t believe you.
