Lofoten Islands, Norway – Best Hikes, Things to Do & Places to Stay

Best hikes, things to do, and places to stay in Norway’s most dramatic islands.

Hiking Reinebringen - worth every (icy) step

Last update. November 4, 2025

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.

We came for the trails — and found a lot more. From the best hikes to cozy rorbuer cabins and unforgettable local tours, here’s everything you need to plan your Lofoten adventure.

Getting around Lofoten
Public buses exist, but the best views hide far from any timetable. Rent a car, chase the light, and stop wherever the mountains tell you to.

Top Lofoten Tours
Not every fjord or peak needs to be driven to. These local tours cover sea safaris, kayaking, and photography adventures — the perfect start to planning your trip.

🧳 Field Notes

When we went: August and October.
Where we stayed: In traditional rorbuer cabins — red fishermen’s huts right on the water, cozy, creaky, and perfect after long hikes.
How we got around: By rental car, winding along the E10 between mountains and sea, with more photo stops than planned.
Highlights: Hiking Reinebringen for those insane views, exploring empty beaches like Kvalvika, and watching the northern lights several nights.
Mistakes we made: Underestimating the crazy weather — “clear” forecasts can turn to fog in five minutes, and rain finds every gap in your gear.

🗓️ When to see the northern lights in the Lofoten Islands

The aurora season in Lofoten runs from late September to early April, with the best viewing usually between December and February, when nights are longest and skies clearest.
For photo settings, gear advice, and the best Northern Lights destinations across Scandinavia, check out our full 👉 Northern Lights Hub.

Why visit the Lofoten Islands?

Because nowhere else feels quite like this. The Lofoten Islands are a string of jagged peaks and sleepy fishing villages scattered across Norway’s Arctic coast — a place where the air smells of salt and cod, and the light (or weather) never behaves.

Come in summer, and the midnight sun turns the mountains gold at midnight; visit in winter, and the Northern Lights dance over snow-covered harbors. It’s the kind of place that invites both quiet and adrenaline — hiking ridgelines one day, kayaking through glassy fjords the next.

The villages of Reine, Hamnøy, and Henningsvær look almost too perfect to be real — red rorbuer cabins perched above turquoise water, mountains rising straight out of the sea. Add in the chance to join Lofoten tours — sea safaris, island photography trips, even winter island tours under the aurora — and you’ve got a destination that’s equal parts raw nature and cozy humanity.

Best hiking in Lofoten

If you love hiking, be warned: Lofoten will ruin every other trail for you. These islands are built for boots and big views — narrow ridgelines, sea-sprayed cliffs, and beaches that appear out of nowhere between peaks. Hiking in Lofoten isn’t just about reaching summits; it’s about chasing light. Some days you climb through mist and come out above the clouds. Other days, the sun never sets and the world turns gold at midnight.

From famous Lofoten hiking trails like Reinebringen and Ryten to quieter gems like Offersøykammen, every path rewards the effort. Just pack for all seasons, even in July — the weather here likes to keep hikers humble (and patient).

Note before you put on your hiking shoes: Lofoten is remote, wild, and full of steep surprises — which is exactly why we love it. But a sprained ankle on a ridgeline or a missed ferry thanks to rogue weather can get expensive fast. We always travel with Heymondo Travel Insurance, and you get 5% off (sometimes up to 15%) through our link. It covers hiking, ferries, even lost luggage full of fish-shaped sweaters. Worth it for peace of mind in the Arctic wild.

Reinebringen

You might have seen the view from Reinebringen on social media. It’s just too “wow” not to share, and considered the best hiking in Lofoten.

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 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…

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!

Mannen

We had to drive across the island to Haukland beach for clear skies but it was worth it!

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.

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.
More tips to watch Lady Aurora here.

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!

More things to do in Lofoten (beyond hiking)

Just drive around the islands to find hidden gems!

Hiking might be the headline act, but there’s no shortage of adventures here. These are the best tours and things to do in Lofoten when your legs need a break (or when the weather insists on a Plan B).

Glide across still fjords on a kayaking tour, surrounded by silence broken only by oystercatchers and the splash of your paddle. It’s one of the easiest ways to see the islands up close — calm, meditative, and occasionally interrupted by a curious seal.

For something wilder, join a sea-eagle safari. Watching these enormous birds swoop down over the water feels cinematic — all wingbeats and spray and that distinct, untamed feel that defines Lofoten.

If you prefer a slower pace, head south to the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum in Å, where time seems to have stopped somewhere around 1890. You can walk through old fish-drying racks, cabins, and boats, and understand just how much cod built this archipelago.

And for the creatives: Lofoten’s light is addictive. Join a photography tour to chase the midnight sun or the Northern Lights — both are equally surreal, just in opposite seasons (check our Northern Lights Photography Tips).

Explore top-rated tours and experiences:

Where to stay in Lofoten

Wow, the view from our awesome rorbu near Reine

Whether you dream of waking up in a fisherman’s cabin or watching midnight light dance on the water, Lofoten has stays with soul. From traditional rorbuer to stylish hotels, every bed here comes with a view — mountains in one direction, sea in the other.

We stayed mostly in rorbuer — those iconic red wooden cabins perched on stilts above the fjord — and it’s hard to imagine a more Lofoten way to sleep. The smell of the sea drifts in at night, boats rock quietly below, and mornings start with coffee and gulls instead of alarm clocks.

On a budget? Look for hostels or simple guesthouses in Leknes and Å. Shared kitchens = more hiking snacks. There are also some surprisingly dreamy campsites, with fjord views that beat any 5-star hotel. If you don’t mind the driving, it’s usually cheaper to stay around Henningsvær and Stamsund than at “the end” of the islands. Also, make sure to check out our best tips to save on accommodation.

If you want to experience that magic for yourself, here are some of the best places to stay in Lofoten (more in our selection of the best hotels & rorbuer in the Lofoten Islands):

👉 Rostad Retro Rorbuer - We got a great last-minute deal, and that was probably the most amazing view we ever had. Book it here
👉 Eliassen Rorbuer, Hamnøy – Another postcard-perfect one. Bright red cabins facing the Reinefjord, ideal for photographers and anyone chasing that “is this real?” feeling. Book it here
👉 Kaikanten Kro og Rorbu - Great location to explore all the islands, northern lights right on the water, great café and awesome value. In October, we booked it for a steal! Book it here
👉 Sakrisøy Rorbuer, Reine – Family-run, cozy, and full of character. Great restaurant next door and unreal views from every cabin. Book it here
👉 Thon Hotel Svolvær – Modern comfort right on the harbor. Perfect if you want hotel amenities but still want to watch fishing boats drift by at sunrise. Book it here
👉 Henningsvær Bryggehotell – Chic meets Arctic. Sea views, art galleries nearby, and walking distance to the harbor cafés. Book it here
👉 Reine Rorbuer – A bit more vintage, with lots of history and charm. Great base for nearby hikes like Reinebringen. Book it here

🗺️ Map of our favorite stays in Lofoten:

Our selection of the best hotels & rorbuer in Lofoten

How to get to and plan your trip to the Lofoten Islands

Renting a car is the best way to explore the islands - We spotted (and scared) these moose at 7am on our way to a hike!

Getting to Lofoten feels like a small adventure in itself — part of the charm. Most visitors fly into Bodø, then take the ferry to Moskenes or a short flight to Leknes or Svolvær. The ferry is our pick: it’s dramatic, affordable, and the first taste of what’s to come — walls of mountains rising straight from the sea.

Once on the islands, public transport exists but it’s not ideal for explorers. Renting a car gives you total freedom to stop at roadside beaches, mountain trails, or any random café that looks too cute to ignore.
👉 Check car rentals in Lofoten

Pro tip: Flying to, and renting a car in Bodø and take it on the ferry might be cheaper than renting a car in the Lofoten.

If you’re coming between October and March, remember that Northern Lights season brings both magic and moody weather. Roads can get icy, ferries run less frequently, and a flexible mindset (and schedule) goes a long way.

Quick tips for planning your trip

🗓️ Book early – Rorbuer and ferries fill up fast. If you see a rorbu you love, grab it.
🧥 Pack for anything – Sun, wind, sideways rain, sometimes all before lunch.
🚐 Rent a car or camper – Best way to explore at your own pace.
💳 Get travel insurance – The weather rules here. Flights and ferries get delayed, so Heymondo is worth the peace of mind. Get 5-15% off if you book through us!
☕ Slow down – Distances look short on a map, but every curve hides another photo stop.

Category	Our Recommendation
Closest airport	Bodø (BOO) – ferry or short flight to Lofoten
Car rental	✅ Rentalcars – flexible pickup & best value
Accommodation	✅ Booking – live map of cabins & hotels
Travel insurance	✅ Heymondo – covers weather cancellations
Best season	Summer (June–August) for hikes · Winter (Oct–Mar) for Northern Lights
Average cost	€1,000–€1,600 / week for 2 people
Currency	Norwegian Krone (NOK)

🦅 Lofoten Wildlife & Sea Life

Lofoten’s waters are alive with orcas, sea eagles, puffins, and whales — especially between October and February when herring fill the fjords near Skrova and Andenes.
If you want to follow their journeys long after you’ve left, check out our partner Fahlo — their Wildlife Bracelets support marine research and let you track real wahles, dolphins, seals and sea turtles around the North Atlantic.
💙🐋 Our readers get 20% off through this link: Track a real whale with Fahlo

Difficulty level for trails in Norway

Ryten is considered easy by Norwegian standards - we respectfully disagree, especially in autumn with all the mud!

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!

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”.

Packing list for Lofoten hiking

Lofoten may look like a dream, but it hikes like a challenge. Weather flips, trails bite, and you’ll want to be ready. Here’s what to pack:

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.

Waterproof/GTX hiking boots – Traction + ankle support = your best friends.
Wool/merino layers – Even in summer, temps drop fast.
Rain jacket & windproof outer shell – You will get wind-slapped.
Thin gloves & beanie – For summit chills and sunrise hikes.
Daypack with hydration – Many hikes have no water sources.
Snacks that don’t crumble – Energy bars, not croissants (to be honest, we always pack Ballerina, Bixit cookies and other Nordic goodies).
Offline maps (like Maps.me) – Cell signal can be... mysterious.
Headlamp (even in summer) – Midnight sun doesn’t guarantee visibility on cloudy days.
Trekking poles (optional) – Great for steep or muddy descents.

Check our favorite Arctic Gear here.

More tips in our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide

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!

Lofoten hiking: FAQ

What is the best hike in the Lofoten Islands?

Reinebringen is the most iconic, but lesser-known trails like Ryten or Offersøykammen offer epic views without the crowds.

When is the best time to hike in Lofoten?

June to September offers 24-hour daylight, wildflowers, and (mostly) snow-free trails. June and September are best to beat the crowds.

Do I need a guide to hike in Lofoten?

Most trails are self-guided, but local guides are helpful for tougher routes and learning about the environment.

How difficult are the Lofoten hikes?

Many hikes in Lofoten are short but steep, with exposed ridges, rocky terrain, and sudden weather changes. Norway’s trail ratings tend to be tougher than what some travelers are used to — you’ll need to be reasonably fit and comfortable with uneven ground. Good shoes, layers, and a head for heights go a long way.

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.

Lofoten isn’t the kind of place you visit once. Between hikes, harbors, and skies that never stay the same color twice, it pulls you back. Plan a trip, pack your boots, and you’ll understand why it’s one of the most magical corners of Norway.

If you don’t fall in love, well, we just won’t believe you.

Ready for other adventures in Northern Norway & beyond? Check these guides:

🏠 Lofoten Hotels & Rorbuer — Fishermen’s cabins, sea views, and that Arctic calm you’ll wish you could pack home.
⛰️ Alta, Norway — Ice hotels, rock carvings, and one of the best places on Earth to spot the aurora.
🌌 Northern Lights Tours in Alta, Norway — Clear skies, quiet roads, and a front-row seat to the aurora.
🏨 Best Hotels in Tromsø — Cozy stays, fjord views, and a front-row seat to the Northern Lights.
🦌 Alta vs. Tromsø — How to choose the perfect Norwegian Arctic getaway.
🧖‍♀️ Bodø, Norway — Things to Do — Floating saunas, sea eagles, and the Arctic city everyone skips (and shouldn’t).
🧊 Svalbard & Jan Mayen — Polar bears, ghost towns, and next-level Arctic mystery in Norway’s far north.
🌊 Faroe Islands Guide — Clifftop hikes, puffins, waterfalls, and the place we chose to unofficially get married.
❄️ Our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide — How to explore, survive, and avoid becoming a polar bear’s lunch.
✨ Northern Lights for Dummies — How to actually see the aurora (without freezing your butt off or waiting 12 nights in vain).

Explore our Arctic Travel Hub

Lofoten Islands – A Hiking Paradise (and So Much More)