The Lofoten Islands are a grand stage for hiking. Many of the trails have far-reaching views of the mountain spires and sea, and they range from easy beach walks to steep, challenging treks into the Lofoten backcountry. The island of Moskenesøya makes a terrific base, although virtually everywhere on the Islands is close to a trail.

Digital maps are available by clicking the "map" link for each hike; trails are represented by the red dotted lines. Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) maps can be purchased through the DNT or locally in Norway. Those interested in hiring a guide should inquire with Reine Adventure. The weather is variable so bring layers and keep a close eye on the conditions. 
 

10 Great Hikes on the Lofoten Islands

1. Reinebringen (map; from Reine; short but challenging)
This viewpoint is one the biggest on all the Islands—a steep scramble to an epic panorama of Reinefjorden and the improbable Lofoten Wall. Reinebringen is only 448 meters high but the hike is essentially straight up, sometimes slippery, and challenging overall (2–3 hours round trip; leave plenty of time to enjoy the views at the top). From the parking area just outside of town toward the village of Å, the E10 passes through a tunnel (Ramsvikstunnelen). The hiking trail can be found on the other side of the tunnel where the paved footpath connects back to the road.
 

2. Horseid Beach
(map; ferry from Reine to Kjerkfjorden; moderate)
Start this hike by taking the 15-minute Fjordkyss morning ferry from Reine to the hamlet of Kjerkfjorden (departs from Reine at 8:00am in the high season). Upon disembarking, turn right from the pier and follow the signs to the trail. Horseid Beach, a magnificent patch of white sand surrounded by towering granite, is approximately two hours of easy walking in each direction (4 hours round trip). Pack a lunch and make sure to be back at Kjerkfjorden for the return ferry at 3:15pm (45 minutes back to Reine via Vindstand).
 

3. Bunes Beach (map; ferry from Reine to Vindstad; easy)
The walk to Bunes Beach is similar to Horseid beach only shorter. Take the same 8:00am Fjordkyss ferry from Reine to the village of Vindstad (25 minutes). At Vindstad follow the path northwest alongside the fjord, over the ridge, and down to the beach. The walking is relatively easy and good for families (approximately 1–1½ hours in each direction, 2–3 hours total). The return ferry leaves Vindstad at 3:25pm (35 minutes back to Reine).
 

4. Munkebu Hut (map; from Sørvågen; moderate to challenging)
This intermediate-grade hike starts from Sørvågen, 1.5km east of the village of Å and the end of the E10, and rises through the Lofoten backcountry past four lakes en route to the stunning Munkebu hut. The trip takes approximately 2½–3 hours each way with a 450 meter vertical rise (some sections require scrambling but metal supports are provided). Munkebu is also used as an overnight basecamp for hiking to the summit of Hermannsdalstinden (see below). The path begins from Lake Sørvågvatet and crosses over a series of ridges toward the hut. Munkebu is locked and cannot be opened with the normal DNT key; the Munkebu key can be obtained at Sørvågen Commerce (tel. 76 09 12 15) with a DNT membership card.
 

5. Munkebu Hut to Hermannsdalstinden Summit
(map; from Sørvågen; challenging)
At an altitude of 1,029 meters, Hermannsdalstinden is the highest mountain in western Lofoten and offers the single most breathtaking view of the Islands (second place is Reinebringen). The hike is difficult with steep, exposed sections, loose rock, and potentially high winds. From Munkebu hut to the summit takes 6–8 hours round trip—fast and experienced trekkers can do the full hike from Sørvågen in a very long day (11–14 hours total). The most logical plan, however, is to stay at the hut or camp and enjoy the hike to the summit during the calmer morning weather.
 

6. Glomtinden (map; from Henningsvær; easy to moderate)
This short and steady hike up Glomtinden (419m) ends with nice views, including the mountain of Vågakallen (943m) set against the ocean to the south, and the town of Svolvaer to the east. The round trip takes approximately 2 hours with an elevation gain of 300m. From Henningsvær, take the main road north and turn right at the E10. The trail begins at the first left hand turnoff after the road hits the lake (Rørvikvatnet).
 

7. Værøy (map; moderate)
Værøy is a remote and underappreciated island on the Lofoten archipelago, most likely because getting there requires a ferry from Bødo or Moskenes. A terrific hiking route curves along its northern coast and crosses over to the deserted fishing village of Mostad (4–6 hours round trip; 10km). The trailhead starts 300m west of the old airstrip. Desintation Lofoten provides an excellent map of Værøy.
 

8. Justadtinden
(map; from Stamsund; moderate)
This is a gentle, longer walk (12km round trip) to one of Vestvågøy's highest peaks at 738m. The mountains of Vestvågøy aren’t as dramatic as those on Moskenesøya, but the hike to Justadtinden offers a nice range of Lofoten scenery and is one of the easiest, big views on the Islands. Access to the trail is approximately 4km east of Leknes on the 815 toward Stamsund.
 

9. Å to Stokkavika 
(map; from Å; moderate)
This hike crosses the outer edge of Moskenesøya with western views along the way. Allow 6-8 hours for the round trip, which has steep sections and can be soggy.
 

10. Nusfjord to Nesland
(map; from Nusfjord; moderate) 
Start from the bay in Nusfjord (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on Moskenesøya, and follow the coastal path south to Nesland. The round trip takes approximately 3–4 hours with moderate scrambling. Inquire in Nusfjord before you set out for a map and more details.

More on the Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands, Norway
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Rorbuer of the Lofoten Islands
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Lofoten Islands Outdoors
Despite the Arctic location, the Lofoten Islands present myriad ways to get outdoors, and no setting is cooler or more unique. You can bike scenic roads, kayak between fishing villages, climb sheer granite walls, fish like a local, camp on white sand beaches, and even surf above the 68th parallel north!... Read More