Reine, Norway

Population: 329
Location: Island of Moskenesøya on the Lofoten archipelago (over 100 km above the Arctic Circle).
Getting There: Reine is located 125 km west of the Svolvær Airport and 9 km east of Moskenes, the port of arrival for the ferry from Bodø. The village is on the E10, the scenic route across the Lofoten Islands.
Where to Stay: Rorbuer, historic fishing cabins renovated for tourists.

The breathtaking village of Reine is located on the island of Moskenesøya on northern Norway’s Lofoten archipelago. With red and white fishermen’s huts dotting the shoreline and surrounding peaks of granite shooting out of the Reinefjorden, the village has earned a reputation as “the most beautiful place in the world.”

Reine is our favorite destination on the Lofoten Islands. It is a quiet village—Henningsvær is a bit livelier—but for natural scenery it can’t be topped. Many of the best hikes on the Lofoten Islands are within a short distance of Reine and the fishing village of Å is less than 10 kilometers down the road. For kayaking, biking, and skiing in the winter, outfitter Reine Adventure has its office in town.

Some of the best rorbuer on the Lofoten Islands—traditional fishermen's cabins converted into accommodations for travelers—are in or near Reine (see Where to Stay in Reine). And a Coop Market is located in the center of the village, great for stocking up on supplies and having the option of cooking your own meals.

Things to Do in Reine

Hike Reinebringen (map)
If you had one hike to do on the Lofoten Islands, Reinebringen would be an excellent choice. This steep scramble leads to one the biggest viewpoints on all the Islands: an epic panorama of Reinefjorden and the Lofoten Wall.  The trail can be found west of town just past the tunnel. Reinebringen is only about 450 meters high but the hike is steep and slippery. Make sure to leave plenty of time to enjoy the views at the top.

Horseid and Bunes Beaches (map)
Two stunning beaches like across the Reinefjorden, and both require taking the morning ferry from Reine followed by a hike. To access Horseid Beach, take the 15-minute Fjordkyss morning ferry from Reine to the hamlet of Kjerkfjorden. 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 walking each way. To reach Bunes Beach, take the same morning ferry from Reine to the village of Vindstad. Follow the path northwest along the fjord, over the ridge, and down to the beach. The path is relatively easy and good for families. Make sure to be back at dock on time for the return ferry home.
 

Northern Lights
Every winter dedicated nature lovers and photographers flock to the north for a chance to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).  Nowhere is more pictuesuqe than Reine, and its location 100 kilometers above the Arctic Circle makes it prime for such viewing. You chances are best from September to April.  The Lofoten Islands are a stormy destination and you will need a window with decently clear skies, but if this occurs, the setting will be epic.

Kayak in the Reinefjorden
Reine is one of the premier kayaking destinations on the Lofoten Islands. For calmer conditions, try the interior waters of the Reinefjorden—the views are superb. Experienced kayakers looking for a full day on the water should consider the adventurous paddle from Reine to Å. A convenient kayak guiding or renting option is Reine Adventure, which is located in town near the Reine Rorbuer.


Visit the Village of Å
Less than 10 kilometers west of Reine is the terminus of the E10 (the road across the Lofoten Islands) and the scenic village of Å. At the very least, it’s a nice drive and the village itself is home to plenty of bright red fishermen’s cabins. The Norwegian Fishing Village Museum is located in Å, offering a look into life in villages and the Lofoten fishery over the centuries. For those interested in camping, Å has a formal campground and there is free camping on the point (the conditions can get very windy as we found out first hand).