13 Best Hikes in Lofoten ✔️ Including My Hidden Gems

I went to Lofoten to hike and hike I did! While living in these magical islands for nearly a year I explored every inch I could in order to provide you with the best guides possible. So with that said, I can say with all the certainty I possess that these are the absolute best hikes in Lofoten to consider including in your itinerary.

Of course, I understand that most of you don’t have the time to complete all these hikes so to help you choose the best ones for you, I’ve included the duration, location and difficulty of each hike. Plus you’ll also see that I included some of my suggestions for the best hikes for different interests (with dogs, for beginners, family-friendly and more).

So let’s get started!

Bags Always Packed is a reader-supported site which means some of the links on this page may be affiliates. I spend a lot of time researching these hotels, tours and products and only recommend those which I would use myself. Booking your trip through my links is a great way for you to support my work for free, as I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. ♡

Quick Summary

If you just came here to find an amazing Lofoten hiking map, look no further. Above is a map of Norway which includes all the best hikes, activities, scenic routes, accommodations and more. I developed this during my 2-year road trip around the country to help you save time when planning your own trip.

Plus for a quick overview of the best hikes in Lofoten, you can always check out the table below with my ultimate favourites!

Things to Know Before Hiking in Lofoten

Before we dive right into my list of the best hiking trails in the Lofoten Islands, there are a few things that you need to consider when planning a hiking trip to Lofoten. I put this section right at the top of my post as knowing these few things in advance will help you understand the requirements of each hike much better.

Weather

Forget all the blue skies and sunshine that you always see of Lofoten on Instagram. In reality, the Lofoten Islands have some of the most unpredictable weather of anywhere I have ever been (and I don’t say that lightly).

When we first arrived in Lofoten in July we managed to squeeze onto the last ferry before a 10-day long storm rolled in (which caused all ferries to be cancelled). As you can imagine, storms on these tiny arctic islands sticking out into the Atlantic are brutal. We spent the entire time huddled in our van praying we wouldn’t be blown away. I can tell you, running to the bathroom in torrential rains and gale-force winds felt like a life-or-death situation.

Of course, these crazy storms don’t happen every day but they do happen every year in every season. Outside of this, it’s not uncommon to have high winds, low clouds, rain and even snow at any point during the summer which can turn even the easiest hike deadly. I found YR to have the most accurate weather forecasts in Lofoten.

TOP TIP: Allow extra time in your itinerary for bad weather. There is plenty to fill your extra days if you are lucky enough to have everything go to plan, it’s better to have additional days to allow for Lofoten’s unpredictable weather than miss out on a bucket list hike.

I am not trying to scare you off visiting Lofoten entirely (there’s a reason this incredible place is so popular) but I think it is important that you come with adjusted expectations and are prepared for the worse.

Also, make sure to pack appropriate clothes. While it may look tropical in photos with its turquoise waters and pristine beaches, I can count on my fingers the number of days it was over 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) in the entire year we lived there.

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Difficulty

Hikes in Norway are hard! For some reason, Norwegians think the best way to get up a mountain is to go straight up and most of their hiking trails do just that!

Thankfully the mountains in Lofoten are not too high, so overall the difficulty of hikes in Lofoten is somewhat “easier” than in southern Norway. But with that being said they are still super steep and can be exposed, so be ready to sweat!

An “easy” hike here could be considered medium or even hard in North America so make sure to do plenty of research to properly understand the conditions of each one. I’ve done my best to describe the difficulties for the average hiker but of course, these ratings will be different from person to person.

Parking

Aside from the handful of hikes that start right from a village in Lofoten, most of the hikes in Lofoten have very few parking options at the trailhead.

This combined with the island’s popularity means that getting a parking spot right at the trailhead in Lofoten can be a near impossible feat. I always recommend planning for an early or late hike to avoid the crowds as much as possible, this is generally your best shot at getting a parking spot too.

It’s not uncommon for there to only be 3-4 spaces (if any) at a trailhead in Lofoten. If you cannot find a space, you’ll have to drive further up the road until you can find somewhere to safely stop off the road.

NOTE: Sometimes this can be kilometres away and other times there just simply isn’t any space. While you can circle a few times in hopes that someone will leave soon, do not stop on the road. The roads in Lofoten are very narrow and people parking partially on the road has become very dangerous over the years.

Accessibility

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Renting a car is the best way to explore Lofoten as it allows you to discover every part of this beautiful island chain. If you don’t have access to a car, you’ll need to consider the accessibility of each of these hikes before adding it to your itinerary.

While there are a handful of public buses as well as hop-on-hop-off tour buses that will get you to most spots, these only run in the high season (July/August) and do not drop off near many of the best hikes in Lofoten.

I’ve listed some of the most accessible hikes to get to without a car below to save you some time in figuring out the logistics.

Alternatively, in the summer you can hitchhike nearly anywhere in Lofoten. There are seriously so many tourists and fellow hikers going everywhere that you won’t have to wait long for a lift. Just make sure to hike in the most popular part of the day to ensure you don’t end up stranded after a sunset hike.

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Best time to Hike in Lofoten

As I already emphasized above, the weather in Lofoten can be pretty gnarly all year round. That being said, you can also have perfectly warm and sunny weather in late September – it all depends on the year.

To give yourself the best chance of success, I recommend visiting in late July- August as this usually has the best weather for hiking. Note that this is also the busiest season for the islands so don’t expect to have many summits to yourself.

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13 Best Hikes in Lofoten, Norway

Now we’ve covered some of the important facts, without further ado here are the top hikes in Lofoten that I recommend you add to your itinerary.

1. Ryten

While most people will put Reinebringen at the top of their list of best hikes in Lofoten, I wholeheartedly believe that Ryen deserves the top spot.

This relatively easy hike (by Norwegian standards) has a huge reward with incredible views along the entire route. This is a Lofoten panorama that has it all; mountains, beaches, sea cliffs and the best sunset of your life.

The first time I hiked this it was a magical night under the midnight sun. With an uninterrupted view to the west, I witnessed both a magical sunset and sunrise within a couple of hours at the summit.

Most people will know this hike as the Trolltunga of Lofoten thanks to the large rock that seemingly sticks out over a sheer drop. While it’s quite safe to sit on this rock as there is a ledge just a few meters below it, with the risk of sounding like a parent, please do not risk it if there are less than perfect conditions. It can get ferociously windy up here and a photo is simply not worth your life.

I recommend also walking further up from the main summit cairn to also enjoy the views from neighbouring Middagstinden. Plus, the hike to Ryten can also be joined with Kvalvika Beach (#7 on this list) if you want a more strenuous circuit.

TOP TIP: This is an incredible sunset hike in Lofoten! I set off at 9 pm (Golden hour in July) and got hours of warm yellows and brilliant reds and pinks reflecting off the surrounding mountains.

Getting There: Healing south of Ramberg, cross the Fredvang bridges and continue until you reach a T intersection. Turn left and drive to the end of the road where you will find a paid parking lot. It costs 100 NOK (€8.50) by card or cash to the gate attendant but you can stay overnight here and there is a bathroom onsite.

2. Offersøykammen

This is a local favourite in Lofoten and also one of my personal favourite hikes here. Another straightforward hike with an incredible payoff, located at the very southern edge of Vestvågøy, this peak stands above many different beaches, lakes and inlets giving you a beautiful panorama of the surrounding landscapes.

Of course, it helps that I hiked it with a group of friends on the first sunny day after a long storm, but I can tell you this place is nothing short of magical.

It’s unlikely you’ll be alone here as Offersøykammen is getting more and more popular by the year, but there’s plenty of space for everyone to find their own viewpoint to enjoy.

NOTE: There are multiple trailheads for this hike with the most popular being across the road from Lofoten Basecamp. This trail is quite relentless and goes straight up the entire way so I actually recommend the trail which begins on the east side of the Nappstråumtunnelen tunnel. This hike is a little longer but much more gentle meaning you only have to deal with the steepness for a short section before the summit.

Getting There: Continue driving south along the E10 past Leknes for about 10 minutes. After passing Lofoten basecamp but just before entering the Nappstraum Tunnel, take the small gravel road to your left leading down to a large parking area with space for around 20 cars. Walk to the far end of the parking lot where you will find a trail leading into the trees, follow this as it crosses above the tunnel, heading up the hill to your right.

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3. Reinebringen

For the classic Lofoten postcard view, I can’t ignore the famous Reinebringen. Get ready for a workout as this hike consists of nearly 2000 stone stairs leading you to a tiny summit (with a million people).

Being so close to the village of Reine (and so popular on Instagram), the spectacle here doesn’t just come from the picture-perfect views. It’s not uncommon to see an endless stream of unprepared tourists attempting this hike in flip-flops, high heels and all kinds of inappropriate attire.

NOTE: Please don’t be one of the unprepared tourists! Even though this hike is well maintained, it’s not to be taken lightly, Reinebringen is hard and the exposure is no joke! Many people have died on this summit either by getting too close to the edge or attempting to scale this mountain in unfavourable conditions. This is NOT A WINTER HIKE. This area is very prone to avalanches, cornices and generally bad conditions so please follow all closures and pay attention to the warning signs.

Getting there: Park in the village of Reine and walk back towards the E10 (the main road through Lofoten), turn left when you arrive at the main road and follow the path that runs parallel to the road and behind the tunnel. After about 5 mins you will see a sign for the Reinebringen trail where the staircase begins.

4. Festvågtinden

Festvågtind is another spot that’s gaining more and more popularity on Instagram but thankfully it hasn’t yet been taken over by the masses.

Located just outside of Henningsvaer, this hike is quite steep but oh so worth it for views of turquoise waters and dramatic fjords surrounding the tiny connected islands of Henningsvaer. The sea feels like it goes on forever from up here and Henningsvaer looks like a toy village, it really puts things into perspective!

The main viewpoint up here is to your left when you reach the summit but there is another photo spot to your right which is where you’ll find all the Instagram girlies sitting on a rock sticking out of the cliff.

To be honest, the trail to this vantage point was so secret that even I didn’t find it. While I’m fairly sure I was on the right path, it became too dangerous to continue in the conditions I had so I aborted the mission and had to be satisfied with my pictures from just below (still incredibly gorgeous).

NOTE: This hike is very steep and requires a little bit of scrambling at various points throughout the trail. While it is very doable for anyone with a little hiking experience, save it for when conditions are perfect as it can get dangerous when slippery.

Getting There: Turn off the E10 towards Henningsvaer and drive around 5km. Here there is a paid parking lot next to some large buildings, this is the easiest place to get a spot. Alternatively, continue driving past a few large bends and you will see a small pull-out on the right with space for just a few cars. The trail begins between the two parking areas so walk along the road until you see a trail heading up a large boulder field on the inside of the road.

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5. Håen, Værøy

Håen is another one of Lofoten’s many Instagram famous hikes but since it’s not located on the main chain of islands, this one is still relatively quiet.

For a hike that makes you feel like you’re quite literally at the end of the earth, once you make it to the island of Vaeroy, Håen is quite straightforward and not very difficult at all!

The majority of the hike is up a paved mountain road which leads you to a NATO station. Since the road is closed to public traffic, you don’t need to worry about cars and can focus on spotting the small human-made caves that were used to catch eagles by hand! You’ll find these scattered amongst the scrub next to the road so keep your eyes peeled.

Once you reach the NATO station you will see some scary-looking no-photography signs, you need to walk past these signs and continue on the obvious path through the vase to reach the famous viewpoint on the cliff. I don’t know exactly how NATO feel about this but I haven’t heard of anyone having any problems.

If you want to turn this hike into a loop you can follow the ridge to Hornskaret for another summit before returning to the trailhead.

Getting There: After taking a ferry from either Moskenes (Lofoten) or Bodø to Værøy, drive 10 minutes northwest. You’ll drive through the town of Sørland and arrive at the cross-country ski area where you will find the free parking and trailhead. It may not look legit, but it’s okay, you can park near the blue buildings.

6. Mannen

This is a great hike if you don’t have much time or want to squeeze something extra into your day.

Sitting above the famous Haukland beach, after a short assent you’ll get stunning views of white sand and surfers contrasted with the green slopes of the surrounding mountains.

This trail can get very muddy and the top section is quite exposed (we felt like we were going to be blown off the edge when I hiked it) so it wouldn’t be my first pick if you’re afraid of heights. but for everyone else, it’s certainly something I recommend adding to your list for a sunny day.

Getting There: Park at Haukland Beach, cross the road and take the smaller road that goes up to the right of the tunnel (there is a car barrier but you can just go around). Continue up the road for a couple of hundred meters until you see a trail going up the hill on your left just before the lake.

7. Kvalvika Beach

As I mentioned before, you get an epic view of the pristine Kvalvika Beach from the top of Ryten (my favourite hike in Lofoten), and you can even join these two into one gorgeous hiking loop. But for those of you who feel Ryten is a little out of reach or simply want to hike them separately, there is a much more moderate trail that takes you directly to this stunning beach.

While there are plenty of jaw-dropping beaches to explore in Norway, Kvalvika is definitely one of the best beaches in the Lofoten Islands. Make sure to look for the secret little rock hut built into the rocks here. It was actually made by some surfers who decided to spend a winter living at Kalvika and built it entirely using things that washed up on the shore! Check out the documentary about them here.

Something that makes it even more special is that it is only accessible by foot. The hike itself is quite straightforward but can be incredibly muddy. The worst parts of the trail have boardwalks to use but if you’re hiking this in the rain then you’ll still want some waterproof shoes for sure! Other than that, the trail gradually makes its way up around 200m in elevation to the saddle where you will get your first glimpse of the beach. Continue down the other side of the saddle to reach one of the prettiest beaches you will ever see!

TOP TIP: There is EXTREMELY limited parking for this hike so arrive super early if you want a spot. There is space for 2-3 cars at the trailhead and a few more small pull-outs up the road but you may have to go a couple of km.

Getting There: Turn off the E10 after Ramburg (if coming from the North) and head 5 mins past Fredvang to the trailhead.

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8. Flakstadtinden

During the summers, one of my favourite places to park our van and enjoy the sunshine was at Skagsanden Beach, just below the mighty Flakstadtinden. Naturally, we wanted to see it from the top too!

Flakstadtinden is one of the most underrated hikes in Lofoten and a bit of a hidden gem that locals like to keep to themselves.

After a gruellingly steep assent, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of dramatic mountains, lush green fields, white sand beaches and of course the unique two-tone turquoise waters of Flakstadpollen (Flakstad Bay). There’s even an information board at the top to tell you which peak sare which!

Don’t get me wrong, you will need to work for the views but this short and steep hike can easily be done within a couple of hours.

NOTE: Parts of this trail as well as the summit itself is very exposed on this hike and there is not a lot of space to move around. I wouldn’t recommend Flakstadtinden to anyone who is afraid of heights, has limited experience or large groups.

Getting There: There is space for 1-2 small cars at the trailhead right off the E10, just past the Flakstad Church. From here you simply pass through the gate and follow the well-worn trail. If the parking is full, you can park at the church or the Skagsanden Beach parking and walk back up the road to begin the hike.

9. Fløya & Djevelporten

Standing proud above the town of Svolvær, the hike to Floya is yet another popular hike with a great reward-to-effort ratio. While its proximity to the town may have quite an influence on the hike’s popularity, Djevelporten certainly contributes another huge chunk.

As Ryten is Lofoten’s answer to Trolltunga, Djevelporten is its answer to Kjeragbolten.

Also known as the “Devil’s Gate”, around ¾ of the way to the top of Floya you will find a large boulder wedged between two cliffs, seemingly suspended in mid-air. This is the Djevelporten!

While nothing can ever be guaranteed in nature, it’s generally accepted that this rock is well and truly wedged which allows you to stand on top for an epic photo!

I can tell you that this isn’t for the faint-hearted… I hiked this one alone and had to ask a fellow hiker to take my picture. As you can probably tell from the blurry photo, she was far from comfortable watching me brave the rock.

NOTE: It’s also worth noting that snow can linger on this hike for quite a while. When I hiked Fløya at the end of April, the first section of steps was deceptively dry until I reached the first plateau. From here onwards the snow was still at least thigh deep and I didn’t actually make it all the way to Fløya as I decided that the last stretch seemed like too much of an avalanche risk.

Getting There: There is a large parking lot at the trailhead for this hike just outside downtown Svolvaer that costs 45 NOK (€4) per hour or 300 NOK (€26) a day but take note that it is usually full by 10/11 am during the summer. If you don’t want to pay for parking you can also walk from downtown (park near Circle K for a shorter distance) which will add around an extra 1.5km (1 mile) each way. The trail starts at the east end of the lot where you will see a sherpa trail heading off into the trees.

10. Kitinden

If you’re up for a challenge and not going to be sole crushed if you don’t reach the summit, Kitinden is a great hike that is way off the radar of most visitors to Lofoten. In fact, many people who do find this hike never even make it to the top due to the precarious nature of this hike (myself included). While it may sound daunting, it just means if you do make it to the top you’ll feel like you’ve conquered the world!

Don’t let the mellow start lull you into a false sense of security, this hike gets more extreme the further you go. By the top, you may even feel as though you are conquering a dramatic alpine peak due to the exposure, but the endless arctic landscapes will remind you exactly where you are!

Unfortunately, as this hike is extremely steep and exposed, it means you can only really hike it safely in perfect weather. We started the hike in low clouds with nothing but hopes and dreams that the weather would clear. In our case (a case which is common in Lofoten), instead it took a turn for the worse. Rain, thunder, lightning and insane winds rolled in and didn’t show any signs of leaving. While we were standing on the plateau trying to decide whether to continue, two separate groups came down who had turned around not far from the summit due to the sketchy conditions.

For those like me who had to turn around, take solace in the fact that you should be able to make it to the Vestervika Beach viewpoint which reveals itself after you reach the first plateau. This alone is worth the half-hike!

Getting There: Finding the trailhead is the first battle of this hike. Drive past all the Kvalvika Beach parking spots and continue a couple of hundred meters past the Vestervika trailhead until you reach a small pull-out around here. There are a few trails that meander up the hill but they all join back together again eventually.

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11. Hestræva

For those of you who are looking for some solitude, this is the hike for you! Hestræva is so far off the beaten path that we didn’t see a single other person on the trail here, a welcome relief after spending a busy summer in the Lofoten Islands.

While the hike itself is pretty mellow, the views of Flakstadpollen Bay and the dramatic peaks surrounding it will knock your socks off. I wouldn’t blame you if you thought you were in the Caribbean as the two blue tones of Flakstadpollen certainly look like a tropical destination.

We chose this hike on a typical cloudy, windy and a little stormy summer day in Lofoten as it was relatively low risk. While the conditions were fine for us, note that the trail can get extremely muddy in spring and autumn and the last pitch is essentially a shale slope which can get slippery. So just be prepared!

Getting There: Drive north of Ramberg, past Flakstad Beach and continue on until you see a small pull-out on the left-hand side of the road around here. 3-4 cars can park here and the trail starts at the farm just across the road.

Walk up the farm’s driveway, past the barn and look out for a sign that reads “Skogsstien”. You’ll also have to pass through an electric fence, don’t worry, it’s allowed.

12. Munken & Munkebu Hut

I couldn’t write this list without including the breathtaking Munken and Munkebu hut hikes! These two hikes are often combined into one epic outing with an overnight stay surrounded by endless peaks.

Hiking to Munkebu Hut is already one of the longest day hikes in the Lofoten Islands, so if you want to continue onto Munken, it’s best to either camp or stay a night at the hut. While the trail itself is quite moderate with a gradual incline for most of the hike, the distance is considerable when compared to many of Lofoten’s other most famous hikes, especially if you are carrying a large backpack. Don’t worry, I promise the views are worth it!

NOTE: Munkebu Hut is a DNT cabin so it can only be booked if you are a member of the Norwegian Trekking Association and you will need to pick up a key from the Reine tourist information center in advance.

Getting There: Driving toward the southern tip of Lofoten, just before you reach Å, you will pass through the village of Sørvågen. Look out for the large lake on your right-hand side, drive to the southern side and look out the road sign indicating hike parking (also on your right). Drive up this road to the marked parking lot where you will find the trailhead.

13. Hermannsdalstinden

If you’re up for a challenge, Hermannsdalstinden will for sure offer an incredible reward for your efforts. One of the highest peaks in the Lofoten Islands, this hike is not to be underestimated

There are two ways to hike Hermannsdalstinden. You can either continue on from Munkebu Hut for a long but more gradual assent or take the ferry to Forsfjord where the trail is much shorter but goes straight up!

If you have time, I recommend making it into a loop and combining the trip with Munken and an overnight stay at the Munkebu Hut. Whichever you choose, expect a strenuous hike including a bit of rock hopping and chain-assisted scrambling leading to unbeatable views of the surrounding mountains.

Getting There: If starting from Munkebu Hut, follow the hiking directions above and continue past the hut looking for a steep trail to the right. From the Forsfjord ferry, walk to the right of the power station building where you will find the trail leading up the mountains.

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Other Great Hikes in the Lofoten Islands

Easy Hikes for Beginners in the Lofoten Islands

While the majority of the most famous Lofoten hikes are moderate to hard in difficulty, there are plenty of easier options to fill your itinerary if you are a beginner hiker.

Here is a list of beginner-friendly hikes in the Lofoten Islands that I suggest trying out. Note that these are still “hike” with a bit of elevation and some tricky terrain at times. I’ve listed them from easiest to hardest but if you’re looking for even more gentle options, check out my family-friendly recommendations below.

• Bunes Beach – Starting with a boat ride from Reine to Vindstad, this easy coastal walk is about 4 km (2.5 miles) round-trip on a fairly flat and straightforward trail. The path to Bunes Beach has a minimal elevation gain of around 80 meters (262 feet) but can be uneven and slightly rocky in sections.
• Kvalvika Beach – The trail to Kvalvika Beach is about 4 km (2.5 miles) round-trip with an elevation gain of 180 meters (591 feet). It’s a bit steeper but still manageable for beginners, with a mix of rocky and muddy sections leading to a secluded beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
• Hoven – This is a gentle and well-marked trail that leads to panoramic views of the surrounding islands The hike has a gradual assent and minimal technical challenges during the 3 km (1.9 miles) with an elevation gain of 368 meters (1,207 feet).
• Mannen – This one has a moderate ascent with a distance of around 4 km (2.5 miles) round-trip and an elevation gain of 400 meters (1,312 feet). The trail offers stunning views over Haukland Beach and the surrounding mountains, with a relatively short but rewarding climb.
• Ballstadheia – For something a little more challenging hike with a length of about 6 km (3.7 miles) round-trip and an elevation gain of 513 meters (1,683 feet), this trail is rugged in places, but it rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Ballstad and the surrounding fjords and is very doable for beginners.
• Hestræva – With a distance of around 7 km (4.3 miles) round-trip and an elevation gain of 562 meters (1,844 feet), Hestraeva is a bit steeper and more rugged, than the other hikes on this beginner’s list, but the summit offers sweeping views of the Lofoten archipelago, making it a satisfying accomplishment for those up for the challenge.

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Family-friendly hikes in Lofoten

If you’ve got older children with a little hiking experience, the beginner hikes above can be great choices for adventurous families. But for those of you with younger kids or anyone who is simply looking for a more casual walk with wide paths and relatively little elevation gain, here are some great coastal walks to try.

Most of these hikes are point-to-point and can cover quite long distances. I recommend being flexible in your destination and simply turning around whenever you feel you’ve gone far enough.

• Storvatnet Lake Loop – This is an easy, family-friendly hike that circles a serene lake, perfect for a leisurely walk with kids. The loop is around 3 km (1.9 miles) long with a minimal elevation gain of just 50 meters (164 feet).
• Eggum to Unstad – This scenic coastal hike is great for families as it offers a relatively flat trail with stunning ocean views. The trail is about 7 km (4.3 miles) one way, with an elevation gain of around 100 meters (328 feet) and there are even some artworks to admire towards the beginning.
• Haukland Beach to Uttakleiv Beach – The trail from Haukland Beach to Uttakleiv Beach is a family favourite as it features a well-maintained path that winds along the coast. It’s about 4 km (2.5 miles) one way with a gentle elevation gain of 100 meters (328 feet).
• Nusfjord to Nesland – This moderately easy hike from Nusfjord to Nesland follows an old fisherman’s trail giving you a taste of Lofoten’s cultural heritage. The trail is approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 150 meters (492 feet), featuring rocky sections but overall manageable for families with older children.
• Rørvika to Flakstad – Another great short and scenic coastal walk, this trail is about 2 km (1.2 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 60 meters (197 feet), offering beautiful views of the coastline and easy access to the swimmable beach at Flakstad.

Best Winter Hikes in Lofoten

Despite the fact I have given you so many great recommendations of the best hikes in Lofoten throughout this article, it’s worth noting that not all of them can be hiked in winter, even with the use of snowshoes.

If you haven’t picked up on it already, most of the mountains in the Lofoten Islands are incredibly steep which can make them very dangerous if not impossible to climb safely in the winter.

In fact, unless you have avalanche equipment and experience in winter hiking, I recommend hiring a guide if you want to tackle any of these peaks in the winter months. At the very least, please ask the information center or your hotel reception about trail conditions, even the seemingly subdued coastal paths can be at risk of avalanches coming from the slopes above.

Here are the best winter hikes in Lofoten:

• Offersøykammen – Start from the eastern entrance to the Nappstraum tunnel as this makes the beginning of the hike much less steep.
• Ryten (Make sure to take this route in the link as this is the safest winter route).
• Kvalvika Beach
• Haukland to Uttakleiv
• Eggum to Unstad

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Best Hikes in Lofoten to Do Without a Car

If you’re visiting in July and happy to hitchhike, you shouldn’t have a problem getting to any of the hikes I’ve talked about above. However, if you are planning on relying only on public transport, your options can be a little limited, especially if you’re visiting outside of peak season.

Here are the hikes you can easily access using the public bus network in Lofoten and where to get off:

• Offersøykammen – Stop at Offersøy
• Reinebringen – Stop at Reinebringen
• Fløya – Stop at Svolvaer Øst, Circle K or Svolvaer Skole
• Festvågtind – Stop at Festvåg
• Flakstadtinden – Stop at Lofoten Beach Camp
• Munken / Munkebu Hut – Stop at Sørvagen Skole
• Hermannsdalstinden – Stop at Sørvagen Skole

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Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Lofoten Islands

Most hikes in the Lofoten Islands are dog-friendly as long as you keep them on a leash. As per Norwegian laws, dogs must be on leash at all times between April 1st and August 20th to protect local farm animals and wildlife.

All other times of the year you should also keep your dog on a leash when hiking in areas with livestock such as sheep or cows (which can be literally anywhere). Sheep are often left to graze freely in Norway which means it’s not uncommon to come across a flock in the middle of the trail. It’s also important to note that should an unfortunate incident occur and your dog manages to kill a sheep, the owner is allowed to choose their own consequence for your pup. In short, it’s not worth the risk!

Of course, the steeper and more technical hikes like Hermannsdalstinden are not going to be doable with a dog (unless you carry them for large portions of the trail), so I recommend sticking to the ones I have marked as easy or moderate.

Lofoten Island Hiking Tours

Weather you’re hesitant about hiking on your own or simply want a guide to enhance your experience in the Lofoten Islands, here are all the best Lofoten Island hiking tours for you to book.

Summer hiking tours:

• Hiking Into the Wilderness Of the Lofoten Islands Norway – Private hiking tour catered to your group’s abilities and preferences.
• Private Exclusive Boat Sightseeing and Mountain Hike in Leknes – This private tour combines a boat ride through Nappstraumen with a little sightseeing in Nusfjord and an epic mountain hike complete with coffee and cinnamon buns.
• Lofoten Wildlife Safari – Join a local wildlife photographer to find some of Lofoten’s beautiful creatures for 3.5 – 6 hours. Note that this is more of a photography tour than a hiking-focused tour.

Winter hiking tours:

• Svolvaer: Snowshoeing Half Day – Join a group snowshoe adventure departing from Svolvaer. This half-day trip is perfect if you want a decent taste of the winter mountains of Lofoten.
• Svolvær: Snowshoe Nature Explorer – After getting geared up in Svolvaer, you’ll be whisked away to your destination where you will spend 3 hours snowshoeing in pristine nature.
• Snowshoeing in Vågan, Lofoten – Custom-made tours which will help you reach a suitable peak with great views, regardless of your abilities.
• From Leknes/Svolvaer: Lofoten Private Snowshoeing w Transfer – This is another private winter hiking tour that is totally customizable including multiple different hikes in one day plus a nighttime option!

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20+ Lofoten Tours to Book for an Epic Adventure ✔️ With prices!

What to Pack for Hiking in Lofoten

When hiking in the Lofoten Islands I always recommend you pack for all weather. Even if the forecast is amazing blue skies and warm temperatures, don’t rely on it!

In addition to packing all types of layers for both wind, rain and cold, I also recommend you pack extra sturdy hiking boots. As many of these hikes go straight up the side of a mountain and/or include a little scrambling, it’s super important to have sturdy hiking boots that will support your ankles.

For most of these hikes, hiking boots are the way to go. The extra ankle support and durability will help you out on the rugged terrain since they’re designed to handle tougher trails and will keep your feet protected all day long.
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Hiking poles are great for steep, rocky, or exposed trails where you need a little extra balance. They’re like having an extra pair of legs to help keep you steady. I also always pack poles when backpacking with a heavy pack as they make a massive difference in reducing strain on your knees.
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I never go anywhere without a lightweight Gore-Tex rain jacket like this one, especially if the weather is unpredictable. This one is my favourite because it’s super lightweight, breathable, layer-able, and completely waterproof, so you’ll stay dry without overheating
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It never hurts to be prepared and a puffer jacket is always a smart addition when you’re heading into higher elevations. It’s lightweight and packable so you’ll be happy you have it when you need it.
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I always make sure to bring a first aid kit when heading outdoors. Even if it’s a simple hike and you’re not expecting any issues, you never know and it’s better to be prepared with band-aids, antiseptic, and painkillers, just in case.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell I love hiking? (I hope you do too if you’ve made it this far through the post!).

As you can see there is an endless list of incredible hikes in the Lofoten Islands and whichever you choose is almost guaranteed to provide unbeatable views and a great time.

My personal favourite hikes in Lofoten are Ryten and Offersøykammen, let me know in the comments below which you pick to add to your itinerary. I am also more than happy to answer any questions you have there too!

Happy hiking,

Kate

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