Overview
The Reinebringen hike is one of the most iconic and rewarding hikes in Lofoten, offering sweeping views of Reine and the surrounding fjords. Known for its steep climb and unparalleled panoramas, it’s a must-do for anyone visiting the Lofoten Islands. The hike, although short, is intense and requires a good level of fitness, but the effort is well worth it once you reach the top.
The Hike
- Difficulty: Moderate due to its steep incline.
- Distance: Approximately 1.5 kilometers each way.
- Elevation: The trail ascends about 450 meters.
- Time: 2-3 hours round trip, depending on your pace and time spent enjoying the views at the summit.
The hike starts just outside of Reine, and you’ll quickly find yourself on a steep path with a series of stone steps built by Sherpas to help prevent erosion and improve the safety of the route. Though the trail is well-marked and relatively short, the incline is unrelenting, so be prepared for a leg workout. The final stretch involves a few rocky sections, so take care if the conditions are wet. As you reach the summit, the incredible views make all the effort worthwhile. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the turquoise fjords, tiny fishing villages, and jagged mountains that define the Lofoten landscape.
What to Expect at the Top
Once you make it to the top of Reinebringen, the views are truly spectacular. The fjords spread out below you like something out of a postcard, and the colorful fishing cabins in Reine look like tiny dots on the water’s edge. Whether you’re there at sunrise, sunset, or midday, the scenery is unforgettable. Be sure to bring a camera – the photos you capture here are bound to be some of the best from your trip.
Tips for the hike
– Safety First: The hike is steep and can be slippery, especially in wet conditions. Proper hiking shoes with good grip are a must.
– Best Time to Go: Early mornings or late evenings during the summer months are ideal for avoiding the crowds and capturing the best light for photos.
– Bring Water: There are no facilities along the trail, so be sure to bring enough water and snacks for the climb.
– Check the Weather: Weather in Lofoten can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before you set out. Avoid hiking in heavy rain or fog, as the trail can become dangerous.
Is It Worth the Hike?
Absolutely. While the Reinebringen hike is demanding, it’s a must for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience Lofoten’s natural beauty from a bird’s-eye view. The combination of challenging terrain and stunning rewards makes it one of the best hikes in Norway. Just remember to take your time, stay safe, and soak in the view from the top – it’s one you won’t forget.
Hiking in the Lofoten
Lofoten’s hikes are generally shorter but steeper due to the islands’ unique geology. You won’t find long-distance, gradual trails here—instead, expect routes that take you straight up and down the mountains. Most hikes reward you with panoramic views over the dramatic fjords, tiny fishing villages, and the open sea. Popular trails, like Reinebringen or Nubben, are well-trodden and offer built-in steps to help with erosion and safety, but many lesser-known hikes are more rugged and require good trail-finding skills.
Other popular hikes
Ryten: If you’re looking for a hike that balances effort and reward without being overly strenuous, Ryten might be the perfect choice. This moderate hike takes you to an elevation of around 543 meters, offering awesome views of the white sands of Kvalvika Beach below. The trail begins near Fredvang. While it’s longer compared to some other hikes in Lofoten, the terrain is fairly forgiving, making it accessible for most hikers.
Munkebu Hut: For a more challenging adventure, the hike to Munkebu Hut offers a true view of Lofoten’s rugged beauty. Starting from Sørvågen, this trek takes you through varied terrain, with mountain lakes, streams and rocky outcrops. The elevation gain is tough, and there are a mix of steep climbs and rocky paths. After about five hours, you’ll reach Munkebu Hut, a cabin high in the mountains managed by the Norwegian Trekking Association, where you can stay overnight (check availability, as the hut operates on a first-come, first-served basis).
Bunes Beach: Accessible by ferry from Reine to Vinstad, the hike to Bunes Beach is a completely different experience – simple and peaceful. This relatively easy trek, just about an hour each way, is a great option for a relaxing day. The path is mostly flat, leading to the wide, sandy expanse of secluded Bunes Beach.
Tips for Hiking in Lofoten
– Be Prepared for Steep Terrain: Lofoten’s hikes may be short in distance but are often steep and can be challenging. Good hiking boots with ankle support are essential.
– Weather Can Change Quickly: The weather in Lofoten is notoriously unpredictable, so pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and be prepared for sudden changes.
– Respect Nature: Many of the trails go through pristine natural environments, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, stick to marked paths, and take all your trash with you.
Best Time to Hike
The summer months, from June to September, are the best time for hiking in Lofoten. During this time, you can take advantage of the midnight sun, allowing you to hike late into the evening with full daylight. However, the shoulder seasons of May and October can also be rewarding for those looking to avoid crowds, though weather conditions may be more unpredictable.
Finish
The very end of the trail leads you to the touristy part of the plantation. You can buy drinks and snacks here. To leave, you’ll need to walk up towards the road and unfortunately you’ll need to pay the entrance fee to the plantation (yes, they will stop you on the way out with eagle eyes!).
To get back to Tanah Rata, you will either have to hitchhike (which shouldn’t take long as there are lots of cars heading towards Tanah Rata), or you can flag down a taxi from the road. You can also try calling a Grab, but you’ll probably have to wait a long time as they are not so frequent here.
Hiking in Norway
Trail markers in Norway
In Norway, hiking trails are usually well-marked, making it easier for both experienced and novice hikers to navigate the country’s stunning landscapes. The trail marking system is designed for visibility and simplicity, ensuring you stay on track, even in more remote areas.
The most common type of trail marker in Norway is a red “T” symbol, often painted on rocks, trees, or cairns. This symbol is maintained by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), which manages thousands of kilometers of hiking trails across the country. The red “T” is easily spotted and is often found along the most popular and scenic routes, leading hikers through mountains, valleys, and along coastal trails. In addition to the red “T,” you’ll often see cairns (piles of stones) marking trails, particularly in rocky or exposed areas where there are no trees. In more open terrain, wooden poles are sometimes used to guide hikers along the path. These markers are spaced close enough to remain visible, even in poor weather conditions. At trailheads or key intersections, you’ll find wooden signposts indicating the distance to various destinations, often with estimated hiking times. These signs are very helpful for planning your hike and ensuring you’re on the right path. Norwegian hiking trails are often categorized by difficulty and color-coded on maps and signs:
- Green: Easy hikes, suitable for beginners or family-friendly trails.
- Blue: Moderate difficulty, requiring a bit more endurance but still accessible for most hikers.
- Red: Challenging hikes, often involving steep or rugged terrain.
- Black: Expert-level trails, which may involve scrambling or technical climbing sections.