World → Europe → Norway → Reinebringen, Lofoten

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world

Reinebringen, Lofoten

Reopened in 2019 with sherpa-built steps.

Now much safer and easier.

Likely the most popular photo op above the Arctic Circle.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Summit of Reinebringen, Moskenesoy, Lofoten Islands, Norway – photo by Cody Duncan

AT A GLANCE

Reinebringen is on the island of Moskenesøya , one of the Lofoten islands in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle
infamous for wind and rainy weather
famed for dramatic scenery, rugged peaks, open sea vistas past sheltered bays
about 448 meters (1470 feet) above sea level
over 1500 stone steps
about 1.5 hours up
It’s crowded. Over a thousand people a day in high season if the weather is good.
permits not required

Why We Like This Hike

up to 24 hours of daylight in the summer
photographers come for the rugged geography and unique Arctic light
Lofoten is popular with both mountaineers and rock climbers
sherpas are building and improving other trails in Norway, as well
there are many, many other great hikes nearby, some with vistas just as grand

Considerations

very dangerous in wet or snowy conditions
very dangerous in low visibility
four people died over one seven-year period
people fall
people are hit by falling rock
no water available
early morning or later in the day will be less crowded
be cautious when trying to get Instagram famous

on the other hand, after 3 years of periodic closures and almost a million dollars of upgrades it’s much safer today than in the past
wooden walkways over marshland have been improved
some people feel Lofoten is getting overrun with tourists. If that’s a concern, go off-season.
there are a few alternate trails ascending and descending, but are all steep and challenging
you can legally camp near the top but it might be wet and windy
winter climbs are risky

photo by El Coleccionista – Reinebringen in winter

Cost

Norway is an expensive nation. Everything is costly.

Tenting is the easiest way to reduce your travel expenses. There are over 1000 campgrounds and free wild camping is allowed almost everywhere.

Trekking Guides

You don’t need a guide.

Logistics

Lofoten can be accessed by ferry, airplane, or car
Reine village is located 125 km west of the Svolvær Airport and 9 km east of Moskenes, the port of arrival for the ferry from Bodø on the mainland (which has a train station and hostels)
Reinebringen is close to the bottom of this map

You can walk to the trailhead from the fishing village of Reine (pop. 314) which is accessible by bus. The climb starts near a tunnel (Ramsvikstunnelen).