Hiking in Svalbard. … Also, WHERE is Svalbard? 😀

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. North of mainland Europe, it is about midway between the northern coast of Norway and the North Pole. …

The largest island is Spitsbergen

The largest settlement is Longyearbyen. …

Click PLAY or get a glimpse on YouTube.

#5 day hike – Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world

Why?

Reopened in 2019 with sherpa-built steps.

Now much safer and easier.

  • 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 2 hours up
  • It’s crowded. Over a thousand people a day in high season if the weather is good.
  • permits not required

World → Europe → Norway → Reinebringen, Lofoten

For details click over to our Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway information page.

I QUIT the Long Crossing of Lofoten Archipelago, Norway

BestHike editor Rick McCharles

Inspired by Cam Honan’s 2018 adventure, I set out for the Long Crossing – a 160 km (99 mi) hiking route through the spectacular heart of the island chain. 

It’s not all that popular yet. In fact, AllTrails doesn’t have it. And it has every trail everywhere.

After one day — 9 hours in perfect weather — I’ve decided to QUIT. That day was too difficult and too dangerous for me carrying a heavy pack.

Olderfjorden pass

It LOOKS easy in the photo. But it’s mostly route finding through marshy terrain. Worst was a risky descent clutching a water pipe and safety ropes. Starting up near the top of the waterfall.

This was the Kleppstad to Svolvær leg.

I’d already visited Lofoten on another trip, doing most of the popular day hikes.

I’ll follow the general path of the Long Crossing. But camp low. And climb high with a day pack. Weather will dictate which established day hikes I choose.

I’ll be following recommendations set out in the Rando-Lofoten guidebook by Souyris & Brede:

Hiking the Lofoten islands

Wish me luck. Things tend to #fail in Arctic Norway — usually due to weather.

Climbing Segla (Sail) Mountain on Senja Island, Norway

Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles

The main reason we make the long trip to Senja Island is to climb high and enjoy otherworldly views.

Click PLAY or see Segla mountain and others on the island on YouTube.

Senja is even further north than famed Lofoten archipelago , but is equally spectacular in places.

The jumping off point is remote Fjordgård, not easy to reach by bicycle.

I camped for free along the ocean. A very windy night.

The east side of Segla starts rising gently, whereas the steep cliffs on the west side drop directly into the fjord. The EASY route is still challenging near the top. You’ll be using your hands.

BUT first it’s recommended to do the Hesten hike, rewarding you with the most impressive looks at the peak. 3.7 km return. Hesten is 556m.

Next climb Segla itself, if you have the energy.

Around 4km return. Perhaps 2 hours up, 1 hour down — IF you move steadily. Weather is the main factor. It can switch from sun to rain storm in just a few minutes.

Click PLAY or watch my video highlights MUSIC video 😀 on YouTube.

related – detailed trip report by Worldering Around – Segla, Senja Island – Best View Of The Iconic Mountain From Hesten Hike

June to September are the best months.

Island of the Blue Dolphins

I’d recently enjoyed reading the young-adult wilderness survival novel series written by American writer Gary Paulsen. It starts with The Hatchet (1986).

Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960) is some what similar.

… the story of a 12-year-old island girl named Karana, who is stranded alone for years on an island off the California coast.

It is based on the true story of Juana Maria, a Nicoleño Native American left alone for 18 years on San Nicolas Island during the 19th century. …

… the subject of much literary and pedagogical scholarship related to survival, feminism, the resilience of Indigenous peoples, and beyond. …

Both books won the Newbery Medal for distinguished contributions to American literature for children.

It was made into a film in 1960.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Mt Albert Edward, Vancouver Island

One of the best hikes in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, is Albert Edward, 2093m (6867ft).

Well known because it’s visible from Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Read my trip report hiking up early morning from Circlet lake campground.

Mount Albert Edward is one of our best hikes in North America.

Kraig Adams does Laugavegur Fimmvörðuháls, Iceland

His most EPIC video yet, I’d say.

Plenty of drone footage.

River crossings were his greatest challenge. Happily, Kraig had comparatively good weather.

This is definitely the BEST and most POPULAR trek in Iceland.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Easiest Ways to Hike India

I’ve made several trips to the Indian Himalaya, usually disappointed at the lack of information and infrastructure.

In Nepal everything is easy. Not so in India.

Happily trekking guides IndiaHikes are doing a terrific job making organizing walking adventures easy. In fact, they want this kind of fitness experience to be accessible to everyone.

The cost of guided hikes is very reasonable.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

If you prefer to hike independently, IndiaHikes can get you the information you need.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Hike Blåvatnet, Norway – The Blue Lake

The most popular day hike in the Lyngen Alps, way north of the Arctic Circle, is to Blåisvatnet.

A striking blue colour with steep mountains in the background.

It’s considered an EASY hike for the family — but I rolled my ankle a little twice on the rocks and scree.

About 8km return, but watch your footing.

Click PLAY or watch a summer video on YouTube.

It’s fairly close to the Svensby ferry landing.

Personally, I wasn’t all that impressed by Blåisvatnet. There are gorgeous lakes everywhere in Norway. For me this wasn’t anything special.

In fact, I preferred another hike even closer to Svensby ➙ I had the Barheia summit all to myself. The much-more-famous Blue Lake was super crowded the day I was there.

Related – trip report – StunningOutdoors 

It is available on AllTrails.

Golden Ears Summit Trail, Vancouver B.C.

This hike is high on my personal todo list.

Explore this 22.0-km out-and-back trail near Maple Ridge, British Columbia.

Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 18 min to complete.

… best times to visit this trail are March through September. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

AllTrails

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

It’s one of our best hikes in North America.