Best Hikes in Lofoten: My Favourite Trails After a Month in the Islands

I spent two summers in Norway, exploring by car what this lovely country has to offer. And on my last trip, I spent an entire month in Lofoten, trying some of the best hikes in Lofoten and getting a much better sense of which hiking trails in the Lofoten Islands are actually worth the effort.

This trip to Lofoten was part of my longer summer road trip (my 4-month Northern European road trip), and as you can see, I made the most of it.

Honestly, I loved Norway so much during my first road trip to the Nordkapp that I decided to escape the European summer heat and spend one entire month in the Arctic Circle (not including the time to get there and then drive back home). 

And that’s how I ended up renting an Airbnb in Svolvær, the unofficial capital of the Lofoten archipelago, in the Arctic Circle, where temperatures rarely go over 20°C (68°F) during summer. 

I wrote all about my love for Norway and how it was to spend one entire month in Lofoten in a dedicated post, so in this one, I’ll focus on the best hikes in Lofoten. 

The best hikes in Lofoten are Ryten, Matmora-Delpen, Reinebringen, Fløya, Festvågtind, Offersøykammen, Tjeldbergtinden, Mannen, and Bunes Beach. If you only do one hike in Lofoten, choose Ryten. If you want the classic postcard view, do Reinebringen.

If you’re planning your trip, make sure to also read my complete Lofoten travel guide, where I cover logistics, itinerary, and where to stay.

And if you’re planning a bigger trip beyond Lofoten, I’ve also written a full Norway travel guide with practical tips on driving, costs, and planning your route.

Map of Lofoten’s best hiking trails

Lofoten hiking trail comparison table

If you’re trying to decide which hikes in Lofoten are actually worth your time, this is the quick comparison I wish I had before arriving.

Some of these are classic hiking trails in Lofoten, some are easier alternatives, and some work much better if you’re travelling with a dog.

I’ve included the trails I personally tried during my month in Lofoten, along with the practical things that actually matter when planning your days: how long they take, how hard they feel in real life, whether they’re suitable for dogs, and what to expect with parking.

What is the best hike in Lofoten?

If I had to choose just one hike in Lofoten, I’d pick Ryten. It’s the most complete experience in my opinion: incredible views, a manageable trail, and a route that still feels worth the effort even if you’ve already done other hikes in Lofoten.

Reinebringen is the most famous, but it’s not the one I’d automatically recommend to everyone. 

And if you’re staying around Svolvær, Fløya and Tjeldbergtinden are both excellent options, depending on how much effort you want to put in.

If you’re travelling with a dog, Ryten, Offersøykammen, and Matmora-Delpen are much safer bets than something like Reinebringen.

Easy Walks in Lofoten That Are Still Worth Doing

Not every day in Lofoten has to be about climbing a steep mountain. Sometimes the weather isn’t ideal, sometimes your legs are tired, and sometimes you just want to be out in nature without turning it into a full workout.

That’s where these two easy walks come in:

• Nedre Svolværvatnet – my favourite easy walks around Svolvær
• Haukland–Uttakleiv – connects two of the most beautiful beaches in Lofoten
• Moloen I Svolvær – Svolvær pier walk to Fiskerkona

How to choose the right hike in Lofoten

One thing I realised pretty quickly while hiking in Lofoten is that not all hikes are equal. And more importantly, not all of them will suit your trip.

You don’t just choose a hike based on how “famous” it is. You choose it based on your time, the weather (which can change hourly), your fitness level, and whether you’re travelling with a dog.

One thing I did differently on this trip (compared to my first time in Norway) was to wait for the right weather instead of forcing a schedule.

That changed everything.

Some of these hikes feel manageable on a sunny day and genuinely difficult in rain and wind.

So if you can, stay flexible. Pick your hikes based on the weather, not just your itinerary.

Best hikes in Lofoten for iconic views

If you’re coming all the way to Lofoten and want that view you’ve seen everywhere, then you’ll want to prioritise:

• Reinebringen – the most famous viewpoint in Lofoten
• Ryten – views over Kvalvika Beach (my personal favourite)
• Fløya & Djevelporten – best views over Svolvær
• Matmora-Delpen – lesser-known but breathtaking views

Reinebringen is the one everyone talks about, but I’ll be honest. I didn’t enjoy the hike itself as much. It’s steep, crowded, and all the reward comes at the top.

Ryten, on the other hand, gives you views almost the entire time, and that’s why it’s the one I’d recommend if you only pick one.

Best hikes for beginners (realistically)

I’ll be honest here and tell you right now that Lofoten is not a beginner-friendly hiking destination.

Most trails are steep, uneven, and can become slippery very quickly if the weather changes.

That said, if you still want something more manageable, these are the ones I found to be easier compared to the rest:

• Nedre Svolværvatnet – more of a scenic walk than a proper mountain hike
• Bunes Beach – easy trail, more like a relaxed day trip
• Haukland to Uttakleiv – scenic walk around Mannen mountain, between two stunning white sand beaches.
• Ryten (or just Kvalvika Beach) – longer, but more manageable than some of the steeper trails. 

Even then, you should still come prepared with proper footwear and expect some effort.

Hiking in Lofoten with a dog (what to expect)

I know this doesn’t apply to everyone, but as more people decide to drive to Lofoten from their homes in Europe, more people bring along their furry friends to Lofoten. 

And I did the same for this month in Lofoten, and I am so glad I did. A road trip in Europe with a dog is a thing now, and I am part of it.

Basically, you can take your dog with you on all hikes if the dog can manage it and he or she is used to this level of exercise.

I wrote all about travelling with a dog in Europe, and I encourage you to check it out if you’re doing the same. 

From my experience, the safest and most manageable ones are:

• Ryten & Kvalvika – long but very doable
• Offersøykammen – one of the best options overall
• Haukland to Uttakleiv – perfect easy walk
• Tjeldbergtinden – manageable with a bit of care

I would avoid:

• Reinebringen (too many steep stone steps)
• Fløya / Djevelporten (steep + exposed sections)

I’ve seen people attempt these with dogs, but the size of the dog matters. I’ve seen medium-sized dogs up at Djevelporten. 

But if you have a small dog (<15 kg), then this should be on your mind. Unless you’re carrying them part of the way on some of these steeper and longer trails, it’s not something I’d personally recommend.

Tips for dog owners travelling to Norway

If you’re travelling with a dog, here are the things that actually matter:

• Leash rules are strict
  During the summer, dogs must be kept on a leash. You’ll see signs everywhere on the trails.
• You will encounter sheep
  I ran into sheep on several hikes, and they can be curious or even a bit aggressive. Keep your dog close and under control.
• Not all trails are suitable
  Steep rock sections, big steps, and exposed ridges can be difficult or unsafe, especially for small dogs.
• You might need to carry your dog
  I had to do this on a few trails. If you have a small dog (<15 kg), be prepared for that.
• Be respectful
  Clean up after your dog and be mindful of other hikers.

Another thing about pets in general in Norway is that locals train their dogs not to bark or create any discomfort for others. 

So it is highly frowned upon to have a dog that creates chaos or barks a lot. Maybe nobody will tell you this, because Norwegians aren’t exactly known for their overly social behaviour, but they will think this. You have been warned.  

Best hikes if the weather is uncertain

Weather matters more than anything in Lofoten.

I made the mistake (once) of starting a hike thinking the rain would avoid the area… it didn’t. And on steep, muddy trails, that changes everything.

I had one attempt on Offersøykammen where I had to turn back because of rain and strong wind… and another day where I completed it in perfect conditions.

Same trail, completely different experience.

If the weather isn’t stable, avoid long or very steep hikes and choose something shorter where you can turn back easily, such as:

• Nedre Svolværvatnet – safe and low effort
• Haukland to Uttakleiv – scenic walk

Because once the trail gets wet, especially on dirt paths, everything becomes much harder.

Best hikes if you only have one day in Lofoten

If your time is limited and you just want one memorable hike, then this is simple. Choose Ryten.

It has:

• incredible views
• a manageable trail
• flexibility (you can shorten it if needed)

If you want something more famous and don’t mind the effort, choose Reinebringen.

But if I had to choose again, I’d still go with Ryten.

How to prepare for hiking in Lofoten

Hiking in Lofoten is not something you can fully improvise, especially if you only have a few days there.

Weather changes fast, trails can become difficult very quickly, and logistics (like parking or accommodation) can slow you down more than you’d expect.

Why do I have all these photos from Lofoten on sunny days? Because I stayed in Lofoten for a month, I waited for good weather windows and planned my hikes around that.

That’s how I managed to do most of these trails in good conditions.

If you can do the same, your experience in Lofoten will be completely different.

Here’s what actually made a difference for me after spending a full month in Lofoten.

Check the weather (constantly)

One thing that you will need and use a lot is the YR.NO app.

You can check:

• temperature
• precipitation
• wind and wind direction
• basically everything you need
• Everything is checked on an hourly basis every time you go on a mountain.

And you should.

Even if the day starts with perfect weather, that doesn’t mean it will stay like that.

I had days where I started a hike in dry conditions, and within minutes, it turned into strong winds and heavy rain. On steep trails, that changes everything.

If you only have a few days in Lofoten, you need to be ready to:

• go out when the weather is good
• change plans quickly when it’s not

Plan your route and parking in advance

Lofoten might look small on the map, but getting around takes time, especially in summer.

If you plan things last minute or move accommodation too often, you’ll end up:

• wasting time driving
• struggling to find places to stay
• arriving at full trailhead parking

And parking is one of the biggest practical issues.

Even when you’re ready to hike, you might:

• not find a spot
• have to wait for someone to leave
• or park further away and add extra walking

Most hiking trails in Lofoten do have parking close to the start, but many of these are small and fill up quickly.

What used to be free is now mostly paid.

In most places, you’ll need apps like EasyPark to pay, as there are often no machines on-site. That also means you’ll need mobile data to use them.

Prices vary depending on the location:

• some charge a fixed daily fee
• others charge by the hour
• fines apply even for foreign cars

From my experience, the biggest challenge isn’t paying; it’s actually finding a spot.

That’s why, for every hike in this guide, I included:

• the exact trailhead
• parking locations
• Google Maps links

This alone will save you a lot of time once you’re there.

So the best approach is simple:

• know where you’re going
• know where you’ll park
• and stay close to the hikes you want to do

Bring the right gear when travelling to Norway

You don’t need anything extreme, but you do need the basics.

At minimum:

• good hiking boots (this matters the most)
• proper hiking socks (to avoid blisters)
• layers (because the weather changes fast)
• waterproof jacket (you will use it)

I had days where I hiked in shorts and a T-shirt… and other days where I needed multiple layers and rain protection.

You have to be ready for both.

Also, if you only have a few days, don’t rely on buying gear there. You can find things in Svolvær or Leknes if you really need them, but you’ll lose time, and options might be limited (and more expensive).

If you are travelling with your own car to Norway and can bring more things, here is what to have on your list.

My complete list of gear recommendations:

• Good hiking boots (invest in quality boots, good brands, waterproof material with good grip on the soles). If you’re not used to hiking, know that you should size up. Make sure the boots are comfortable to walk in, and don’t give you blisters. 
• Get blister tape just in case. 
• Have good hiking socks (high sport socks, not cotton or short because those give you blisters). Compression socks are also good, but optional; you should know if you need them. 
• Hiking poles (nice to have if you have bad knees)
• Hiking clothes. I find that this can depend a lot on the weather (you might wear simple shorts and a T-shirt one day and might need an insulation layer and a waterproof layer the next day. Prepare for all options. (My recs are short, t-shirt, long inner leggings (can we wear them on their own or under the waterproof layer), waterproof pants, sports jumper, waterproof jacket, suncap, warm cap, mittens (all year round, for summer you can use smaller ones that are meant for sports).
• Raincoat (nice to have, it will eventually rain, and if you really want to keep it up with your schedule, you will have to go out in the rain, and then a raincoat is a must when visiting Norway, even in summer)
• Waterproof & windproof jacket (remember where you’re travelling to and pack it). 

Of course, you should have normal clothes too, like jeans, sneakers, but nothing too fancy, because there’s no place to wear anything fancy. Remember that activities in Lofoten are centred around nature, so you will see people walking in their hiking boots even in supermarkets. 

I guess a lot of people fly into Tromso or Svolvær and then rent a camper or a car from there, and they don’t have much luggage space to allow them to pack too many different outfits. And all this outdoor gear occupies a lot of space.

Be realistic about the conditions

This is probably the most important one.

Most hikes in Lofoten are not easy:

• they are steep
• often muddy or slippery
• and very exposed to weather

A trail that feels manageable on a sunny day can become difficult or even unsafe in rain and wind.

I know I talk a lot about the weather in this guide, but it is really that important, and most of us don’t really understand what it’s like to have such uncertain weather conditions unless we come from similar climates (and most people don’t come from a similar place).

I had to turn back on some hikes because of the weather, even though I completed them easily on another day.

So:

• don’t underestimate the trails
• don’t force a hike just because it’s “famous”
• and don’t hesitate to turn back if conditions change

If Lofoten is just one stop on a longer trip, I go into much more detail about logistics, costs, and driving in my full Norway travel guide.

Best Hikes in Lofoten (+details)

And now, let’s talk about the best hikes in Lofoten. 

I had no hopes when I planned all these hikes, because hiking in the rain is not something I wish for anymore. I did it during my first trip to Norway because I had a very strict schedule, but that’s why I adopted a different strategy this time. 

So, because I allowed myself to relax and actually wait for the days with the best weather for hiking in Lofoten, I got to explore the best trails (and then some more) in the entire Lofoten archipelago. 

And that’s why I can now share my personal experiences from all these trails and tell you how to choose your top trails and how to make the best out of them. 

All this information took me days of research, and of course, having the experience of actually doing the hike, with my partner and small dog, allows me to share more than a list of the best hikes in Lofoten. 

This is a detailed guide on how to choose the best trails for you, your fitness level, expectations, and whether it’s accessible with a dog or a family (I’ve seen families even with small children on some of these trails). 

Ok, let’s do this. I will rank the hikes in descending order by difficulty, on a scale from 5 to 1. 

Matmora-Delpen (view over Midnattsol veien)

• Location: Near Laukvik (30 min north of Svolvaer). 
• Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RttfwktLj2p1f8bE8 
• Parking: Free parking on the side of the road just before the trail head, or a couple of spots at the trail head. Limited parking. 
• Time: 3-4 hours. 
• Difficulty: Moderate. 
• Trail conditions: Muddy and windy but scenic. 
• Dog-friendly: Yes

This hike to Matmora is a lesser-known hiking trail in Lofoten, but it quickly made it to the top of my list because of the location. 

I love the area as you can either explore the Midnattsol veien road on foot, which transforms at low tide into a huge beach. 

But the hike takes place on top of the mountain from where you can see this gulf area and the surrounding mountain range, and it’s one of my favourite places in all of Lofoten. 

The hike starts in the woods, and it’s mostly muddy, even if it hasn’t rained for days. But then you find yourself on the top of a plateau, with great views, but it can get really windy. The second part of the hike is just on this plateau, and the views are wow. 

However, I didn’t go all the way to Matmora and just walked the length of Delpen instead, because of the wind (bring wind protection of any form, for face, head, ears and hands). 

I’d recommend doing this hike during the first part of the day, to have the sun above the mountains, which will make the water’s colour a deep turquoise. Later in the day, the mountain creates a shadow over the gulf, and the water colour isn’t as bright. 

Many love this hike very much (just like I did) and call it one of the best in Lofoten. But I guess that’s the issue with hiking in Lofoten. There are many mountains with great views, and not a lot of people have the luxury to spend so much time exploring them all, and consequently, do the same popular hikes all the time. 

I visited this area twice. Once to explore the road (Midnattsol veien)  and the second time to do the hike. It’s far quieter than most of Lofoten, and if you want to experience Lofoten without the crowds, then this is the place. 

Fløya & Djevelporten (Devil’s Gate) 

• Location: Svolvær
• Trailhead:https://maps.app.goo.gl/iCNevE2WiH6HDcAb7 
• Parking (paid): https://maps.app.goo.gl/2TZ9vMcwqhrupBd59 
• Time: 2.5–4 hours round trip (depending on your pace, longer if you go up to Svolværgeita).
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
• Trail conditions: Steep, rocky, sometimes slippery. Not well-marked, but you can see lots of people.
• Dog suitability: Not ideal for small dogs.

Djevelporten Lofoten is the most difficult, but popular hike in Lofoten. 

Of course, there are other, more difficult hikes, but this is a popular one that is accessible, and most people talk about it. 

The last part of the hike is mostly stone steps, but the middle part is more challenging. 

I find that locals try to make these popular trails as accessible as possible, and that’s why you’ll find some of these trails with really new stone stairs, which make it easier to ascend on such steep mountains. 

And of course, they also have resting areas, where you can sit and admire the view. 

Note that some only hike to Devil’s Gate, which is a great place for pictures. But if you want to continue the trail to Fløya, you should. 

However, the rest of the trail isn’t made of stone stairs, so it’s a bit more traditional, but I think on a sunny day, almost anyone could do it, given there’s enough time and you’re wearing appropriate footwear. 

The views are worth it, and after, you can walk close to Svolværgeita (you’re actually on top of it, but on a different rock). These are the best views over Svolvær. 

I saw people doing this hike with their dogs (medium to big breeds). But you have to know that there are steep rock sections, and near Djevelporten, there’s a narrow ledge with exposure. 

Best avoided with your dog unless he’s carried part of the way in a backpack or you’re only going partway up.

Tjeldbergtinden (View over Svolvær)

• Location: between Svolvær and Kabelvåg (trail from E10 road)
• Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LZWAmS6qvp3JFoSR6 
• Parking: Park on the road, from the Esso gas station up to the start of the road, where there is paid parking on the street)
• Time: 1.5–2.5 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail conditions: Well-trodden, some mud and loose stones. Split trail: one easier, one steeper.
• Dog-friendly: Yes, suitable for small dogs

This is a round-trip hike, meaning you can do it in both directions, but the general consensus is that it is easier to go counterclockwise. 

I was confused about the actual start of the hike, because the location on Google Maps is actually a dirt road, but during the summer, normal cars can access it. 

So the actual trail (through the forest) starts here. It looks like there is no road there, but there is, just keep walking on the dirt road until you see the sign on the left side of the road. Don’t worry, you won’t miss it. 

After leaving the dirt road, just continue following the path through the woods. 

The first part is slippery and muddy. Although the map says this side of the trail is harder, I found it easier to ascend here, as the muddy part is only at the beginning. I don’t recommend this part if it has been raining for the prior few days. 

The ascent is steep but fast and very rewarding. 

The view over Svolvær and Kabelvåg is breathtaking and worth the effort. 

I descended following the trail towards Svolvær. 

This part is more rocky and dry, but you need to be careful with your step, as the path has really big rocks which can move when you step on them. Optional, you can make a small detour on the mountain in front, for a better view of Svolvær (but I didn’t feel the need to, and it was getting late). 

The trail isn’t really marked, but you can see where others have stepped, and that makes it easier to stay on track. Once in the forest again, it gets muddy and slippery. If you follow the trail, you will find yourself close to the dirt road soon and close to the gas station. 

Basically, I made a round trip around the mountain.

Many locals do this hike during the summer, with their family and dogs. If you have a small dog (like mine), you may want to carry him for a short section, but most of it is manageable.

However, it seemed to me that most use this last trail to ascend and go back, and do not do the entire loop. 

Festvågtind (near Henningsvær)

• Location: Just before Henningsvær
• Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M8qThMPDmmdrYqbPA 
• Parking: Private parking here, and you need this app to pay for it (GoMarina app). There are other smaller parking spots by the side of the road, but most of them are full as people use them to park campers. 
• Time: 2–3 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard.
• Trail conditions: Steep, rocky, not marked. Some scrambling near the top
• Dog-friendly: Only for fit, confident dogs; small dogs need to be carried partway due to big boulders.

This is one of the most gorgeous hikes and the first one I attempted during my 1 month in Lofoten. However, it’s not easy.

The first part is steep and full of huge boulders, where most dogs will struggle. However, you can overcome them, and the next part is steep but manageable. 

There is a small lake on the plateau near Nipen, where you can rest and enjoy the view. From there, the trail all the way to Festvågtind is rocky and steep, but you can do it if time isn’t an issue. 

I confess that I stopped midway, because a cloud was coming and I didn’t want to be stuck on the trail when the rain started. These trails are manageable as long as it stays dry. Even if I didn’t make it to the top, I still enjoyed gorgeous views from the middle of the second ascent. 

I overheard others saying that this is the best hike in Lofoten because it offers great views for the entire trail, not just the end. And I have to say that they’re right.

If views are important and you want to have them at all times, this is one of the best hiking trails in Lofoten for it. 

Offersøykammen

• Location: near Leknes and Haukland Beach
• Trailhead: Near parking around here (not exactly where I started on Google Maps, the trail point on the map shows a bit further than the actual path I found, which is closer to the parking). There is another trailhead near the tunnel, but that parking was closed in 2025 due to construction in the tunnel, and that’s why I don’t recommend it until that’s done.  
• Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D8a32tfAy35ookLM6 
• Time: 2–3 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail conditions: Well-used, steep, can be muddy but safe.
• Dog-friendly: Great for dogs.

This is one of the most recommended hikes in Lofoten and the first I tried while I was there. 

I have attempted to climb Offersøykammen twice, and I can assure you that the weather plays a major role here (and on any of these hikes in Lofoten). 

The first time I was here, I chose this particular hike because it looked like the rain was going to avoid this area (this is why it’s important to learn to read the weather maps). 

As I got there, it was cloudy but not rainy. However, once I started the hike, it started raining. It was more of a violent shower with diagonal winds, which made it pretty hard to go up the mountain, especially since the entire trail was a muddy and slippery trail now. And most trails are actually steep, so that wasn’t ideal. 

I gave up about mid-way. 

And then the second time I was on Offersøykammen, the weather was perfect, no wind at all, and I did the hike in shorts and a t-shirt, and I was hot. I admit that doesn’t happen often in Lofoten, but there are a few weeks per year when the weather is absolutely perfect. And yes, the views are absolutely worth it. 

I want to say that most guides think this is the perfect hike in Lofoten. The views are extraordinary. But the last incline is steep and seems endless. If the weather is good, you’ll get there. If it’s windy and rainy, it will feel like a struggle to step and survive. 

What I liked about this trail is that it’s much less rocky than most trails around. Most of the trail is on dirt (but that’s why it can become dangerous in rainy weather). 

Ryten & Kvalvika Beach

• Location: 
• Trailhead: Depends on parking, can be either here (paid parking) or here (free parking, closer to Kvalvika beach). 
• Parking: Paid – Innersand Parking (Google Map location here), Free – https://maps.app.goo.gl/a7MNivBGAajH5h6S7 (explanation below, as these are different starting points)
• Time: 3–4 hours round trip if doing both
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail conditions: Good trail, but can be muddy. Gentle incline to Ryten.
• Dog-friendly: Yes, very suitable.

Ryten is one of the most popular and best hikes in Lofoten.

The hike can be done from 2 different starting points and can be done as a road trip. The trail is popular, and parts of it are built with stone steps, as with the other popular ones. This makes the steep parts much more accessible. 

I found this to be easier than some other hikes, but the difficulty might come from the fact that it is a longer hike.

Also, some chose to only visit the Kvalvika Beach, which is much easier to reach if that’s your destination. That’s why Kvalvika Lofoten is a popular spot in itself. Ryten is the peak over the Kvalvika beach, which offers the greatest views of the entire surrounding area and the sea. 

If I were to choose just one hike in Lofoten, I would choose this one. 

I know it’s popular, but it is for a very good reason. 

I don’t recommend it on a rainy day, but if the weather is clear and with no wind, choose this hike in Lofoten. 

You can start this hike from different places, so parking and planning are important.

The easiest parking is at Innersand Parking (Google Map location here). However, this is a private parking, and you’ll need to pay. When I was there, it was 100Kr, but it’s easy to park, and there is a toilet. Some Norwegians argue that the person asking this fee is charging people illegally and that it should be free to park here. 

Others prefer to park at the other head trail, which takes you to Kvalvika Beach first and from there you continue to Ryten. 

This is a free parking (Google Map location here), but the issue is that it’s a small parking on the side of the road, and it fills up quickly in the morning. Beware of parking within the markings, as they do check and issue fines for parking incorrectly. 

However, if you keep on driving, you’ll find several other similar parkings on the side of the road, not too far from that one, which are also free, and you might get lucky and find parking there. 

I did this hike in the afternoon and was able to find parking at the second parking lot for free. 

This is one of the best hikes in Lofoten for dogs, especially if you skip the descent to the beach and just enjoy the views from Ryten.

Reinebringen (view over Reine)

• Location: Reine
• Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5kksCewQ54EUZcUz8 
• Parking: Free parking on the side of the road or paid parking in Reine. 
• Time: 1.5–2h round trip
• Difficulty: Hard 
• Trail conditions: Crowded, steep stone stairs, exposed at the top, great views only at the top. 
• Dog-friendly: Not safe for small dogs

Reinebringen is the number one most popular hike in the Lofoten islands and the reason thousands travel to Lofoten each year. 

The trail is completely made out of stone steps, which makes it easier to ascend, considering how steep the mountain is. The view during the hike is ok, but the gorgeous views are only at the top, and you have to climb about 2000 stone steps to get there. 

I find Reinebringen to be a pretty hard hike, because it’s steep and the steps force you to take pretty big steps, which can leave you breathless. 

The top is also busy, which makes it more difficult than anywhere to take photos with just yourself. 

A lot of foreigners try to fly drones here, but authorities are actively following this and issuing fines. Remember that you are not allowed to fly drones in national parks and on most of these hikes (please follow the signs and local recommendations). Penalties are rigorous and not worth it. 

As it is a very popular spot to hike, parking can be done at one of the free small parkings by the side of the road, or the big paid parking from Reine. 

I haven’t seen small dogs on this trail, but small dogs will have a very hard time climbing these stone steps. I carried my dog in a dog backpack. 

Bunes Beach

• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FGW5xixPJnCeTUFf7 
• Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TvFZ26fHvQkZNgNT7 (Can only be reached by boat)
• Parking: Reine paid parking 
• Time: The trail is short, but this needs to be planned as a day trip from Reine.
• Difficulty: Very easy. 
• Trail conditions: Good trail, scenic.
• Dog-friendly: Very dog-friendly.

If you want to visit Bunes Beach, Lofoten, you’ll need to book tickets in advance online here, from Reine hurtigbåtkai to Vindstad hurtigbåtkai.

This has become a very popular day trip from Reine, and you must book your trip well in advance, especially during summer. Book a round-trip ticket. 

It’s fairly easy to get to the ferry. You will need to get to the Reine parking, and you’ll see the quay right there. This is a paid parking, and it is not cheap, so plan accordingly. 

The ferry is passenger only, and it is often fully booked, but people still show up and hope that they can buy a ticket on the spot; most of them won’t get on the ferry. That’s why you’ll see a queue forming there long before the ferry arrives. 

If you have a ticket, don’t stand in line at that queue, because you will not get on the ferry. 

You have to go to the front of the queue and wait for the staff to ask for tickets. This is important as a lot of people don’t know this, and many miss their ferry because they waited in the queue.  

There are two stops on the Reinefjorden (Rostad and Kirkefjord) before your stop – Vindstad. 

From Vindstad, you have an easy hike which should take you less than 1 hour (about 3 km) to get to Bunes Beach. 

You’ll see that everyone goes there anyway, so just follow the road that will soon turn into a trail. 

The beach is spectacular, and many choose to stay here for a few days, to wild camp and hike these mountains. 

Make sure to keep an eye on the clock and get back in time to get the ferry back to Reine if you’re doing this as a day trip. 

The ferry ride to get there and back is an attraction in itself. If the weather allows it, stay outside and admire the fjord. 

Mannen (near Haukland Beach)

• Location: Haukland Beach
• Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vnSYQoBpMmnSoiBPA 
• Parking: Paid parking at the cafe, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ojgdGGs7cbxuegt48. Gets full during the summer. 
• Time: 2–3h round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to Medium. 
• Trail conditions: Mostly a dirt road and some small, steep inclines at the top. View of Haukland & Uttakleiv beaches from the top. 
• Dog-friendly: OK, but narrow ridge sections. 

I liked the Mannen hike in Lofoten a lot. It’s much easier than it is advertised, and not as crowded as other trails. It’s mostly a dirt path, and it’s great when it doesn’t rain. 

The views for the last half of the trail are glorious, and I felt very relaxed. 

We encountered some sheep on the trail, which were curious about my small dog, and one tried to attack my dog, but nothing happened. 

Parking is done at Parking Hauklandstranda, which is a paid parking, and it gets really busy during the summer (no free parking nearby). But here you’ll find a modern cafeteria and toilets. 

This parking is very busy because it offers a glorious view over the Hauklandstranda beach, and many might even come here for wild camping. 

Also, around the mountain is a dirt road which cannot be accessed by tourist cars but can be used as a walking trail (the Haukland – Uttakleiv walking trail), and it is one of the easiest and most scenic walks in all of Lofoten. 

Easy Walks in Lofoten

Haukland – Uttakleiv

• Location: Haukland Beach. (Same location as Mannen hike) 
• Trailhead: same. https://maps.app.goo.gl/vnSYQoBpMmnSoiBPA 
• Parking: same. https://maps.app.goo.gl/vnSYQoBpMmnSoiBPA 
• Time: 2 hours. 
• Difficulty: Easy walk. 
• Trail conditions: dirt road. 
• Dog-friendly: Yes. 

On the other side of Mannen is the famous Uttakleiv White Sand Beach, and the walkway gets you there. You can also drive directly there, but parking is limited and more expensive there. Here, you pay for how much you stay, spots are fewer, and utilities are more basic. 

This Haukland – Uttakleiv (which I rate only 1 out of 5 on the difficulty scale) is often presented as a hike on its own, but I think you should combine these two hikes into one. If you want to do that, you’ll need to come early to the parking, as spots fill up fast. 

If you have the entire day, you can park the car, hike up the Mannen and then on the way back, go towards Uttakleiv beach and then continue on the walkway around the mountain, back to the parking lot. 

Nedre Svolværvatnet

• Location: Svolvær
• Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/E9ffAtpWWchdVCy18 
• Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/V9hTMpSLt39hQs9E9 
• Time: 1.5 hours round trip. 
• Difficulty: Easy walk. 
• Trail conditions: Good walk trail, scenic, not crowded. Mostly locals on it. 
• Dog-friendly: Very dog-friendly.

This walkway in Svolvær is less known by tourists, and I’ve seen only locals on it, enjoying the landscape and going there for an afternoon walk or trail run. Some take their dogs too, as this is a very well-maintained walk through the forest and the bog area around a small lake. 

Most of the time, we were alone on the walkway, and I loved it. 

I find that walks like this one are perfect for a late afternoon when you still want to be in nature but don’t have the energy for climbing a steep mountain. This is a round trip around a lake, and you’ll find plenty of gorgeous spots to stop and have a picnic. 

Lofoten 7-day Road Trip Itinerary with Hikes

The classic Lofoten road trip runs from Svolvær → Henningsvær → Haukland Beach → Reine → Å. 

If you decide to follow this route, and you love hiking, here are the stops and specific hikes I’d recommend if you only have 7 days to spend in Lofoten. 

• Day 1: Svolvær. Go on the Moloen walk (the pier towards the Fiskerkona statue), and don’t miss the Fløya/Djevelporten hike
• Day 2: Henningsvær. Stop for the famous Festvågtind with breathtaking views over Henningsvær.
• Day 3: Leknes. This is a good spot in the middle of Lofoten, here you are close to Offersøykammen + beaches (Haukland, Uttakleiv).
• Day 4: Ryten & Kvalvika Beach. For this, you can either stay in Ramberg (the most popular beach in Lofoten) or in Fredvang.
• Day 5: Reine. Here’s where you’ll go on the number one hike in Lofoten, the Reinebringen (if the weather is good).
• Day 6: I have two options here. The first one is a day trip to Bunes Beach. The second option is Munkebu, which is a multi-day hike which also starts from Reine. Only attempt this if you have all you need for camping.
• Day 7: Drive to Å, explore the fishing village. This is where the Lofoten road ends. I’d recommend staying in one of those rorbuer (fishermen’s red houses). If you need to go back to Svolvær, you can because the drive takes only around 2h 30′ during summer, if not busy.