10 Fantastic Day Hikes In The Lofoten Islands In Norway

I spent over six weeks on Lofoten Island with one goal: to tick off as many trails and summits as I could. I quickly learnt that hiking in the Arctic comes with challenges. Boggy terrain and weather that leaves a lot to be desired, even in the middle of summer, is what you should expect on hikes in the Lofoten Islands.

My top picks for hikes in the Lofoten Islands

During my time in the North, I didn’t manage to do even half of what I originally planned. Yet, the hikes in the Lofoten Islands left a lasting impression. Here is a list of the ones I managed to do, and I recommend that you add them to your Lofoten Islands itinerary.

The map of the Lofoten hikes

Above, you can see the map of all trailheads. Click on individual icons, and a window with the hike’s stats and a photo will pop up.

TIP: If you are serious about hiking in the Lofoten Islands, I recommend purchasing Cody Duncan’s book about hiking in the West Lofoten Islands. He is a local to the Islands, and his book was my best resource for planning the trip.

1. Hornet

• Distance roundtrip: 3.9 km / 2.4 mi
• Elevation Gain: 290 m / 951 ft
• Time required: 1.5-2 hours
• Island: Flakstadøya

I am kicking the list off with the aptly named Hornet. It’s a small but mighty summit with fantastic views of the sea. The hike starts near a small settlement named Myrland near Myrland Beach on Flakstadøya Island.

Hornet can be done in as little as two hours, which is great if you’re looking for the best view-to-effort ratio. After climbing just 300 meters of elevation, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama from an exciting-looking summit. 

Coming soon: Guide To Hiking To Hornet

2. Flakstadtind

• Distance roundtrip: 3km / 1.7 mi
• Elevation Gain: 460 m / 1510 ft
• Time required: 2-3 hours
• Island: Flakstadøya

Despite the beautiful views from the summit and the relatively straightforward path, Flakstadtind is still one of the off-the-beaten-path hikes in the Lofoten Islands.

A fit hiker can reach the top of Flakstadtind in as little as one hour. Because of that, it’s a great spot to watch sunsets. Below, you can view Skagsanden Beach, one of Lofoten’s famous surfing spots.

Read More: Hiking Flakstadtind – A Local’s Favourite on Lofoten Islands

3. Hestræva

• Distance roundtrip: 4.8 km / 3 mi
• Elevation Gain: 450 m / 1480 ft
• Time required: 3-3.5 h
• Island: Flakstadøya

Hestræva is quite a unique hike. The trail is quite long and gradual compared to the intense hikes in the Lofoten Islands, which was a welcomed change. If you choose this off-the-beaten-path hike, you will likely have the summit all to yourself.

While Hestræva might sneak under the radar of most visitors to Lofoten, that doesn’t mean the views are anything short of spectacular. Looking out at the turquoise colours of Flakstadpollen Bay from the summit of Hestræva, you might forget that you’re in the Arctic.

Read more: Hiking Hestræva in Lofoten, Norway – A Hidden Gem Away from the Tourists.

4. Vestervika Beach

• Distance roundtrip: 8 km / 5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 300 m / 984 ft
• Time required: 2.5-3 hours
• Island: Moskenesøya

When researching the Lofoten Islands, you have probably heard of the famous Kvalvika beach. Vestervika, which lies parallel to Kvalvika, can be considered its quiet sister.

The trail to Vestervika is the perfect beginner hike. The hike to the beach and back only gains 300 meters of elevation over 8 kilometres. This means no steep and strenuous ascents or knee-busting descents. Vestervika also receives a small percentage of the traffic that Kvalvika does. All in all, it is a much more enjoyable hiking experience.

5. Mannen

• Distance roundtrip: 4.5 km / 2.8 mi
• Elevation Gain: 430 m / 1410 ft
• Time required: 3-3.5 h
• Island: Vestvågøy

If you want to forget for a moment that you are in the cold Arctic, consider hiking to Mannen. It’s a little summit that stands above Haukland Beach on Vestvågøy Island. Mannen is more than worth the relatively low effort it requires. If you’re trying to squeeze every last second out of your Lofoten Islands road trip, it can quickly be done the morning of your departure.

While not particularly strenuous, Mannen is a moderately challenging hike due to the exposure of the last section of the trail, which can get unnerving close to the edge at times. This trail is almost always muddy, so bring good shoes.

Read More: Mannen – A Small Mountain with a Big View: Guide to Hiking Mannen In The Lofoten Islands

6. Offersøykammen

• Distance roundtrip: 6 km / 3.7 mi
• Elevation Gain: 430 m / 1410 ft
• Time required: 3-3.5 h
• Island: Vestvågøy

Offerøykammen is one of my favourite hikes in the Lofoten Islands. My judgment might be clouded because I spent a week locked in a small campervan with my dog and a friend, facing relentless rain, winds, and cold temperatures even though it was the middle of July. When the sun finally came out, we were ecstatic to be outside and to hike.

What I loved about this hike is that you are graced with fantastic views from start to finish. Nothing obscures them at any point. Like most trails on the Islands, though, prepare for some muddy sections. The views from the summit are nothing short of spectacular, particularly towards Flakstadøya Island.

Read More: How to Hike to Offersøykammen, A Highlight of the Lofoten Islands

7. Reinebringen

• Distance roundtrip: 2.8 km / 1.7 mi
• Elevation Gain: 410 m / 1350 ft
• Time required: 1.5-2 hours
• Island: Moskenesøya

This list would not be complete if I didn’t include the hike to Reinebringen. Even though the crowds along this trail might be unbearable to some, and the fact that you will see total hiking novices, often in inappropriate footwear, who are unprepared for the treacherous conditions (something that makes my blood boil), there is no denying that this trail and the views that it delivers are unique.

You ‘only’ have to combat hundreds of stairs to reach the top. Once you do, prepare for the most beautiful views you will see. The stunning panorama stretches across Reine village and Moskenesøya Island, the most dramatic of the Lofoten Islands.

Read More: Guide To Reinebringen –  Lofoten’s Most Famous Hike

8. Ryten From Innersand

• Distance roundtrip: 6.8 km / 4.2 mi
• Elevation Gain: 510 m / 1670 ft
• Time required: 2-3 h
• Island: Moskenesøya

Ryten lives up to the hype it receives on social media. It has been christened the Little Trolltunga because the small rocky outcrop at its summit resembles the famous Troll’s Tongue (Trolltunga), a must-do hiking destination for many tourists in Norway.

Ryten is located on Moskenesøya Island in the Lofoten archipelago, about a 10-minute drive from the town of Ramberg or 30 minutes from Reine. Ryten is one of the most popular hikes in the Lofoten Islands. Most of the path is well-maintained, with wooden walkways over the muddy sections and clear navigation signs.

Read More: Hiking Guide To The Famous Ryten – Lofoten Island’s Mini-Trolltunga

9. Volandstind

• Distance roundtrip: 5.5 km / 3.4 mi
• Elevation Gain: 470 m / 1541 ft
• Time required: 2-3 hours
• Island: Flakstadøya

Just around the corner from Flakstadtind, you’ll find Volandstind, a pyramid-looking mountain that overlooks Ramberg Beach and the famous Fredvang Bridge. Despite the daunting Western face, this is one of the most accessible hikes in the Lofoten Islands with a fantastic payoff.

Coming soon: Guide to Volandstind hike.

10. Kitind

• Distance roundtrip: 6 km / 3.7 mi
• Elevation Gain: 750 m / 2460 ft
• Time required: 4-5 hours
• Island: Moskenesøya

Kitind is an excellent hike for those looking for a challenge. Of all the hikes I enlisted here, It has the most elevation gain. This is also the only hike I had to quit around midway due to strong winds that posed a danger to my hiking group.

From the start, you get fantastic views of the Selfjord. You can enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Ryten and Vestervika Beach at the summit of Kitind.