 The Lofoten Islands in Norway are a fairytale come to life—dramatic, jagged mountains towering above turquoise waters, quaint fishing villages painted in cheerful pops of reds and yellows, and a culinary scene brimming with fresh seafood. When we booked our dream trip to Norway, we had peaks in our sights. For us, vacations aren’t relaxing getaways – they are excuses to explore and have a bit of type 2 fun. This trip was no different. We wanted to uncover hikes that would leave us breathless—and did they ever, both figuratively and literally. Hikes in Norway were like none we have experienced before. There wasn’t a switchback in sight to ease the elevation gain. The trails didn’t meander but rather went straight up the mountainsides. For five days, we traveled around the Lofoten Islands in a camper van we affectionately named Betty White. It was an experience we will never forget.  1. Reinebringen Perhaps the most iconic hike in all of Lofoten, Reinebringen offers panoramic vistas over the village of Reine and the surrounding fjords. The trail is known for its relentless ascent—1,978 stone steps built by Sherpas from Nepal. The expertly placed steps take you efficiently to the top—and the payoff for the thigh-burning endeavor is extraordinary.
Reaching the top at sunset, the world glows with golden light. It’s a short hike, and it’s absolutely worth every painstaking step. It’s popular for good reason.  2. Ryten & Kvalvika Beach This hike combines two of Lofoten’s gems: the towering viewpoint of Ryten and the remote, sandy cove of Kvalvika Beach. I loved the diversity of this hike, which begins by weaving through a meadow of sheep. As you continue along the trail, you’ll see mountain peaks, expansive views of the sea, wildflower meadows, and sandy beaches with turquoise waters lapping waves onto the shore.
Standing atop Ryten, the ocean stretches endlessly on one side, while the beautiful sandy Kvalvika Beach is nestled beneath craggy mountains below. The contrast between the rugged peaks and the tranquil beach is simply magical. It's like a secret whispered quietly just to you.   3. Kitinden Peak For those seeking a quieter trail and a more adventurous scramble, Kitinden Peak is an outstanding choice. This hike is less traveled, offering solitude, but the views don't disappoint. The peak provides unbelievable visibility in every direction.
Kitinden was such a fun hike. We didn’t see another person on the trail, and that solitude was priceless—you’ll likely have the peak to yourself, with just the wind and seabirds for company, and of course, the jaw-dropping views of the island far below.   4. Hermannsdalstinden Hermannsdalstinden is the highest peak on the island of Moskenesøya, and it was high on our list of hikes to do for that reason. This hike is a challenging undertaking, often done as an overnight trek, but it’s the ultimate adventure in Lofoten.
From the summit, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views of Lofoten’s wild landscape. You'll be rewarded with sights of sea craggy mountain peaks, clear blue lakes, and endless sky in every direction. You can scramble around the peak, which makes for a memorable summit. One of the most challenging aspects of this hike was the constant up and down climbs. It's not all downhill on the way back, so get ready for elevation changes both ways.  Each hike in the Lofoten Islands offers something unique, and it was hard to pick just a few to complete during our trip. We will definitely be back for more. The trails are steep but also incredibly rewarding. If you crave adventure and natural beauty, the Lofoten Islands will steal your heart as they did ours.  Touring around the islands in Betty White was one of my favorite parts of the trip. I loved not having a hotel to make our way back to each night. It granted us flexibility and aligned with our spontaneous personalities. We parked our camper van in a few different locations along the way, but my favorite place was Lofoten Beach Camp. If you’re planning on camping, this is the place to be. The camp is located right on the sandy shoreline, offering not only breathtaking scenery and direct beach access, but also a warm community of fellow travelers. I loved the vibe of this place! We sat in the beach bar and enjoyed cocktails and delicious food while listening to other outdoor enthusiasts laugh and chat. At the end of the night, we strolled along the beach and even caught a fleeting glimpse of the northern lights. Amenities included:
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AuthorMy name is Kathryn. I am a mom, wife and wrangler of chaos. I enjoy writing and storytelling, and I am always on the hunt for a good book. My pastimes include, hiking, running, overthinking, drinking coffee and playing golf. Archives
October 2025
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