At a Glance
Quick OverviewReine isn’t just a village—it’s a postcard come to life. Perched on a peninsula surrounded by jagged peaks, with red rorbu cabins reflecting in still waters, this tiny fishing settlement has become the iconic image of Norway. National Geographic once named it Norway’s most beautiful village, and countless photographers, travellers, and dreamers have made the pilgrimage to see if reality matches the images.
It does. Often, it exceeds them.
With a population of just 300, Reine serves as the unofficial capital of southern Lofoten and the perfect base for exploring the islands’ most dramatic scenery. From here, you can hike Reinebringen for that famous view, take boats to hidden beaches, or simply wander the village absorbing a way of life that’s existed for centuries.
Reine Overview
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Moskenes municipality, Lofoten |
| Population | ~300 |
| Nearest airport | Leknes (45 min), Svolvær (2 hours) |
| Best time | June-August (summer), Dec-Feb (Northern Lights) |
| Famous for | Scenic beauty, Reinebringen, photography |
The Setting
Reine sits where mountains meet sea in the most dramatic fashion:
- Surrounded by peaks over 1,000m
- Connected by bridges to Hamnøy and Sakrisøy
- Traditional fishing harbour
- Iconic red and yellow cabins
Getting to Reine
By Air
Nearest Airports:
- Leknes (LKN): 45 min drive, direct flights from Bodø
- Svolvær (SVJ): 2 hours drive, more connections
- Bodø (BOO): Ferry + drive, mainland hub
By Car
From Svolvær: 120 km, 2 hours via E10 From Leknes: 40 km, 45 minutes via E10
The E10 scenic road to Reine is spectacular—allow extra time for stops.
By Bus
Public Transport:
- Bus from Leknes or Svolvær
- Limited schedule
- Check 177nordland.no
By Ferry
Bodø to Moskenes: 3.5 hours, arrives 8 km from Reine Book ahead in summer at torghatten-nord.no
Plan Your VisitWhere to Stay
Rorbu Cabins
The quintessential Reine experience:
| Accommodation | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Reine Rorbuer | Traditional rorbu | £160-280/night |
| Eliassen Rorbuer | Historic cabins | £145-240/night |
| Sakrisøy Rorbuer | Yellow cabins, nearby | £120-225/night |
| Hamnøy Rorbuer | Next village | £130-210/night |
Other Options
Nearby Alternatives:
- Camping (summer only)
- Hotels in Leknes
- Airbnb throughout area
Booking Tips
- Book months ahead for summer
- Minimum stays often required (2-3 nights)
- Larger groups share cabins economically
- Self-catering saves money
Things to Do in Reine
1. Hike Reinebringen
The iconic hike offering the view of Reine.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3.2 km round trip |
| Elevation | 448 m |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Difficulty | Challenging (stairs) |
The View: Looking down on Reine village, red cabins dotting the peninsula, surrounded by peaks and turquoise waters—this is the image that made Lofoten famous.
2. Explore the Village
Reine Proper:
- Historic harbour
- Fishing boats
- Village church
- Small shops
Nearby Villages:
- Hamnøy: Iconic bridge photo spot
- Sakrisøy: Yellow cabins
- Å: End of the road, traditional village
3. Boat Trips
Vindstad & Bunes Beach:
- Ferry from Reine harbour
- Access to stunning beach
- Hiking to Helvetestinden
- Book at reineguiding.no
4. Photography
Reine is a photographer’s paradise:
Best Spots:
- Reinebringen summit
- Hamnøy bridge
- Reine harbour at sunrise
- Sakrisøy with yellow cabins
- Olstinden reflection shots
Best Light:
- Midnight sun (June-July)
- Blue hour (autumn/winter)
- Northern Lights (Sept-March)
5. Kayaking
Paddle among the peaks:
- Guided tours available
- Calm fjord conditions
- Water-level perspectives
- Wildlife spotting
6. Fishing
Traditional activity still thriving:
- Fishing trips from harbour
- Deep-sea fishing tours
- Cook your catch at rorbu
Nearby Attractions
Å i Lofoten (8 km)
- End of the E10 road
- Norwegian Fishing Village Museum
- Stockfish Museum
- Traditional village atmosphere
Kvalvika Beach (25 km + hike)
- Famous beach via 2.5 km hike
- Dramatic cliff backdrop
- Camping possible
Nusfjord (30 km)
- UNESCO-listed fishing village
- Well-preserved traditional architecture
- Entrance fee applies
Ryten Hike (25 km)
- Views over Kvalvika Beach
- 4-5 hour round trip
- One of Lofoten’s best hikes
Dining in Reine
Restaurant Options
Limited but quality dining:
| Restaurant | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gammelbua | Seafood/traditional | Iconic location |
| Bringen Cafe | Casual | By the harbour |
| Self-catering | Recommended | Most rorbu have kitchens |
Self-Catering
Groceries:
- Small shop in Reine
- Larger supermarket in Sørvågen (15 min)
- Stock up before arriving
Tips:
- Bring groceries from Leknes/Svolvær
- Most cabins have full kitchens
- Fresh fish from harbour (ask fishermen)
When to Visit
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Conditions | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| June-July | Midnight sun, warm | Hiking, endless light |
| August | Good weather | Fewer crowds than July |
| September | Autumn colours | Northern Lights begin |
| Winter | Snow, cold | Aurora, dramatic light |
| Spring | Returning light | Aurora + longer days |
Weather Expectations
Summer: 10-18°C, rain possible, long days Winter: -5 to 5°C, snow, dark periods All seasons: Changeable, pack layers
Practical Information
Costs
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Rorbu cabin | £145-280/night |
| Restaurant dinner | £32-56/person |
| Boat trip | £32-65/person |
| Groceries | Higher than mainland |
| Fuel | Standard Norwegian prices |
Facilities
In Reine:
- Small grocery shop
- ATM (sometimes empty)
- Fuel station nearby
- Public toilets (harbour)
Tip: Bring cash backup and stock essentials before arriving.
Getting Around
Car Essential: Public transport is limited. Hire in Leknes or Svolvær.
Car Park: Limited—arrive early at trailheads.
Walking: Village is easily walkable.
Photography Guide
Classic Shots
- Reinebringen View: The iconic overhead perspective
- Hamnøy Bridge: Red cabins with mountain backdrop
- Reine Harbour: Boats, cabins, reflections
- Sakrisøy: Yellow cabins on islet
Best Conditions
Midnight Sun:
- Golden light all night
- No harsh shadows
- Reflections in calm water
Winter:
- Northern Lights over peaks
- Snow-covered cabins
- Blue hour drama
Weather:
- Moody clouds add drama
- Post-storm light is magical
- Clear days show peak details
Timing Tips
- Summer: 10 PM - 2 AM for best light
- Winter: Blue hour around noon
- Aurora: 10 PM - 2 AM, check forecasts
Final Thoughts
Reine delivers on its reputation as Norway’s most beautiful village. Yes, it’s remote. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, those perfect photos require early mornings and cooperative weather. But standing on Reinebringen watching the midnight sun paint golden light across the village below, or waking in your rorbu to peaks reflected in still water, you understand why people travel from around the world to stand exactly where you’re standing.
The magic of Reine isn’t just in the views—it’s in the simplicity of life here, the rhythm of fishing boats, the way the mountains seem to embrace the village. Take your time, absorb the atmosphere, and let Lofoten work its quiet magic.
For more Lofoten information, see our guides to Lofoten Islands, Reinebringen Hike, and Best Hikes in Lofoten.