At a Glance
Quick OverviewReinebringen isn’t just Lofoten’s most famous hike—it’s home to one of Norway’s most photographed views. From the 448-metre summit, you’ll gaze down at the iconic fishing village of Reine, its red rorbu cabins dotting a peninsula surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic mountain peaks. This single viewpoint has graced countless magazine covers, travel blogs, and Instagram feeds, drawing hikers from around the world.
The hike itself is short but intense: 1,500+ stone steps climbing relentlessly upward. There’s no gentle warm-up, no flat sections for recovery—just step after step until suddenly, spectacularly, you emerge at one of the world’s great viewpoints.
Trail Overview
Key Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3.2 km round trip |
| Elevation gain | 448 m |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Steps | 1,500+ (Sherpa-built) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Season | May - October |
Trail Description
The Sherpa Staircase:
The trail was rebuilt by expert Sherpa stonemasons from Nepal, the same craftsmen who maintain Himalayan trails. Their work transformed a dangerous, eroded path into a safer but still demanding staircase.
Route breakdown:
- Trailhead to stairs (10 min): Short walk from car park
- Lower section (30-40 min): Steeper, rockier terrain
- Main staircase (40-60 min): Continuous stone steps
- Summit plateau (at top): Open area with viewpoints
Why the Stairs?
Before 2019, Reinebringen’s popularity was destroying it. The original trail eroded into a dangerous gully, causing injuries and rescues. The NOK 20 million Sherpa staircase project:
- Created sustainable stone steps
- Reduced erosion
- Improved safety significantly
- Made the view accessible to more hikers
The View
What You’ll See
The Reinebringen viewpoint offers:
Reine Village:
- Red rorbu cabins on Hamnøy
- Traditional fishing village layout
- Bridge connecting islands
- Turquoise fjord waters
Surrounding Peaks:
- Olstinden (left)
- Navaren (right)
- Countless Lofoten summits
- Dramatic granite walls
The Sea:
- Norwegian Sea stretching west
- Island chains visible
- Fishing boats below
- Changing light on water
Photography Tips
Best Times:
- Midnight sun (June-July): Golden light, no crowds
- Early morning (5-7 AM): Soft light, empty trail
- Blue hour: Dramatic but requires early/late hiking
Camera Settings:
- Wide-angle lens essential
- Tripod for low-light conditions
- Bracket exposures for HDR
- Include hikers for scale
Composition Ideas:
- Classic village view with peaks
- Include foreground rocks
- Vertical for Instagram
- Panoramic for full impact
When to Hike
Best Seasons
| Period | Conditions | Light | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| May (late) | Snow possible | Long days | Light |
| June | Midnight sun | 24-hour | Moderate |
| July | Best weather | Midnight sun | Very High |
| August | Good weather | Long days | High |
| September | Autumn colours | Shorter days | Moderate |
| October | Cold, rain possible | Limited | Light |
Midnight Sun Hiking
The midnight sun period (late May to mid-July) transforms Reinebringen into a 24-hour destination.
Advantages:
- Start at 10 PM, summit at midnight
- Golden light for photography
- Far fewer people
- Magical atmosphere
Considerations:
- Still need sunscreen
- Bring layers for cool nights
- May feel surreal—embrace it
Avoiding Crowds
Reinebringen sees thousands of visitors in peak season. To have the summit to yourself:
- Hike at night (midnight sun season)
- Start at 5-6 AM (any season)
- Visit weekdays over weekends
- September offers fewer crowds
- Bad weather clears crowds (but be cautious)
Getting There
Finding the Trailhead
Location: Along E10, between Reine and Sakrisøy
By Car:
- From Leknes: 45 minutes east on E10
- From Svolvær: 2.5 hours west on E10
- Look for informal car park along roadside
Car Park:
- Free roadside parking
- Fills quickly in summer
- Arrive early or hike late
- Don’t block driveways
By Bus:
- Bus route 300 stops at Reine
- Walk from Reine to trailhead (30 min)
- Check schedules at Lofoten.info
Car Park Tips
The parking situation is informal—just pull-offs along E10. In peak season:
- Arrive before 8 AM or after 6 PM
- Consider parking in Reine and walking
- Don’t park in private areas
- Leave no trace
What to Bring
Essential Gear
- Hiking boots: Ankle support, good grip
- Layers: Weather changes fast
- Rain jacket: Lofoten weather is unpredictable
- Water: Minimum 1L (more in heat)
- Snacks: Energy for the climb
- Sunscreen: Essential, even overcast
- Camera: This is a photography hike
Recommended Additions
- Trekking poles (helpful for descent)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Wind layer
- Small backpack
- Charged phone (for photos)
What Not to Bring
- Heavy camera gear (unless serious photographer)
- Cotton clothing (gets cold when wet)
- Flip-flops or sandals (seriously, don’t)
Safety Considerations
Trail Safety
Do:
- Use only the marked Sherpa trail
- Watch your step on steep sections
- Stay back from cliff edges
- Supervise children constantly
- Turn back if weather deteriorates
Don’t:
- Use the old, closed trail
- Rush the descent (knees!)
- Hike in severe weather
- Go too close to edges for photos
- Underestimate the physical demand
Weather Awareness
Lofoten weather changes rapidly. Before hiking:
- Check yr.no forecast
- Look at the mountain from below
- Watch for incoming clouds
- Be prepared to turn back
Hazardous conditions:
- Heavy rain (slippery steps)
- Strong wind (exposed summit)
- Low visibility (fog obscures trail)
- Thunderstorms (exposed location)
Fitness Requirements
Reinebringen requires:
- Cardiovascular fitness for sustained climbing
- Leg strength for 1,500+ steps
- Knee stability for steep descent
- No serious fear of heights
Honest assessment: If you struggle with 20 floors of stairs, Reinebringen will be very difficult. Train beforehand if needed.
Guided Lofoten ToursThe Hike Experience
Section 1: Approach
From car park, follow the obvious path toward the mountain. You’ll quickly reach the start of the stone stairs. This section takes about 10 minutes.
Section 2: Lower Staircase
The first section of steps climbs through rocky terrain with some larger boulders. It’s steep from the start—there’s no gentle warm-up. Pace yourself; you have many steps ahead.
Section 3: Main Staircase
The bulk of the climb follows meticulously built stone steps. Each step is roughly consistent in height, making the rhythm predictable. The views begin opening up as you gain elevation.
Tips for the climb:
- Find a sustainable pace
- Rest when needed (no shame)
- Look back periodically for views
- Stay right to let faster hikers pass
Section 4: Summit
The staircase gives way to a rocky plateau. The iconic viewpoint is obvious—you’ll see others gathered there. Explore the summit area for different angles and find your perfect spot for photos.
Summit etiquette:
- Share the best viewpoints
- Don’t monopolise space
- Be quiet for others’ experience
- Take photos, then make room
Descent
The descent takes less time but strains knees more. Take your time on the steps—rushing leads to falls. Trekking poles help significantly.
Combining with Other Activities
Reine Village
After your hike, explore Reine itself:
- Traditional rorbu cabins
- Cafés and restaurants
- Art galleries
- Fishing boat tours
Nearby Hikes
If Reinebringen whet your appetite:
- Ryten: Views over Kvalvika Beach
- Munken: Challenging peak nearby
- Kvalvika Beach: Easy hike to stunning beach
Photography Locations
Complement your summit photos:
- Hamnøy bridge at night
- Reine harbour at golden hour
- Sakrisøy yellow cabins
Practical Information
Facilities
At trailhead: None—use facilities in Reine beforehand
In Reine (nearby):
- Public toilets
- Cafés and restaurants
- Small shops
- Accommodation
Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Trail access | Free |
| Car park | Free |
| Coffee in Reine | |
| Rorbu cabin/night | NOK 1,500-3,000 (~£120-240) |
Emergency Information
- Emergency number: 113
- Trail rescue: Red Cross volunteers
- Mobile coverage: Usually good
- Nearest hospital: Gravdal (45 min)
Final Thoughts
Reinebringen delivers exactly what it promises: one of Norway’s most spectacular views for moderate effort. The rebuilt Sherpa staircase has made this iconic viewpoint safer and more sustainable, ensuring future generations can experience the same jaw-dropping panorama that’s drawn hikers here for decades.
Yes, the 1,500 steps are demanding. Yes, it can be crowded in peak season. But standing on that summit, gazing down at Reine village surrounded by Lofoten’s dramatic peaks, you’ll understand instantly why this hike has become legendary. Time your visit wisely—ideally during midnight sun or early morning—and you’ll have one of Norway’s finest mountain experiences.
For current trail conditions and local information, visit Lofoten Tourism and Visit Norway Lofoten.