Reinebringen is one of the best hikes in the world, famous for its amazing views of the fjord and challenging trails. It is located in Reine, Lofoten, on the northernmost side of Norway. Once you reach the top, the panoramic views are truly rewarding. You’ve likely seen many pictures of this hike on social media. Each year, thousands of visitors to the Lofoten Islands embark on this ascent, eager to witness the breathtaking scenery that has captivated them through their phones.
The image above captures the magnificent view from an elevation exceeding 500 meters above sea level. I can confidently assure you that the hype about the Reinebringen is well-deserved; the vistas are nothing short of spectacular, evoking a sense of paradise. After trekking for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, I realized that my efforts were not in vain; rather, they rewarded me with memories that would last a lifetime. If you are lucky, you might even glimpse the enchanting northern lights.
At the summit, the weather changed quite a bit. When I first arrived at the top, it was cloudy, but after a little while, the clouds cleared, and bright sunlight shone down on us. Then it started to rain, which allowed us to see a vibrant rainbow right before our eyes. The rainbow was perfectly wide, framing the beautiful view around us.
Reinebringen Trek
Reinebringen is situated in Reine, in western Lofoten, and is one of the popular trekking routes in Norway. Before I began my hike, I noticed a signboard that provided useful information. It indicated the starting point for the trek, the difficulty level, a step-by-step map, hiking facts, and some important notes. I visited in September when daylight lasted about 10 to 11 hours. I started my trek in the afternoon, so I took a picture of the signboard and read it while hiking to save time, as I needed to finish before sunset.
This is the starting point of the hike, located next to the Ramsvik Tunnel. The summit stands at 484 meters above sea level, with a total of 1,978 steps to climb and a distance of 1.7 km. This hike normally takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit. Before I began the hike, I packed milk, water, a raincoat, and protein bars. The trails are marked, and there are resting spots at certain intervals where hikers can take a break and regain their energy for the journey ahead.
The difficulty level of this hike is medium. The first 75-80% of the steps are relatively easy, but the last 20% is quite steep, and by that point, you’re already tired, making that section feel much harder. While descending is easier, be careful not to go too fast to avoid injuring your knees. Before the stairs were built, the Reinebringen trail was often slippery and muddy, with frequent rockfalls that sometimes injured hikers. It was even regarded as one of Norway’s most dangerous tourist spots. Fortunately, those days are gone, and the stairs have made the hike much safer and more convenient.
Hiking Reinebringen was a must-do activity on my trip to Lofoten. The views are unforgettable and will stay with you for a lifetime. As you climb, you’ll encounter a variety of landscapes, including rocky areas and stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The views only get better as you go higher. However, the best panoramic view of Reine can be seen from the summit, which is located on the other side of the trail.
The picture above shows the highest point of the hike. To arrive at this point, one must navigate an onerous trail, as it isn’t a staircase but rather a cliff with slippery mud, which adds an extra 10 to 15 minutes to your ascent. Please be careful in this area and avoid getting too close to the edge just for a photo, as there is a nearly vertical drop on that side of the ridge.
One of the highlights of the Reinebringen hike is the amazing view from the top, where hikers can look down at the famous Vestfjord and the fishing villages of Reine and Hamnøy, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and a winding river below. The view is even more stunning during sunrise or sunset when the landscape is illuminated by golden light. Upon reaching there, locate a comfortable spot to sit, enjoy a snack and a drink, and take in the beautiful views.
Parking
Near the Reinebringen hike, the parking options are quite limited. However, here are some places where you can park for the hike; some are free, while others require a fee:
1. Reine Village parking (paid parking)
2. Djupfjord parking lot (free parking)
3. Reine outer harbor (paid parking)
Travel Plan
The Reinebringen hike is generally safe from late May to early October. However, from late October to November, the weather can be unpredictable, with rain and storms. From December to February, there is snow and a considerable risk of avalanches. Therefore, it is better to exclude winter if you want to hike up Reinebringen.
The best time to enjoy the view from the summit is at sunrise or sunset. Therefore, from late May to June, during the midnight sun, it is the ideal time for the hike. If you also want to experience the Northern Lights, September and October are good months to visit, as there is still plenty of daylight for hiking.
The Reinebringen hike can take half a day to a full day, depending on your fitness level and how long you spend at the top. It’s best to commence your hike in the early morning. After completing the hike, you may feel exhausted, so you can take some time to relax at Reine Bridge and rest.
Taste of Reine – stockfish, Bacalao, Arctic char, The Lofoten Lamb.
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