Hiking Reinebringen (448 meters) in Lofoten reveals breathtaking views of Reine’s fishing village & surrounding fjords and lakes, offering one of the most iconic panoramas in Norway.
The Reinebringen hike is a short, yet steep 1.5-2 hour trek climbing up 1978 stone steps to a majestic viewpoint just above Reine. The amazing view, relatively short effort, and social media hype have made this one of the most popular hikes in Lofoten.
Even with the crowds, after hiking various trails in Lofoten, Reinebringen remains one of my favorites– the views are that good! Besides, I managed to discover some epic, albeit slightly sketchy viewpoints near the main summit area to get a view all to yourself (details below).
Reinebringen Hiking Details
Below I've written a detailed overview of all you need to know about the Reinebringen hike.
- Starting Points: Trailhead - located on the old road running around the ocean side of the E10 Main Road, just outside the Ramsvik Tunnel.
- Parking: 2 paid parking options and 1 free parking option available. I recommend Djupfjord Viewpoint parking since it's closest and free (more details below).
- Hike Distance: 2 km round trip.
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 448 meters to the top of Reinebringen with an average ca 45 degrees incline.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate. The hike is not technically challenging but is steep, with a series of switchbacks. Decent fitness is required.
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace and breaks.
- Best Time to Hike: Best from June to September when the weather is warm and the trail is mostly snow-free.
- Trail Type: The trail climbs stone steps known as the "Sherpa steps", which were installed in 2021. These are clear and easy to follow.
- Full Hike Data: My Strava
Reinebringen is one of the most popular hikes in Norway, let alone Lofoten, and even more popular than nearby Ryten (Kvalvika Beach). Expect a high number of visitors on the trail. I recommend an early morning start (or a trip during the midnight sun) to avoid crowds and for the best views.
Where Is Reinebringen?
Reinebringen is located on Moskenesøya in the Lofoten archipelago in Northern Norway. The closest town is Reine Village and this is where you will need to go to start the hike.
There is only one, primary route to the summit via the main trailhead accessible from behind the main road, E10 near the Ramsvik Tunnel.
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 67°55'20.4"N 13°04'42.1"E
How to Get to the Reinebringen Trailhead
To get to the Reinebringen trailhead, you'll need to make your way to Reine. Here are your options:
- Drive: Driving is the most straightforward method. However, there isn't a dedicated parking spot for the trail so you will need to choose one of the options around the town of Reine below and walk the rest of the way.
- Public Transport: Public buses serve the village of Reine from many locations in Lofoten like Å, Leknes, and Svolvær. Use the ReisNordland website to plan your trip.
- Walk from Reine: Reine is a popular village to stay in Lofoten and within walking distance from the trailhead. However, this will add about 1.3 km each way to your hike.
You'll find the trailhead beside a small trail sign and a small, lightly flowing waterfall with the stone Sherpa Steps easily visible. There is a stone bench beside the trail.
I hiked Reinebringen with my two friends as a small side adventure on our 2,500 km charity ride across Norway. We simply rode our bikes on the side of the road next to the trailhead and left them there. This is a good option if you have access to a bicycle.
Car Rentals in Norway
Norway is huge and public transport is expensive. Therefore, one of the best ways to explore is to rent a car.
I always use DiscoverCars to compare fares across dealerships in Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, Tromsø, or Trondheim. Book a rental to pick up at the airport before you arrive to save time & money.
Parking Options Near the Trailhead
Currently, there are three parking options where you can leave your car before the hike to Reinebringen. However, most options can fill up quickly, especially since the Sherpa Stairs upgrade in 2021. To help you plan, here are my recommended parking options after speaking with the Moskenes Kommune.
Free Parking:
- Djupfjord Viewpoint (Steffenakken on Google Maps): Located 1.3km (0.8 mi) south of the trailhead along the E10, close to Djupfjord bridge. This is the largest free parking area near the hike and the closest to the trailhead but can fill up quickly. Walk the old road beside E10 to the trailhead.
Paid Parking:
- Reine Outer Harbor (Ytre Havn): 1.8km (1.1 mi) from the trailhead, with signs marked ‘P’ after turning into Reine. Parking costs 40 NOK/hour.
- Reine Kultursenter: Just before the center of Reine, 1.5km (0.9 mi) from the trailhead, with a daily rate of 150 NOK.
Due to the distance between parking areas and the trailhead, be prepared for a bit of a walk before you even start your hike. In terms of distance, the walk from the car park is even further than the hike itself.
My Experience Hiking To The Top Of Reinebringen (Step By Step)
Hiking to the top of Reinebringen is quite straightforward now that there are stone steps all the way to the top. It took us just over 30 minutes to walk the 1 km distance climbing the 1978 stone steps to the summit.
The trail climbs steeply and features several snaking switchbacks leading up to the peak. Along the way, there are several markers indicating how many steps you have climbed.
There are also some small cleared areas with stone benches that are great to sit and take a short rest before continuing on. The stone steps were in good condition and not slippery at all, even with our bad turn of weather. However, I could imagine that it might be way more slippery and dangerous after snow or if the ice froze on the steps.
During our climb, our legs were quite conditioned after riding our bicycles here from Stavanger so we pushed on in a single effort to the top.
As we climbed higher, we enjoyed increasingly better views of the oceans and scenic road below.
Soon, we reached the main viewpoint area, where we met several other hikers enjoying the view. Unfortunately, it was a little crowded so we explored and tried to find some unique vantage points away from the crowd.
The clouds were also moving through very quickly which meant that we didn't get the "full" iconic view of the peaks behind us.
Main Reinebringen Summit
Although we did have some cloud cover during our hike, the view between the parting clouds was incredible. From the top, we saw panoramic views of both the Reinefjord and Kjerkfjord, with steep, towering mountains rising up from the sea.
The lake to the left of the photos is called "Reinevatnet", a scenic tarn with overflow spilling down the cliffs to the sea.
Below, we could also see Reine and the other fishing villages of Sakrisøy and Hamnøy. It was immediately clear after climbing Reinebringen just why this hike is so popular– the view is incredible!
Alternative Viewpoints Away from the Crowds
To the left, we saw a dirt trail leading up and higher into the mountains. This trail is not part of the "official" Reinebringen trail so it is a little sketchy towards the end.
However, we managed to climb up about halfway before hitting the cloud line. Along the way, we found some great vantage points with no other people in sight!
On the way back down, we also followed the rocky trails and climbed up the rocky outcrop to the right of the Reinebringen main summit area.
This was relatively safe for us in the summer season but was still a little slippery due to the rain and slightly wet conditions. At the top, there was a large, flat area where we got even better, uninterrupted views of the fishing villages, mountains, and the sea beyond.
Hike at your own risk!
Hiking Back Down
After spending an hour or so exploring the different viewpoints, we made the short, sharp descent back down to the trailhead. This is easier than hiking up but can be a little harsh on the knees.
Where to Stay Before Your Hike
Lofoten accommodation is known for its picturesque fishing villages. Many choose to stay on Moskenes Island in Reine or Svolvær for their authentic charm & proximity to outdoor activities. If you want to stay near the Reinebringen trail, one of the best places is Reine as it's the closest.
Below are my 3 top picks in Lofoten.
1. Lofoten Cabins - Kåkern Top-Choice
Sleeping up to six people it's the perfect choice for large groups. All are fully equipped and offer living areas. The cabins are situated near many hiking trails.
2. Eliassen Rorbuer Popular Pick
Renovated fisherman cottages located on the Hamnøy harbor. Boasting fully equipped kitchens and living areas with breathtaking views over the Vest Fjord.
3. Sakrisøy Gjestegård Mid-Range
A beautiful 1880 house situated on the shores of Reine Fjord. Offering large rooms with spectacular views over the surrounding ice-capped mountains.
FAQ About Hiking Reinebringen
Do I need any special equipment for the Reinebringen hike?
No special equipment is needed if you are hiking in summer but I recommend good hiking shoes due to the steep and sometimes slippery stone steps.
Can I hike Reinebringen in the Winter season?
No, after speaking with Alf from the Visit Norway team, he has advised me that the trail is closed during the winter months from December to March. During this time, the trail is very icy with a high risk of avalanches.
Can I bring my dog on the Reinebringen hike?
Yes, dogs can be brought on the hike but should be kept on a leash due to the steep terrain and to respect wildlife and other hikers.
How early should I start the Reinebringen hike?
To avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience, start early in the morning. The trail is busiest at midday. I suggest starting at around 5 am to beat the crowds.
What's the best season to hike Reinebringen?
The best time is from June to September when the trail is mostly snow-free and the weather is milder. Remember, this is region is above the Arctic Circle and while it is one of the best hikes in the area, can be very dangerous in adverse conditions.
Are there any facilities at the trailhead or along the hike?
No, there are no facilities at the trailhead or along the trail. Make sure to bring water and any snacks you may need. You can purchase this in Reine.
Is Reinebringen worth it?
Although this is a busy trail, it is hard to argue against those incredible Lofoten views. Yes, it's worth the hype. In my opinion, the view from the top is one of the most iconic in Norway and if you hike early enough, you might even have the summit to yourself!
How many stairs are there?
As of the recent works in 2024, there are now 1978 stone steps leading from the trailhead to the top of Reinebringen. Be prepared for a 1.5-2 hour return hike.
How difficult is this hike?
Reinebringen is rated as moderate, mostly due to the steep ascent and because it is so accessible. The truth is, the hike is not technical at all and the only part that is "hard" is the fact that it is steep. All you need is a decent level of fitness and determination.
How high is Reinebringen?
The summit of Reinebringen is around 448 meters. The trail starts from around sea level, so the total elevation gain is roughly the same.
Can I camp at Reinebringen?
According to the local authorities at Moskenes Kommune, camping is not allowed at Reinebringen. There are also signs on the way up indicating that camping is not allowed on the trail and near the summit.
More Helpful Information for Your Norway Trip
I hope that this hiking guide to Reinebringen in the Lofoten Islands has been helpful for planning your adventures.
If you have any updates or information regarding the trail, parking, or you'd like to point out something that I missed in this guide, let me know in the comments below!
Otherwise, check out some of my other favorite hikes in Norway below.
- Preikestolen Hike - the epic "Pulpit Rock" hike located near Stavanger
- Kjeragbolten Hike - the famous "hanging rock" hike in southern Norway
- Trolltunga - the iconic Troll's Tounge hike near Odda
