Helvete Hike
Key facts about the hike
- Difficulty
- Hard Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
- Duration
- 5h30 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
- Distance
- 9.6km
- out and back
- Elevation gain
- 850m
- Type of route
- Out and back
- Maximum altitude
- 730 m
- Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
- Moderately
- Marked
- No
- Popularity
- Low
- Island
- Moskenesøya, Lofoten
- Start point
- 67.91214, 13.07379
- Activity
- Hiking
Hike overview
The Helvete hike leads to the eponymous peak on the island of Moskenesøya and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Lofoten Islands, in Norway. This challenging ascent rewards hikers with stunning vistas of the village of Reine, the Kirkfjorden, Reinefjorden, and Bunesfjorden fjords, and much of Moskenesøya island.
Unlike the popular neighboring Reinebringen, Helvete remains uncrowded, providing a sense of exploration and wilderness in the heart of the archipelago. The route passes through varied landscapes - waterfalls, alpine lakes, and lush vegetation - before reaching the summit plateau and its extraordinary views.
Map and elevation profile of the hike
Helvete Hike
Difficulties of the hike
The trail is clearly visible to the summit, but some slopes are steep in places; some passages should be approached with caution.
During the first two kilometers, you will walk along the shores of the Djupfjorden, alternating between short climbs, descents, rocks and dense vegetation. This varied route is sometimes slightly technical and can be enjoyable on the way up, but it may seem long and physically exhausting on the way back. Once you reach the western end of the fjord, you will climb steep slopes, often wet and slippery, up to Lake Austerdalsvatnet. The final climb to the Helvete ridge takes about an hour and involves very steep but nontechnical slopes.
What you'll love
- The exceptional panorama from the summit, which takes in the villages of Reine, the Kirkfjorden, Reinefjorden, and Bunesfjorden fjords, as well as an overview of Moskenesøya island.
- Remarkable landscapes along the route, including stunning waterfalls, lakes, fjords, and lush vegetation.
- A contemplative break at Lake Austerdalsvatnet: the view is splendid. On one side is the lake and the imposing peaks of Munken, Veinestinden, and Helvete; on the other are waterfalls and the magnificent Djupfjorden fjord.
- The low number of hikers compared to other iconic Lofoten peaks guarantees an authentic, wild atmosphere.
Practical information
Parking
The Steffenakken car park is located on the E10, just past the bridge over the Djupfjorden and directly across from the trailhead. It is free but it has limited capacity (20 to 30 spaces), which is far from sufficient as it also serves the very popular Reinebringen hike. In peak season, your best chance of finding a spot is to arrive very early in the morning — or late in the evening, to catch the midnight sun from the summit.
Parking is limited to 4 hours, which is too short to complete the route. However, the restriction is aimed less at penalizing hikers than at preventing overnight camping in the parking lot.
Best time to go
Mid-June to September on average. See the Norway FAQ for more details.
Camping at the summit
You can camp at the summit, as Helvete is a large, slightly sloping plateau with many flat areas for pitching tents. You can refill your water bottles during the hike, up to half an hour before reaching the summit.
Photos
See all 31 photos →
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Nearby hikes
Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/norway/helvete/