Helvete

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.

Remarks

Best time to go: Mid-June to September on average. See the Norway FAQ for more details.

Access: If you are coming from Reine on the E10, park in the lot on your left just after the bridge over the Djupfjorden fjord. The trailhead is on the other side of the road.

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.

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.
icone activite
Activity: Hiking
icone difficulte
Difficulty: HardiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone duree
Average duration: 5 h 30 miFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone distance
Length: 9.3 km
icone typetrajet
Type of route: Out and back
icone denivele positif
Elevation gain: 850 m
icone altitude
Maximum altitude: 730 m
Vertiginous: ModeratelyiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone balise
Marked: No
frequentation
Popularity: Low
icone region
Region: Moskenesøya
icone depart
Start point: 67.91214, 13.07379
Helvete