Hiking on Moskenesøya Island, Lofoten
Moskenesøya is the southernmost and most spectacular of the Lofoten Islands. Boasting towering peaks that plunge into the Arctic Ocean, colourful fishing villages nestled alongside fjords and pristine white-sand beaches, this island offers a unique concentration of remarkable landscapes that is unmatched anywhere else in the archipelago.
Below are 13 hikes on Moskenesøya, ranging from family-friendly walks that are accessible to everyone, to challenging climbs that are reserved for seasoned hikers. Highlights include the famous Reinebringen trail with its iconic view of Reine village, the idyllic Kvalvika beach and the ascent of Hermannsdalstinden, the island's highest peak at 1,029 metres.
→ For practical information on hiking in the Lofoten Islands (when to go, how to get there, where to stay, climate, etc.), check out the Complete Guide to Hiking in the Lofoten Islands.
Map of Hiking Trails on Moskenesøya island
My favourite hikes on Moskenesøya
Reinebringen - Iconic view of the Lofoten Islands
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2 h 30
Distance: 3.7 km
Elevation gain: 480 m
This is the quintessential hike in the Lofoten Islands and fully lives up to its reputation. In under an hour and a half of climbing up a well-maintained stone staircase, you reach one of the archipelago's most beautiful viewpoints, offering a bird's-eye view of Reine village and its colourful fishermen's cabins, as well as the turquoise waters of Reinefjord. The effort-to-reward ratio is unbeatable.
Brunakseltinden - Boat Trip to Turquoise Fjords
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Duration: 3 h 30
Distance: 7.9 km
Elevation gain: 520 m
This hike is accessible only by boat from Reine and offers magnificent views along the entire route. At the summit, you'll discover an exceptional panorama with turquoise fjords on either side and the rugged peaks of Moskenesøya. The boat crossing alone is worth the trip. You can also detour to the magnificent Bunes Beach, which is bordered by impressive cliffs. It is the perfect spot for camping or swimming in the icy waters.
Helvete - Exceptional Panorama Away from the Crowds
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 5 h 30
Distance: 9.6 km
Elevation gain: 850 m
Far less crowded than the popular neighbouring Reinebringen, this challenging hike is rewarded with an even more spectacular panorama. The route traverses varied landscapes featuring waterfalls, alpine lakes and lush vegetation, before reaching the summit plateau. From the summit, you can take in the villages of Reine, the Kirkfjorden, Reinefjorden and Bunesfjorden fjords, as well as enjoying a panoramic view of the Moskenesøya island. A wild and authentic atmosphere is guaranteed.
Hermannsdalstinden - The roof of Moskenesøya for experienced hikers
Difficulty: Very Hard
Duration: 10 h
Distance: 21.2 km
Elevation gain: 1810 m
The island of Moskenesøya's highest peak at 1,029 metres is reserved for well-trained hikers. This long and demanding ascent (over 20 km with 1,800 m of elevation gain) traverses diverse and absolutely magnificent landscapes. At the summit, you can enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding peaks, numerous high-altitude lakes and the fjords of Lofoten. It is a true alpine adventure in a wild and unspoilt setting. If you would prefer to break up the hike, the Munkebu huts offer an ideal campsite halfway through, with the added bonus of being able to climb the nearby Munken peak.
Ryten and Kvalvika Beach - Panoramic summit and dream beach
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 h
Distance: 10.1 km
Elevation gain: 770 m
This hike combines the best of Lofoten: a panoramic summit and access to the magnificent Kvalvika Beach. From the Ryten summit, you can overlook the turquoise bay bordered by steep cliffs. The trail is well-maintained and accessible, with a few directional signs to help with navigation. It is an ideal spot for camping in the grassy dunes behind the beach.
Narvtinden - Twin Peaks above Lake Solbjønvatnet
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 5 h
Distance: 6.9 km
Elevation gain: 850 m
This hike is significantly less crowded than other iconic peaks and leads to two distinct summits, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Selfjorden fjord and Stormarkpollen Bay. The magnificent Lake Solbjønvatnet accompanies you throughout the route, reflecting the surrounding mountains spectacularly. From the very beginning of the hike, you can enjoy superb views of the lake and the Narvtinden summit from a small plateau. The route then gradually becomes more technical as you approach the summits.
List of hikes on the island of Moskenesøya
| Name of the hike | Photo | Difficulty | Duration | Length | Elevation gain | Popularity | My rating |
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