Reine ∙ Lofoten

Activities

Adventure in Lofoten’s most scenic beaches

Usually, the words arctic and beach are not mentioned together, however, Lofoten has some of the most spectacular beaches you will ever see.

Horseid and Bunes Beaches

The closest beaches to Reine are Horseid and Bunes. To access Horseid Beach, take the 15-minute ‘Fjordkyss’ morning ferry from Reine to Kjerkfjorden. Upon disembarking, turn right from the pier and follow the signs to the trail. Horseid Beach, is a magnificent patch of white sand surrounded by towering granite, and to reach it, it takes two hours by walk, each way.

To reach Bunes Beach, take the same morning ferry from Reine to the village of Vindstad. Follow the path northwest along the fjord, over the ridge, and down to the beach. The path is relatively easy and good for families. Make sure to be back at the dock in time for the return ferry.

Kvalvika Beach

Located in a remote bay on the northwest coast of Moskenesøy, the beach at Kvalvika is possibly the most dramatic in the Lofoten Islands. Here, the mountains meet the sea, and the golden sand is flanked by precipitous sheer rock faces — the iconic Ryten. This peak rises 550 metres, almost straight up from the beach, and provides the most stunning views over Kvalvika.

To hike to Kvalvika beach, take the trail from the parking in Fredvang. This is a well-worn trail, but has plenty of ups and downs, so it will take around one hour to cover the 3 kilometres. However, you will get rewarded by the view.

Surfing in Unstad Beach

Although it may sound a little odd, Unstad is in fact the heart of the Norwegian surfing scene. Despite being well within the Arctic Circle, this beach attracts surfers from around the world. Admittedly many come out of curiosity, but there can be good waves here and the scenery is absolutely stunning. It is said that surfing at Unstad beach dates back to the 1960’s, when some globe-trotting Norwegians returned from Australia with a bright idea. Since they ventured out on their homemade surfboards, things have progressed and these days there is even a surf school here.

It is little surprise that the water here never really warms up, rarely hitting 15 °C in the summer. However, in the winter it doesn’t get as cold as you might imagine due to the presence of the warm Gulf Stream current.

Digital Nomads and Co-working Spaces in Lofoten

The freedom to choose where to live and work is part of the benefit of being a digital nomad. The rise in short-term homes and office shares is a worldwide phenomenon and it also reached the Lofoten Islands. Today, it’s easier than ever to book a stay for a few days, weeks, or even months. The Arctic Coworking Lodge, located in Tagstad, and opened in 2018, today is the home of many digital nomads, that come to explore the world’s most beautiful islands, and they stay because of the community.

Usually, people that lead a location-independent lifestyle, traveling around the world while working full time on their computer. They are often a slow-travelling bunch that spends weeks to months in a location if they like it. 

If you are interested to work and be creative, while enjoying beautiful sceneries, I recommend Arctic Coworking Lodge.

Hike to Reinebringen Viewpoint

Reinebringen is one of the highest mountains in Lofoten, and the view from the top is known for being one of the most spectacular. It is a must among many hikers, and you will soon understand why. This hike is extremely popular among tourists.

There are two official parking areas provided by the municipality. A small one by Djupfjord Bridge, following the road E10 direction Å. There is a short walk north over the bridge, all the way to the starting point of the trail. If this parking lot is full, drive into Reine and park by the harbour. The trailhead is located about 1 kilometre from Reine and you can easily walk there.

The hike is short, but steep: 1 h and 1 km long, on a stairway with 1560 steps. Once you arrive at the top, you will be at 450 meters elevation, and you can enjoy the 360° view over Reinefjorden and the villages of Hamnøy, Sakrisøy and Reine.

Whale watching

In the last years, it happened more often that Killer Whales are around Lofoten in springtime. If you are planning to do some self-guided whale watching, we recommend that you ask some locals, or check social media if recently people have seen or taken pictures of Orcas. The whales usually stay for some time in the same area and will come back at least once a day. They are travelling in a big circle in the Vestfjord chasing for herring. You can spot them sometimes in the Reinefjord, but also all along the coast up to the Flakstad Island. I recommend being patient and take always with you a good camera, and when you least expect it, you might see them. In the summer, is also possible to see Sperm Whales, Harbour Porpoises, and in the winter — Humpbacks Whales.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

If you are in Reine, step in the water with your paddleboard from your lodge, or kayak around the islands of Sakrisøy, Hamnøy and Reinefjord. This is an activity to enjoy all year round, an experience like no other, to be surrounded by dramatic peaks.

Below, a video of a peaceful paddleboarding day in Lofoten.

WHERE TO STAY IN REINE?

THE Manor House

A lovely traditional guesthouse located in the most dramatic landscape of Lofoten. With a kitchen, terrace view and garden, it's the perfect place where to relax and breathe the traditions of the local fishing village.