Reinebringen is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Lofoten Islands, and once you reach the summit, it’s easy to understand why. Reinebringen offers one of the most iconic views in the Lofoten Islands, with picturesque fishing villages below and dramatic mountains in the background.
Located near the popular town of Reine, Reinebringen is an excellent place to admire the mountain from below. The trail to Reinebringen is technically easy but physically demanding. It’s only about 1 kilometer in length each way (plus the walk to the beginning of the trail), but it consists of 1700 steps, with an additional short uphill climb without steps towards the end. However, the views are so breathtaking that every step and drop of sweat is worth it.
The starting point of the trail is a bit further from the junction in Reine town, where there is a small parking lot where you can leave your car. There are also parking spaces in the town, which adds a bit more distance to the hike. From the junction, it’s about 750 meters to the beginning of the hiking trail. The road for cars passes through a tunnel, but pedestrians can take a detour along the seaside.
The trail is known for its stairs, and there are indeed 1700 of them, making the journey practically a continuous ascent from the first step. Only the final stretch of about 100 meters to the summit is without stairs.
We set out determinedly, with well-packed backpacks and prepared for whatever the weather might bring, which turned out to be rain. However, that didn’t deter us. We put on our rain-resistant jackets, covered our backpacks with rain covers, and continued our ascent. We didn’t let the rain dampen our spirits, hoping for clearer weather ahead.
The stairs seem to wind endlessly along the mountainside, but with each step, you’re getting closer to the summit. As the journey progresses, the views become increasingly breathtaking, and you can admire them without constantly turning around as the stairs meander.
Although our faith was tested at times, we eventually reached the final step, and we were already very close to the summit. The last part of the climb without stairs was relatively short. Due to the earlier rain, this final ascent had turned into a muddy mess, making it quite slippery. However, we proceeded cautiously towards the summit.
Upon reaching the top, we were greeted with a truly rewarding sight! The views were absolutely stunning, truly worth every step and drop of sweat. Fortunately, the rain had stopped by this point, making the experience even more enjoyable.
From the summit, we admired the magnificent scenery, the clear sea, and the beautiful archipelago of the Lofoten Islands with its fishing villages. It felt like we were looking at a cover photo of a travel magazine.
Descending required extra caution, especially on the muddy section before the stairs, where we had to tread carefully to avoid slipping. Once we reached the bottom of the stairs, our legs were trembling from the exertion. Even when trying to stand still, our legs shook uncontrollably.
Reinebringen is an extremely recommended hiking trail for anyone visiting the Lofoten Islands. The iconic Lofoten landscape rewards the climb. The trail is technically easy but physically demanding, so take your time and proceed at your own pace, and you’ll reach the summit. Remember to pack plenty of snacks, enough water, and wear sturdy shoes.
