Festvågtind is a mountain peak located next to the village of Henningsvær in the Lofoten Islands. The hike offers breathtaking views from above, with magnificent mountain peaks on one side and the picturesque Henningsvær islands on the other.
The trail to Festvågtind is rated moderately difficult, and this is an accurate description. Although the distance is short, just 1.5 kilometers each way (totaling 3 kilometers), the elevation gain is 541 meters, and the trail is rocky and steep, which adds to the challenge.
Parking is available nearby, but it can be crowded. We found a larger parking area with toilets, which is always a plus. From this parking area, it was about 1.1 kilometers to the trailhead, you can find it here.
Good footwear is essential for this hike. Slippery-soled sneakers are not recommended; sturdy hiking boots are a must. We often opt for sneakers, but thankfully, we read ahead and chose hiking boots for this trail. We packed a backpack with proper snacks, water, warm clothing, and camera gear and set off.
The trail is a consistently steep climb but manageable. Early on, you’ll encounter larger boulders that require some scrambling, but it’s quite doable.
At times, it might be challenging to discern which path to follow as there are multiple trails, but as long as you keep ascending, you’re on the right track. About halfway up, you’ll reach a plateau with a small lake called Heiavatnet, offering a refreshing break. You can swim here if the cold water doesn’t deter you. We saw some campers and swimmers and splashed some cool water on our faces to refresh ourselves.
The plateau itself is a beautiful spot with lovely views. From here, you can head towards the nearby lower peak closer to Henningsvær to admire the scenery.
The trail from the plateau to the summit becomes rockier and occasionally slippery due to loose stones. However, taking it slow and steady, you’ll inch closer to the top. We paused frequently to marvel at the increasingly expansive views behind us. The plateau with its lake and the gradually revealing Henningsvær islands were stunning sights.
At the summit, the views are simply incredible. There’s a narrow ledge near the peak with plenty of room to walk and admire the scenery. A short climb over larger rocks leads to the peak, which is completely safe.
The panoramic views from the top are well worth the climb. The Henningsvær islands are spectacular from above, and the surrounding mountain peaks create a breathtaking landscape. We timed our hike for late afternoon, but before sunset, and the summit was relatively quiet, with only a few other hikers present.
We took our time soaking in the scenery from every direction before gradually making our way down. The descent offered continuous stunning views, although it required frequent stops as we kept our eyes on the path to avoid slipping.
After passing the plateau, we encountered some hikers looking a bit exhausted, asking how much further to the summit. We provided some guidance and an overview of the remaining hike. They ultimately decided to stay by the lake instead of continuing. This hike is indeed steep and rocky, making it relatively strenuous, so packing ample determination and allowing plenty of time is advisable.
Festvågtind is definitely worth the climb. The views from the top reward the effort many times over!
