11 Best Things To Do In Reine Lofoten From A Local (2025)
Since I moved to Reine, a small community in the Western Lofoten Islands (surrounded by the most incredible nature you can imagine) about eight months ago, I have slowly been able to explore what my new magical neighborhood has to offer.
I have been a bit slow, to be honest, because I arrived last October, just in time for the autumn storms to hit the islands, and when the season turned towards the Polar Night here up north.
But now we are on June 1st (SUMMER!) – the midnight sun is here, the fjords are glittering, kayakers roam, and the mountains (although with some patches of snow still) are again accessible for hikers from all corners of the world.
Are you coming? Here are my most stellar local suggestions for the best things to do in Reine, Lofoten: so get your notepad out and take notes!
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In A Hurry? Here Is The Top Three Quick Guide!
If you are here for just a day or so, trying to cover as much ground as you can in northern Norway on a road trip or bike trip, here are my top three tips for unmissable things to do in Reine!
- Hike the Sherpa Stairs of Reinebringen Mountain
- This is the number-one attraction (so to speak) in Moskenes Municipality, almost 2000 stairs up the majestic rock, and at the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views!
- Take a guided kayak tour in the Reine Fjord
- Getting up close and personal with the marine nature in Reine is a profound and beautiful experience. And you might see orcas!
- Take the ferry over to Vindstad and hike to Bunes Beach
- The small ferry departing from the center of Reine will take you via Kirkefjorden to Vindstad, from where you have a 2,5 km easy hike to the beautiful white Arctic sands of Bunes Beach.
The Comprehensive List: Things To Do In Reine Lofoten
Right: now, if you are still reading, congratulations!
You obviously want to experience the best and make the most of your trip to Lofoten, our incredibly wild and majestic little corner of the world.
I am super happy to provide you with all the ins and outs and local inside advice of what to do here in Reine (and how and when), so let’s get started on the list!
1. Hike The Reinebringen Sherpa Stairs
The Sherpa Stairs to ascend Reinebringen Mountain in Reine is probably the most famous and, without a doubt, the most popular summit hike you can do here, and that is not without reason.
The views from the top are no less than stunning. I just did this hike for the first time on May 17th (the Norwegian national day, no less) – and it was breathtakingly beautiful views over Reine and Moskenes Municipality from the top.
Reinebringen has two summits, in a way. The one most people hike to is about 50 meters beyond the end of the Sherpa stairs.
The second one is the most difficult, requiring crossing a couple of ridges and an airy traverse. If you decide to go all the way here, you need to be comfortable with heights, as it is really airy in some places.
The ascent to the first top will probably take you between 45 minutes and one hour, while to the second top, it will take between one and one and a half hours.
How to get here: Park in the center of Reine, and walk back to E10, make a left turn, and follow the path and the old road along the shoreline for 5-6 minutes. The start of the stairs is clearly marked, and you will see the start of the stairs on your right. Good luck!
Warning: The hike is “closed” during winter, meaning it is strongly advised to NOT take on this hike when there is snow, rain, and wind. It is not a long, challenging hike, but it is really steep, and the steps and snow can be very slippery. (And yes, people have died here).
Read the whole Reinebringen Hiking Guide here.
2. Guided Kayak Tour In The Reine Fjord
Do not miss this adventure!
Kayaking in the Reine Fjord in the summer is a magical experience, slow, zen, and beautiful.
Several companies offer guided kayak tours here, and if you are certified (in Norway, “våttkort”), you can also rent kayaks and go on your own adventure.
Even if you are certified, I recommend you consider going with a guide who knows the area, weather, and elements well and can tell you all about marine nature in these Arctic waters.
This will definitely enhance your experience.
I have the certification, but chose to go kayaking with Saga Adventures, a small adventure company located in Hamnøy Island. And it was a perfect trip, so I can confidently recommend you do the same.
Also read: 4 Top Rated Options – Best Kayaking in Reine Lofoten
3. Boat Trip to Vindstad And Hike To Bunes Beach
This boat trip is not a “tour”, it is a small ferry departing from the center of Reine several times a day, going first to the small settlement of Kirkefjorden, then to Vindstad, and back to Reine.
The boat round trip takes just under one hour, and if you want to hike to the golden sands at Bunes Beach, you exit the boat at Vindstad.
Hiking from Vindstad to Bunes is an easy hike (probably perfect the day after you have summited Reinebringen). You get off the ferry, and just follow the road, and then the signs for the trail path.
- Distance: Approximately 2.8 km (one way), 30-45 minutes of hiking.
- Elevation Gain: Around 80 meters
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours round trip, depending on pace and stops
- Difficulty: Easy; the trail is well-marked and follows a gentle path through the village and over a small hill
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Season: April to October is ideal, but the hike is possible year-round if the ferry is operating and weather permits
There is “nothing” out here, so remember to bring everything you want to eat and drink for this trip, as well as extra clothes (it can get chilly here in the north even on sunny summer days).
You can not pre-book tickets for this ferry, so get there early and get in line at the Reine Ferry Dock to make sure you get a seat on board.
See the departure times on the Reis Nordland website (you can also book tickets on the Reis app, including for local and regional buses between Svolvær, Leknes, and Å in Lofoten).
4. Show Shoeing From Hamnøy Island
Although the Lofoten Islands are not the snowiest in Norway, there is snow in the winter, and you can have an amazing snowshoeing experience here in western Lofoten.
This is a three-hour tour that will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in western Lofoten, a short drive from Reine.
With a skilled guide who takes care of all the safety and evaluates the elements and weather (lots of that here), you can focus on just enjoying the hike and admiring the unique winter scenery and stunning views.
This tour does not have any reviews online yet, but as I know the people in the Saga Adventure tour company myself, I have no problem recommending them to you.
5. Guided SUP Safari In The Reine Fjord
Joining this top-rated SUP Safari tour in Reinefjorden with local guides will give you a unique SUP experience like no other.
You will not get as far as in a kayak, but balancing on a SUP board on the crystal clear greenish waters here is magnificent; the visibility in Arctic waters is incredible.
Reinefjorden is located inside the small Reine Village, just beneath Reinebringen mountain, home to one of the world’s most spectacular viewpoints overlooking the fjords and mountains of the western part of Lofoten.
The fjord and mountains have a rich wildlife with a vast number of birds and sea eagles, the water is clear, and you will most likely see lots of things like starfish, sea urchins, and other underwater life (and maybe orcas. Just maybe).
6. Incredible Dining At Holmen Lofoten
I have had dinner at Holmen Lofoten restaurant only once, and that was a magnificent experience. We had a seven-course meal, and each dish was beautifully presented and tasted amazing!
They call themselves “kitchen on the edge”, which is very fitting, and you will see why if you go there.
The staff at Holmen is highly skilled, will give you great service, and they also have a wide selection of wines for the traveling wine-lovers of the world.
And I think it is really cool that the kitchen is open, so you can admire the impressive chefs at work for the entire evening.
Holmen is not a budget dinner venue, but it is truly an experience. So if you would like to eat beautifully presented local produce on the Lofoten shore, make sure you visit this gem that is located in Sørvågen, only minutes from Å in Lofoten (the end of Lofoten, that is).
Oh, and remember to book a table in advance.
7. Morning Yoga At Catogården in Reine
In the small village’ish center of Reine, you find a gas station, a cafe, a couple of restaurants, a tourist information, and Catogården center.
Catogården is a B&B that also rents out kayaks, they have a sauna and a hot tub outside, and they offer yoga classes every morning at 8 am.
If you are an early bird, this might be just what you need to start your day in a soft way and find your center before you head out exploring the wild nature in Lofoten. If you are not staying there, call them in advance and check if you need to book.
8. Boat Trip To Refsvikhula Cave
Are you fascinated by caves? We have that, too, and inside you can marvel at impressive 3000+ years old cave drawings.
Hidden along the dramatic coastline off the tip of Lofoten lies Refsvikhula Cave, a staggering natural wonder that rises 50 meters high and plunges 115 meters deep.
Stepping into this enormous sea cave feels like entering a time capsule, where the whispers of the past echo from ancient stone walls. And the treasure inside is the red ocher painted figures etched into the rock over 3,000 years ago by early humans.
These cave drawings were discovered by archaeology students from the University of Tromsø in 1986, adding a layer of mystique to an awe-inspiring adventure. You need to join a boat trip to get here, and REEL Lofoten gets really good reviews for their cave excursion.
9. Sauna And Sea Bath in Reinefjorden Sjøhus
Reinefjorden Sjøhus is a rorbu resort (fisherman’s cabins) located just after the tunnel when you arrive at Hamnøy Island. It has two amazing saunas right by the water and accepts drop-in guests.
One is rather large and can take groups of up to 12 people, the other is smaller and can take up to six people. The biggest one has a shower and a wardrobe, while the small one offers the wild, raw sea for refreshing yourself.
As they do not advertise these saunas, you need to call them and ask for availability. I strongly recommend you call to pre-book, as these sauna-sea bath experiences are really popular in Lofoten in the summer.
And of course, you can stay there too, if you like! Reinefjorden Sjøhus has great reviews, and their largest accommodation houses x people, while the smallest one is for y people.
10. Visit Å – The Southernmost Point In West Lofoten
Even though the Lofoten islands look like they go north-south, the locals use the terms east and western Lofoten. And Reine, in Moskenes Municipality, is the westernmost municipality in Lofoten, and Å in Lofoten is situated at the end of the last island.
So that’s how to speak like a local.
Å in Lofoten is just a tiny little village that used to be an active fishing community (like all little islands in Lofoten) back in the day.
Now, I would categorize it almost as an open-air museum. Å is famous for its old-fashioned bakery, with (possibly) the best cinnamon buns in the world. In order to test them, you need to get there early, because they get sold out real fast!
There is also an actual museum, a cafe, a restaurant, and a rorbu resort in Å, and a few locals live there as well. And from the tip, you can see over to the islands Værøy and Røst south of Lofoten, famous for puffins, hiking, and fishing.
11. Hike From Kirkefjorden To Horseid Beach
If you are keen to do a slightly longer hike than the summit of Reinebringen and the short hike to Bunes Beach, the hike from Kirkefjorden to Horseid Beach might be what you are looking for.
- Distance: Around 3.5 km (one way). The hike takes between 1,5 and 2,5 hours one way, depending on your fitness level.
- Elevation gain: About 300 meters
- Trail type: Moderate, with a steep ascent from Kirkefjorden and some rocky and marshy sections
- Season: Best from late June to early September when the trail is dry and snow-free
- Start point: You’ll need to take a passenger ferry from Reine to Kirkefjorden to reach the trailhead.
- NOTE: In the summer high season, there will be a line to get on the ferry, and you can not pre-book tickets. So get there early!
To get to the start point of this hike, going from Kirkefjorden to Horseid Beach, you also take the ferry from the center of Reine. Check the Reis Nordland web page for departure times.
Best Places To Stay In Reine
You will not find traditional high-end hotels in Reine, but there are plenty of fishermen’s cabin resorts, large and small. And you find quite a few home stays, too, through Airbnb, as well as booking apps like Booking.com and Expedia.com.
If you want the fisherman’s cabin experience, this is not a budget option, but it is quite unique and probably worth a night’s stay unless you are on a very tight budget.
Some of the most popular fishermen’s cabin resorts in Reine are the ones below.
- Sakrisøy Rorbuer in Sakrisøy Island
- Eliassen Rorbuer in Hamnøy Island
- Reinefjorden Sjøhus by Hamnøy Island
- Reine Rorbuer in the center of Reine
- Å Rorbuer in Å in Lofoten (the end of Lofoten)
Where To Eat In Reine
Even in remote places with very few locals living full time, like Reine, you tend to find some true restaurant gems with passionate staff who love creating amazing food, and also love spectacular nature (which is why they come to work in Lofoten).
Because of this, you can enjoy amazing cuisine even in this tiny little community, and here are some of my favorites you probably dont want to miss.
- Anita’s Seafood in Sakrisøy Island
- Underhuset in Sakrisøy Island
- Gadus in Hamnøy Island
- Tapperiet Bistro in Reine Center
- Gammelbua in Reine Center
- Holmen Restaurant in Sørvågen towards Å
- Maren Anna in Sørvågen
Anita’s is not a “secret gem”, located along E10, but that does not make it less interesting for lovers of great (sea) food. You need to know that Anita’s is mainly a daytime open restaurant, and a great place to stop for lunch or an early dinner.
Tapperiet Bistro opens around noon and closes at nine pm or later (depending on season), the rest are evening restaurants, mainly.
And lastly, Holmen Restaurant in Sørvågen is a true gourmet gem; I have had the seven-course set menu there, which was amazing. Perfect for foodies or a special occasion.
How To Get Here
Reine is in western Lofoten, which means it is close to the “end of Lofoten”, all the way to the south-west.
You can take the ferry here from Bodø across the fjord, a three and a half hour trip that takes you directly to Moskenes Ferry Dock. This is a car ferry, so you can bring your camper van, rental, or just yourself.
If you fly in, you can fly to Svolvær (a two-hour drive from Reine) or Leknes (a one-hour drive from Reine). From there, rent a car or catch the bus, but be aware that bus services in Lofoten are not abundant.
There is also a taxi service both in Leknes and Svolvær, but in Reine, there are no local taxis, and no Ubers or car-sharing apps.
So my best advice is to plan a bit thoroughly the transport part of your visit!
Wrap-Up Best Things To Do In Reine Lofoten
I hope I have given you food for thought here; there are lots of amazing and unique things to do in Reine and the Moskenes area.
Whether you are a nature explorer or just want to drive through and admire nature, head out on the water, go hiking, or even have gourmet experiences that are quite remarkable.
Let me know if anything is missing, and if you have any questions, you can reach me on Instagram. I’d be happy to help.
Happy Travels, and welcome to Reine, Lofoten!
