Evolution of the number of visits on Hiking-Lofoten, since the 1st of January 2014

The start of 2019 marks the sixth year of Hiking-lofoten's existence, and we thought it was time to update the “consultation statistics” (yep, they haven’t been updated since 2015 ;-)).

The analysis of this anonymous data provided by Google Analytics gives us - in addition to the satisfaction of looking at these nice figures - a better understanding of what visitors come to look for. In short it allows us to improve the content of the website.

Of course, we prefer direct contact with users telling us what they would like to see on the website or what isn't so useful. So, let's say it again: do not hesitate to contact us by email to share your suggestions, so we can make new improvements.

In any case, we believe that it is normal and interesting for users to be informed about Hiking-Lofoten's functioning and its evolution.

Users

Visits / sessions data

Detailed users data for 2018

Demographics

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Ranking of site users by age group

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Countries from which site users connect to hiking-lofoten

Language

User's browser language

Definitions

⁽¹⁾ Users : Users who have initiated at least one session during the date range.

⁽²⁾ Nwe user : The number of first-time users during the selected date range.

⁽³⁾ Session : A session is the period time a user is actively engaged with your website, app, etc. All usage data (Screen Views, Events, Ecommerce, etc.) is associated with a session.

⁽⁴⁾ Number of sessions per user : The average number of Sessions per user.

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The long crossing from north to south on the Lofoten Islands

The long crossing from north to south on the Lofoten Islands

Since Rando-Lofoten was founded a certain number of visitors have told us they would be interested in a trekking itinerary that crosses the archipelago from one end to the other. Crossing a region from north to south or east to west often enables travellers to set themselves a goal when faced with the unknown. But over and above the physical or psychological challenge we believe it is important to remember that hiking is above all about discovery and enjoyment.

In drawing up the following itinerary we gave ourselves the following goals:

• To avoid missing the most iconic places on the islands
• To avoid tarmacked sections of road wherever possible
• To hike as often as possible within easy reach of supply points (shops, petrol stations) to avoid having to carry an enormous rucksack!

Lastly, this itinerary is not the only possible one. Many of the hikes on the Rando-Lofoten site do not lie directly on the route of this crossing but are easily accessible if you branch off, provided you have the time and inclination. The duration/distance of the stages we propose here is only a suggestion based on a reasonable level of fitness and decent weather, but it may be adapted to your own criteria. If you decide to camp you can pitch your tent virtually anywhere on the islands, provided of course that you comply with the regulations in force. Although water supplies are to be found everywhere at all stages, you will find relatively few food stores on the route. We have made a note of all the food supply points on this itinerary (shops, restaurants, petrol stations) that existed in 2014. To avoid disappointment, once you get there you should, however, check the opening times of these supply points when you leave each stage for the next.

Remember that Rando-Lofoten is above all a participatory site and any suggestions to improve this itinerary, either in the forum or by email, are welcome.

Enjoy your hike!

Crossing the Lofoten Islands in 11 stages

160km and 9,193 m uphill

Island of Austvågøya

Stage No. 1 – Delp/Sandsletta

Departure: hamlet of Delp (N68 24.065 E14 30.171) Arrival: hamlet of Sandsletta (N68 20.163 E14 29.907) Distance: 12.8 km Duration of hike: 5 h Uphill: 927 m Camping: possible everywhere Campsite near the point of arrival: Sandsletta campsite (N68 20.163 E14 29.907) inexpensive and good service. Supply point(s): Sandsletta campsite (small convenience store + restaurant). Note: It is a good idea to do your shopping in Svolvaer.

12.8 km, 05:39:55

Stage No. 2 – Sandsletta/Svolvaer

Departure: hamlet of Sandsletta (N68 20.163 E14 29.907) Arrival: near Svolvær (N68 14.646 E14 32.094) Distance: 13 km Duration of hike: 6 h Uphill: 697 m Camping: possible everywhere Campsite near the point of arrival: Lofoten Feriesenter (N68 14.879 E14 32.939) high prices and poor service. Supply point(s): Sandsletta campsite, small convenience store + restaurant. Svolvær, several shopping centres and shops in the town centre - N68 14.045 E14 33.690. Caution: there is nowhere to buy supplies in any of the next three stages. Nearby hikes: Rundfjellet (Only for registerd users).

12.9 km, 21:50:39

Stage No. 3 – Svolvaer/Kleppstad

Departure: near Svolvaer (N68 14.646 E14 32.094) Arrival: hamlet of Kleppstad (N68 15.554 E14 16.666) Distance: 17.3 km Duration of hike: 8 h Uphill: 644 m Camping: possible everywhere Campsite near the point of arrival: None Supply point(s): None Nearby hikes:Tjeldbergtinden (Only for registerd users).

17.3 km, 03:42:46

Island of Vestvågøya

Stage No. 4 – Vikjorda/Lake of Store Krenggårsvatnet

Departure: hamlet of Vikjorda (N68 13.631 E14 04.605) Arrival: Lake of Store Krenggårsvatnet (N68 11.219 E13 45.426) Distance: 19.5 km (not including the section of tarmacked road) Duration of hike: 7 h (not including the section of tarmacked road) Uphill: 1,392 m Camping: possible everywhere but there is a well-equipped cabin, which is freely accessible, near the lake of Store Krenggårsvatnet (or Store Kringlebotnsvatnet depending on which map you consult) Campsite near the point of arrival: None Supply point(s): None Nearby hikes:Vikjordstinden, Trolldalstinden, Blåtinden, Kartstaven (Only for registerd users).

19.6 km, 01:24:14

Stage No. 5 - Lake of Store Krenggårsvatnet/town centre of Leknes

Departure: Lake of Store Krenggårsvatnet (N68 11.219 E13 45.426) Arrival: Rema 100 super market, Leknes (N68 08.684 E13 37.265) Distance: 11 km Duration of hike: 3.30 h Uphill: 221 m Camping: complicated around the town of Leknes but anywhere you like from the village of Napp. Campsite near the point of arrival: None Supply point(s): town of Leknes, the last real supply point for the next two stages! Nearby hikes:Justadtinden, Slettheia, Guratinden (Only for registerd users).

10.6 km, 19:59:25

Island of Flakstadøya

Stage No. 6 – hamlet of Napp/hamlet of Nusfjord

17.5 km, 15:14:56

Stage No. 7 – hamlet of Nusfjord/Village of Ramberg

Departure: near the hamlet of Nusfjord (N68 01.765 E13 20.952) Arrival: near the village of Ramberg (N68 04.469 E13 12.468) Distance: 19.7 km Duration of hike: 7 h Uphill: 446 m Camping: if you want to camp during this stage, leave Ramberg and follow the E10 towards Fredvang. You will find sites before the bridges where you can pitch your tent. Campsite near the point of arrival: Ramberg Gjestegård campsite (N68 05.567 E13 13.967) Supply point(s): Bunnpris shopping centre (open all year round - N68 05.377 E13 13.692). You will also find a little café (Friisgården) in the centre of the village as well as a perfectly acceptable café/restaurant at the campsite in Ramberg. Caution, there is nowhere to buy supplies in the next two stages. Nearby hikes:Tonsåsheia (Only for registerd users).

19.6 km, 01:59:39

Island of Moskenesøya

Stage No. 8 – Near Ramberg/Selfjord Bay

17.5 km, 08:26:39

Stage No. 9 – Selfjord Bay / Forsfjorden Fjord

9.1 km, n/a

1.7 km, 01:39:57

Stage No. 10 – Hill 448 above Forsfjorden / Å-i-Lofoten (on the shores of the lake of Agvatnet)

13.2 km, 22:51:16

Stage No. 11 – Lake of Ågvatnet / Bay of Stokkvika / village of Å-i-Lofoten

12.3 km, 10:58:18

How to get to the start of stages 1, 2, 6 and 11?

Watch out: In Norway like elsewhere, bus schedules can be modified. It is important that you check the information given her, before jumping into the first bus!

All bus schedule for Lofoten and Vesterålen can be found here

On the website: 177norland.no

By calling: 177 (only from Norway)

An Athletic Trek in the South of the Lofoten Islands

An Athletic Trek in the South of the Lofoten Islands

3 or 4 days – leave : Sørvågen / arrive : Reine
Total distance : 39km, Height difference +/- 3600m, maximum altitude 1029m
Season : July, August and September

This very athletic trek combines the most beautiful summits of Moskenesøya Island into one big hike. It’s intended for people who don’t have the time to take longer treks (like the great hike across the Lofotens), but who like physical exertion in high-mountain landscapes. You should have some mountain experience and a good sense of direction, for aside from the height difference and distances you’ll have to cross, most of the hike will be off-trail, over wild, uneven terrain.

It is preferable to make this trek in 4 days to get the most out of the places you’ll hike through, but if you’re in a hurry, it’s possible to get back to the village of Reine in the afternoon of day 3. To do that, you’ll have to get to Vinstad before the last ferry leaves at 3:25 PM (see schedules here). However, as Bunes Beach is a magnificent spot to bivouac and admire the midnight sun, we think you’d do better to take your time and spend the third night in this beautiful place...

…

NOTE: There are no refueling points beyond Sorvagen, you must start this trek with 3 to 4 days of food (Or a good fishing rod ;-)

Complete trek map (below)

38.5 km, 04:45:13

Stage n°1 – From Sørvagen to Krokvatnet Lake

Don’t be fooled by the distance of this leg of the hike: it goes over the summit of Støvla and it’s the hardest part of the itinerary, along with Stage No. 2. Only do it if the snow has totally disappeared from the summit. Some passages of the ascent go along extremely slanted slopes over Fjerddalsvatnet Lake and when there’s snow, the passage can be dangerous—in fact, impossible. The ascent to the summit as well as the way back down to the lake pass through screes and highly uneven terrain where a GPS may be necessary. But what a reward, when you get to the top of Støvla and its 360° panorama over the south of the archipelago!

When you get back down, you’ll find several places to bivouac between Lakes Krokvatnet and Tennesvatnet. The point we suggest here is a little rounded promontory that gives you a lovely view over the fjord of Forsfjorden. From there, you’ll be ready to set out on the ascent of Herrmannsdalstinden the next morning.

Leave : Sørvågen (N67° 53.474’ E13° 00.608’)
Arrive : hill 440m, between the lake of Krokvatnet and Tennesvatnet (N67°56.013’ E12°58.738’)
Distance : 11km
Time of trip : 6 to 7h
Height difference : +1276m/-789m
Maximum altitude : 824m
Bivouac : possible everywhere
Place to get water : all along the trail
Places to get food : Sørvågen (Joker, Matkroken)
Note : Some passages are dangerous if snowed (you will find snow until july normaly). A gps device is very useful especially in the downhill
Other nearby hikes : Tindstinden, Munkan

10.8 km, 06:21:47

Stage n°2 – Hermannsdalstinden Summit (1,029 m / 3,376 ft) and the valley of Hermannsdalsvatnet

This is the longest leg of the trek—and the most extraordinary in terms of the landscapes you will hike through. You’ll first reach the highest summit of Moskenesøya Island (Hermannsdalstinden – 1,029 m / 3,376 ft); then a wild, not very accessible valley that reaches the west coast of the island. Just as for the Støvla summit, it is not advisable to venture onto the summit of Hermannsdalstinden if it is still covered with snow: there’s a risk of avalanches and falling rocks. It is important to manage your effort carefully during this leg of the hike, for once you reach the summit, you still have a long way to go. The climb back down to the fjord of Forsfjorden and the trail along the fjord are both quite challenging and you still have to go through a second pass (500 m / 1,640 ft of height difference) to reach the valley of Hermannsdalen. As you walk along Hermannsdalsvatnet Lake, you’ll reach an area of meadows between the lake and the sea. It’s an ideal place to set up your bivouac, particularly on the butte of Sandhågen to the south. The sea is hard to reach at this spot, but Hermannsdalsvatnet Lake has many places where you can swim or fish.

Leave : hill 440m, between the lake of Krokvatnet and Tennesvatnet (N67°56.013’ E12°58.738’)
Arrive : mound of Sandhågen (N67° 57.363’ E12° 54.475’)
Distance : 15,2km
Time of trip : 7 to 8h
Height difference : +1493m/-1918m
Maximum altitude : 1029m
Bivouac : possible everywhere
Place to get water : all along the trail
Places to get food : none
Note : Passages near the void during the ascent of the summit of Hermannsdalstinden. Avoid this climb if the summit is still cover of snow. The trail between Forsfjord and Vindstad is narrow and scabrous in places, especially if you are heavily loaded.
Other nearby hikes : none

15.1 km, 22:26:25

Stage n°3 – From Hermannsdalsvatnet to Bunes Beach

This leg of the trek is easier and shorter than the first two. It takes you to the famous beach of Bunes (or Buneset), which faces the Norwegian Sea. First, you must leave the valley by the same trail you took to get there, to the pass that overlooks Vindstad and Forsfjorden. Next, you’ll take a little trail that goes around the summit of Håtinden by the north and goes back down onto the little road that connects Vindstad to the end of the Bunesfjorden fjord. In summer, many people hike from Vindstad to Bunes Beach, for it’s an easy walk. So you probably won't be alone on this part of the hike. Even though it’s relatively crowded, the place is worth discovering and the beach is a very good spot to bivouac. If you don’t want to spend the night on Bunes Beach and you’ve decided to go directly back to Reine on the ferry, keep in mind that the last ferry of the day leaves at 3:25 PM and you’ll need to be there twenty minutes ahead of time if you want to be sure to get on (the number of people the boat can take is limited).

Leave : mound of Sandhågen (N67° 57.363’ E12° 54.475’)
Arrive : Bunes beach (N67° 58.674’ E12° 57.675’)
Distance : 9km
Time of trip : 3 to 4h
Height difference : +658m/-666m
Maximum altitude : 494m
Bivouac : possible everywhere
Place to get water : first part of the trail and in Vindstad
Places to get food : none
Note : none
Other nearby hikes : Brunakseltinden

8.8 km, 11:35:51

Stage n°4 (if you’ve opted for 4 days) – Bunes Beach – Reine (Ferry from Vindstad)

This last stage is extremely short. It takes you to the pier of the ferry at Vindstad, where you can take one of the shuttles that go to the village of Reine on the other side of the fjord (see ferry schedules).

Leave : Bunes beach (N67° 58.674’ E12° 57.675’)
Arrive : Quay of vindstad (N67° 57.477' E13° 00.223')
Distance : 3,2km
Time of trip : 45min
Height difference +/- : 100m
Maximum altitude : 76m
Bivouac : Not possible in the village of Reine
Place to get water : Vindstad or Reine
Places to get food : Reine (Cop Marked or Circle K gaz station)
Note : come at least half an hour in advance at the ferry departure quay in the full saeson
Other nearby hikes : Reinebringen, Veinestinden

3.2 km, 12:37:10

Ferry's schedules (Vindstad/Reine/Vindstad)

Day walks presentation

Hiking descriptions for Norway's Lofoten Islands, including the 91 greatest Lofoten hikes

TO GET ACCESS TO THE DAY-WALK FILES YOU HAVE TO BECOME A MEMBER. IF YOU ALREADY ARE A MEMBER, PLEASE LOGIN.

Click on an island to enlarge the map and see the different hikes.

Discover the long crossing from north to south on the Lofoten Islands (open acces)

Day walks classified by Island

List of hikes sorted by islands (from south to north of the Lofoten)

Værøya
71 - Hiking to Nordlandsnupen 72 - Hiking to Hornet 73 - Hiking to Sørlandshagen	74 - Hiking to Håheia 75 - Hiking to Måstadheia	76 - Hiking to Måstad 77 - Hiking to Måhornet

© Rando-Lofoten

Moskenesøya

1 - Hiking from Fredvang to Kvalvika 2 - Hiking to Moltinden 651m 3 - Hiking to Kitinden 757m 4 - Hiking to Narvtinden 688m 5 - Hiking from Kerkfjord to Selfjord 6 - Hiking to Veinestinden 730m 7 - Hiking to Munkan 775m 8 - Hiking to Tindstinden 490m 9- Hiking from Å i Lofoten to Stokkvika 39 - Hiking to Tverrfjellet 490m 38 - Hiking to Brunakseltinden 513m 40 - Hiking to Gylttinden 520m 37 - Hiking to Fuglhuken 557m 41 - Hiking to Ulvstinden 902m 42 - Hiking to Støvla 824m 43 - Hiking to Hermanndalstinden 1029m 44 - Hiking to Hellsega 600m 45 - Hiking to Gjerdtinden - Turtnbakkheia - Stortinden 660m 49 - Hiking to Reinebringen - 500m 64 - Hiking to Andstabben 514m 65 - Hiking to Hermannsdalen 68 - Hiking to Segltinden 731m 78 - Hiking from Forsfjord to Vindstad 81 - Hiking to Trolldalsvatnet 91 - Hiking Svartvatnet

© Rando-Lofoten

Flakstadøya

10 - Hiking to Stornappstinden 740m 11 - Hiking to Hustinden 691m 12 - Hiking to Store Klauva - Merra - Andopshesten 13 - Hiking to Blekktinden 622m 14 - Hiking to Hestræva 486m 15 - Hiking to Moltinden 690m 16 - Hiking to Nesheia 425m 17 - Hiking to Volandstinden 457m 18 - Hiking from Nesland to Nusefjord 19 - Hiking to Tønsåsheia 769m 36 - Hiking to Myrland-Vikten 47 - Hiking to Blåmannen 482m 46 - Hiking to Napp-Nusfjord 48 - Hiking to Flakstadtinden 480m 50 - Hiking to Stortinden 866m 67 - Hiking to Kollfjellet 500m 84 - Hiking to Sautinden and Bjørntinden 802m

 © Rando-Lofoten

Vestvågøya
21 - Hiking to Nonstinden 483m 22 - Hiking to Kartstaven 544m 23 - Hiking to Himmeltindan 830m 24 - Hiking to Justadtinden 738m 25 - Hiking to Offersøyakammen 436 26 - Hiking to Guratinden 581m 27 - Hiking to Breidtinden 462m	28 - Hiking to Ballstadheia 459m 20 - Hiking to Haveren 808m 51 - Hiking to Slettheia 437m 52 - Hiking to Holandsmelen 53 - Hiking to Dalstinden 54 - Hiking to Vikjordtinden 599m 55 - Hiking to Steinetinden 508m 79 - Hiking to Håtinden 649m	56 - Hiking from Einangen to Mortsund 501m 57 - Hiking from Vikjorda to Brustranda 58 - Hiking to Blåtinden 59 - Hiking to Ristinden 862m 60 - Hiking to Varden 585m 61 - Hiking to Dalstuva and Trolldalstinden 589m 66 - Hiking to Finnkjerka 414m 70 - Hiking to Urevatnet 148m 86 - Hiking to Hellostinden 573m

 © Rando-Lofoten

Gimsøya
29 - Hiking to Hoven 368m 62 - Hiking to Storknubben 599m 89 - Sundklakktinden 544m

 © Rando-Lofoten

Austvågøya
30 - Hiking to Rundfjellet 803m 31 - Hiking to Matmora 788m 69 - Hiking to Svarttinden 736m 83 - Hiking to Fløya 590m 88 - Hiking to Sautinden 596m	32 - Hiking from Haugen to Svolvær 63 - Hiking to Geitgallien 1085m 80 - Hiking to Nedreneset 85 - Hiking to Baken 702m	33 - Hiking to Tjelbergtinden 367m 34 - Hiking to Kvasstinden 576m 35 - Hiking from Kabelvåg to Olderfjorden 87 - Hiking to Kongstindan 552m

© Rando-Lofoten

List of European bookstores distributing the Topoguide of the Lofoten Islands

NETHERLANDS

DE NOORDERZON - Reisboekhandel
Nieuwstad 35,
6811BJ Arnhem - Nederland
Tel: +31(0)263510334 - www.denoorderzon.nl
English version only

FRANCE

ARIANE - LA LIBRAIRIE DU VOYAGE
20 rue du capitaine Dreyfus
35000 Rennes - France
Tel: +33 (0)2 99 79 68 47
www.librairie-voyage.com
French version only

LIBRAIRIE AU VIEUX CAMPEUR
2, rue de Latran
75005 Paris - France
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 10 48 33
www.auvieuxcampeur.fr/librairie
French version only

LA COMPAGNIE DES CARTES
Moose Crossing SARL
18 chemin de la briqueterie
33610 Canéjan
FRANCE
https://lacompagniedescartes.fr/
French and English version online

LIBRAIRIE LA GÉOTHÈQUE
14, rue Racine
44000 Nantes - France
Tel: +33 (0)2 40 74 50 36
https://www.facebook.com/La-Géothèque
French version only

LIBRAIRIE EYROLLES
Librairie Eyrolles
55, 57 et 61 boulevard Saint-Germain
75005 Paris - France
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 41 11 74
www.eyrolles.com
French version only

LIBRAIRIE ITINÉRANCES
62, rue Baudrière
49000 Angers - France
Tel: +33 (0)2 41 77 36 47 
www.librairie-voyage-angers.fr
French version only

SWISS

LE VENT DES ROUTES S.A.
50 rue des Bains
CH-1205 Genève - Suisse
Tel: +41 22 800 33 81 - www.vdr.ch
French and English version

PAYOT LIBRAIRE
Place Pépinet 4
CH-1003 Lausanne - Suisse
Tél: +41 21 341 33 31 - www.payot.ch
English version only

PAYOT LIBRAIRE
Rue de la Confédération 7
CH – 1204 Genève - Suisse
Tél: +41 22 316 19 00 - www.payot.ch
English version only

BELGIUM

ANTICYCLONE DES AÇORES
Rue fossé aux Loups 34
1000 Bruxelles - Belgique
Tel: +32 02/217 52 46 -  www.anticyclonedesacores.be
French and English version

NORWAY

RØDSAND LIBRIS LEKNES
Storgata 8,
8370 Leknes - NORWAY
Tel: +47 76 07 59 38
English version only

SKANDINAVISK HØYFJELLSUTSTYR BODØ
Torvgata 2,
8006 Bodø - NORWAY
Tel: +47 75 52 23 10 - www.skandinaviskhoyfjellsutstyr.no/Bodoe
English version only

RØDSAND LIBRIS SVOLVÆR
Vestfjordgata 8
8300 Svolvær - NORWAY
Tel: +47 76 07 59 22
English version only

BOKHUSET LIBRIS TROMSØ
Storgata 86
9008 Tromsø - NORWAY
Tel: +47 77 68 30 36
English version only

SWEDEN

NORSTEDTS FÖRLAGSGRUPP
Kartbutiken
Mäster Samuelsgatan 54
111 21 Stockholm - SWEDEN
Tel: +46 08 202 303 - https://www.kartbutiken.se/
English version only

You are a bookseller and want to be part of this list? Check our sales and shipping conditions in Europe.

The Topo-Guide to the Lofoten Islands

WHY THIS GUIDE?

First, our passion for this archipelago, an inexhaustible reservoir of fantastic walks. And then, our experience in guiding groups of hikers over the past ten years. Finally, above all, we realized that up to now the available cartography has been limited to a collection of acceptable maps— but not quite acceptable for hiking. The trail indications are often meager and sometimes incorrect.
We wanted to remedy this fl agrant lack of reliable information as
completely as possible..

OUTLINE OF THE TOPO-GUIDE

Hiking the Lofoten Islands is both an invitation to discover this bit of Arctic paradise and a practical guidebook that answers two questions, essential for any hiker:

• Where should I hike on each of the islands, given the time I have, theweather, and my physical condition?
• What itineraries should I follow?

 This guidebook is divided into three parts

• Part One is an introduction to the islands. You’ll fi nd general information on their geography, climate, geology, animal and plant life as well as advice on how to prepare for your hikes.
• Part Two is composed of 60 hiking topo-pages that include all the information you need—descriptions, maps and photos—to discover and appreciate the trails in the best possible way.
• Part Three describes a trek across the archipelago in 11 days. In addition to a detailed itinerary, it has all the tips you’ll need on food supplies and preparation for the hike and your bivouacs.

Buy this book?

You can order the book on Amazon or at traditional bookstores (see booksellers list here)

Order the book now on Amazon.fr
(shipping possible to all over Europe and most of the World, fixed price at: 28€)

You can also order the book on:
Amazon.es, Amazon.it, Amazon.nl (for the Netherlands and Belgium only)

 If you want to support this website, please choose "Topo Guide Lofoten" seller when ordering (fixed price: 28€ or 24,07£)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Number of pages 224
Cover flexi-binding
Format 14,3 x 22,6 cm
Weight about 400g (1 lb.)
Price 28€ tax included

Feedback from the Great Crossing of the Lofotens

Vanessa and her partner Axel recently hiked the The Great Crossing of the Lofoten (end of September, 12 days). They are sharing some pictures and their notes that covers the entire trip in detail. If you are planning your own trip at this time of the year, you might wanna take a look. 

November 2020

November, frankly, isn't the happiest month of the year, at least on this side of the hemisphere and at my latitude, except maybe for die-hard mushroom pickers and rainboot lovers (they do exist!).

If I go back far enough in my memory, the arrival of the first mandarins and especially the prospect of my birthday on the near horizon, managed to color this brown and gray month with a certain joy and exitement.

Personally, I've been living in “November” for several months now, so for me it isn’t a big change. I do not intend to display my private life here on this informative website, of which the primary goal is above all to inspire people to travel and hike in the Lofoten Islands. I still want to share a bit with you readers.

A difficult and sad period has taken place in my life, and it explains directly why for several months there hasn’t been any new content published on the website, and why the forum has not been administered correctly (some of your posts were not published, or they were, but with delay). In short words: I lost the man of my life this summer to a cruel illness from which too few unfortunately recover, regardless of their courage or will. Losing him is a disaster for me (and his nearest), but it is also a loss for a greater number of people. Indeed, he has contributed actively for making the Lofoten Islands more accessible to all nature lovers. He created a real craze for this destination for over the past 15 years. David was an excellent photographer, a professional drone pilot, a mountain guide (with all the qualities that are needed to manage a website that’s serious about hiking), a programmer in his spare time, and much more. His interventions, tallent and generosity of time through articles, photos, films… will be greatly missed on this website.

Hiking-lofoten.net has and is, as I am, experiencing an unprecedented period.

For several months now, we have all collectively entered a strange and frustrating period, in which it is no longer possible (for the obvious good of all), to move and travel as we please. Whereas we always did it without even thinking about it. The restrictions on movement are more or less complicated to deal with depending on the country you are in, and I understand that being limited to a radius within a mile of your home (France) is something extremely frustrating to experience. No one can say how long this will last. But I think it’s safe to say that even this pandemic will end and the day will come when we can get our duffel bags out and start to pack. And then, maybe traveling will have a more intense flavour than before. Maybe we will realize that we are very privileged to be able to travel at all, and that one or two beautiful trips a year (or in a lifetime!), are worth more than a frantic consumption of destinations that have “to be done » at least once in a lifetime. And for the most extrem among us, that traveling on a more exceptional basis will bring much more satisfaction than the multiplying of long weekends on the other side of the continent (or of the globe), under the sole pretext that the tickets are cheap and that we still have a few capitals to tick off the list. But it's much harder to stay still than to be in movement. I know that all too well.

Of course, my fingers are crossed that I’ll be able to return to the Lofotens (my second home) as soon as possible, hoping for next spring or summer, and I know that many of you dream of getting there for the first time too. Patience, that day will come. After autumn and winter there is always a spring! In the meantime, even if you can't fix a date, there's nothing stopping you from planning your trip and dreaming about the magnificent hikes you will one day do. New practical content will also be posted on hiking-lofoten.net during this winter and spring, so keep an eye open. I will try to live up to the work that we have already done with David so far.

I wish you the most pleasant fall possible, stay cool and put things into perspective (that's what I'm trying to do). And above all, it cannot be repeated enough: the sooner the epidemic is contained - also thanks to our responsible collective behaviour - the sooner we can regain our freedom to come and go.

MAGDALENA

Finally a complete paper guidebook!

Hiking the LOFOTEN ISLANDS Start planning your trip to the Lofotens on the website (select hikes, download GPS tracks ...), and use our paper guidebook on the field! New edition 2017 - 60 day hikes (including Værøya Island) - 11-day trek across the archipelago - 224 pages - 325 color illustrations - 89 maps  The advantages of the guidebook: - a format that fits in a backpack (14 x 22 cm, weight: 430g approx.) - the descriptions are even more detailed and accurate than on the site - easy to know were you are on the field: the hike descriptions are divided into steps (marked: A, B, C, etc.), these steps are also marked on the maps - the most reliable hiking guidebook on the Lofoten Islands, written by two mountain leaders that have been working and hiking for over 14 years in the archipelago Order the book on internet ou buy it at a bookstore: on  (shipping possible to all over Europe (except Germany) and most of the World, fixed price at: 28€) You can also order the book on: Amazon.es (all over the world), Amazon.it (all over the world), Amazon.nl (for The Netherlands and Belgium) If you are living in the Netherlands or in Belgium, you can also find the book on bol.com If you are living in Germany and want to buy the English version, please contact us directly: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Bookstores listed by contry Learn more about the guidebook

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Lofoten - Virtual Tour - 2020 update

With 100 more submits then the previous version !

New way how to discover the beauty of Lofoten is here. Over 250 panoramic photos connected into a virtual tour network will help you to plan your next hikes or revisit your old favourite destinations. Taken by Martin Kulhavy during his 5 visits to Lofoten. Over 400km hiked and 40km of elevation gained, really not an easy hobby. Please enjoy the views and feel free to send your comments or feedback to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Read more: Lofoten - Virtual Tour - 2020 update

VÆRØYA - Pearl of the South

Værøy Island is in the south of the archipelago, just 1 ½ hours by ferry from Moskenes, and while it’s less visited than its big sisters, it has splendid landscapes. They’re definitely worth the detour. All kinds of hikers can traverse a great part of the island on foot, whether it’s to Værøy’s rounded peaks or through its magnificent landscapes. Unlike in the rest of the archipelago, a real effort has been made here to mark out the trails and keep them in good condition. You’ll find the starting points of the hikes clearly indicated, with distance and time shown for each one. In addition to marked trails, the hikes have pretty signs placed in the different points of interest with old photos and explanations in Norwegian and English.

Discover the 7 best hikes on Værøy Island

* Værøy ferry schedule :
High Season
Low Season

Hiking-Lofoten Team

An Athletic Trek in the South of the Lofoten Islands

This very athletic trek combines the most beautiful summits of Moskenesøya Island into one big hike. It’s intended for people who don’t have the time to take longer treks (like the great hike across the Lofotens), but who like physical exertion in high-mountain landscapes. You should have some mountain experience and a good sense of direction, for aside from the height difference and distances you’ll have to cross, most of the hike will be off-trail, over wild, uneven terrain...

Download free maps of Norway for your Garmin® GPS!

Frikart.no is a website that offers free downloadable maps!

Frikart.no propose both topographical hiking maps and road maps for all Norway.

Frikart maps quality is, in our opinion, as good as any other paying maps available on the market. Even better, frikart.no’s maps are on a single file that covers the entire Norway (instead of the 10 different maps files with Garmin® for example).

Flora of the Lofoten Islands

Fauna of the Lofoten Islands

White-tailed eagle on the lookout for fish in the Skjelfjord (photo Magdalena Brede)

View photo gallery

Should you hike to Reinebringen ?

Every summer many climbers tackle the climb up Reinebringen on the island of Moskenesøya in the Lofoten archipelago. Many users of this site have asked us why we don’t mention this itinerary in the “Hikes” section. Here is our answer.

First of all, we do not consider the climb to the Reinebringen pass to be a hike a such. It is a very steep climb for roughly 1km leading to a small pass with a breathtaking view over the village and fjord of Reine.

Even though we don’t ignore such beautiful viewpoints and don’t baulk at climbing steep slopes to reach them, we don’t think this climb is worth the effort for the following reasons:

First of all, there are mountains nearby that have panoramic views that are just as impressive not only from the top but throughout the climb. In our opinion the Helvete hike to the top of Veinestinden is much more interesting than the Reinebringen hike! The same is true of Brunakseltinden or Munkan, for example.

The terrain to reach Reinebrigen is getting more and more dangerous. Each year the “track” deteriorates due to the large number of people hiking in an environment that is totally unsuitable. As a result the terrain, which is extremely steep, has become crumbly and ravines have formed. In many places only a few steeply sloping slabs remain that are very dangerous when the ground is wet. On this particularly steep track that is very demanding in places, some “hikers” have created new parallel tracks wherever they consider the previous track too worn out! The mountain side, which has been completely churned up by hikers, is gradually becoming a series of furrows that will encourage landslides and falling rocks. There are rumours that the Moskenes town council intend to develop the path, but so far nothing has been done.

While we are on the subject, we would like to remind you, and this applies to all hikes in the Lofoten islands, that in order to minimise the impact of hiking in this wilderness you must stick to any tracks that exist.

It is for these reasons, even though we fully understand the pride the locals must feel when they direct summer tourists to the viewpoint, that we do not consider this hike to be vital. For those who nevertheless feel they would like to tackle this climb, the GPX route is available on our website.

The Rando-Lofoten team

The great crossing of the Lofoten Islands

Since Rando-Lofoten was founded, a certain number of visitors have told us they would be interested in a trekking itinerary that crosses the archipelago from one end to the other. Crossing a region from north to south or east to west often enables travellers to set themselves a goal when faced with the unknown. But over and above the physical or psychological challenge we believe it is important to remember that hiking is above all about discovery and enjoyment.

In drawing up the following itinerary we gave ourselves the following goals:

• To avoid missing the most iconic places on the islands
• To avoid tarmacked sections of road wherever possible
• To hike as often as possible within easy reach of supply points (shops, petrol stations) to avoid having to carry an enormous rucksack!

Lastly, this itinerary is not the only possible one. Many of the hikes on the Rando-Lofoten site do not lie directly on the route of this crossing but are easily accessible if you branch off, provided you have the time and inclination.

The duration/distance of the stages we propose here is only a suggestion based on a reasonable level of fitness and decent weather, but it may be adapted to your own criteria. If you decide to camp you can pitch your tent virtually anywhere on the islands, provided of course that you comply with the regulations in force. Although water supplies are to be found everywhere at all stages, you will find relatively few food stores on the route. We have made a note of all the food supply points on this itinerary (shops, restaurants, petrol stations) that existed in 2014. To avoid disappointment, once you get there you should, however, check the opening times of these supply points when you leave each stage for the next...

Northern Lights in the Lofoten

Thanks to Martin Kulhavy for his fantastic Northern light pictures (see more pictures from the same author)

Find the answers to your questions in our new Northern light article

• What is the best period to watch Northern light in the Lofoten Islands?
• Real time aurora forecast map (NOAA - Ovation prime model)
• What is the Kp index?
• Useful links
• Northern light pictures

Slaughtering the Golden Eagle in Norway

Photo: Kjetil Schjølberg

Leg of Lamb or Biodiversity?

We recently came across an article by the Norwegian Ornithological Federation (NOF) reproduced by the local Lofoten federation (Lofoten Lokallag) and it seemed important to share it with you here.

According to this article, the Norwegian parliament, under pressure from the lobby of sheep farmers and reindeer herders, is about to authorize hunting the golden eagle—a protected species everywhere in Europe and the rest of the world.

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