The Best Mountain Hikes in Lofoten & Helgeland
Lofoten & Helgeland, the best hiking in Norway! Majestic peaks shooting out of these famous Norwegian fjords – set in a jaw-dropping UNESCO-listed archipelago.
Sailing from fjord to fjord in crisp salty air, the reveal of these worlds’ wonders is overwhelmingly impactful. Travelling to Norway with us, you are sure to get the best of the best; with weekly hikes for over 15 years – we know where to take you. Indeed, the only way to get to many of these gems is by a sailing boat!
Loving this wonderful place on earth so much, we wanted to share our thoughts on some of these mountains with you guys, hope you get inspired – and that we see you sometime soon! Let’s explore some peaks!
The Seven Sisters
Total elevation gain: 3525 meters (11,565 ft)
The name really gives this spectacular mountain range personality. From the water you see them clearly, the 7 sisters, like they’re posing for a family photo. Majestically towering over the harbour town of Sandesjøen at Alsta Island. You may hike one or all seven peaks, which would take a full day. In any case our boats are waiting in the harbour with a warm dinner and a cozy bed. Fun fact: from 1996-2000 there was a popular TV show (now with cult status) called, yes you guessed it, The seven sisters.
You can experience The Seven Sisters on our beloved Island Jumping & Festival Sailing.
Trænstaven – The stick of Træna
338 meters above sea level (1,109 ft)
Emblematic for the Helgeland coast, the peak Trænstaven is set at Sanna island in the municipality of Træna. Even though Trænstaven translates to The Stick of Træna, we think it looks more like a gigantic coffee capsule. Still, beer is often the preferred drink out here, as we arrive to join the Trænafestivalen, a music festival of great contemporary artists – some of them performing from a huge cave set in the mountain wall of Trænstaven!
The island marks the far west of the archipelago – it’s like the island went a bit too far out to sea – a spectacular view as it pops up on the horizon. Just as spectacular is the climb to the Trænstaven looking back towards land – gazing over the UNESCO listed Helgeland coast. Just as wow every time. This hike is hard and only available by pre-booking.
If Trænstaven seems too big of a task, join the rest of us as we take a hike up Gumpen – an easier trip – with the same magnificent view!
Hestmannen – The Horseman of Helgeland
571 meters (1,973 ft)
Hestmonkallen, better known as Hestmannen or “The Horseman,” is one of the highlights during our Sea & Mountain Sports Week. Not only does it offer incredible views, but the legend of the Horseman chasing his great love adds an extra layer of fun to the hike.
According to the legend, Hestmannen was a powerful troll prince who fell deeply in love with the beautiful Lekamøya. One night, he saddled his horse and set off in pursuit of her. However, as the sun rose, both he and the other characters in the tale were turned to stone, frozen in their final dramatic poses. Hestmannen, still mounted on his horse, now stands eternally between the islands, watching over the sea.
But there is more to be excited about! As you sail by Hestmannen, you also cross the arctic circle! It’s a yay moment. Setting anchor in this scenery marks the beginning of a hike in mystery and fairytales!
You can experience this on our Sea & Mountain Sport Week.
Helgelandsbukken – The Helgeland Buck
1454 meters above sea level (4,770 ft)
Sailing from the Helgeland archipelago and into the snug Holandsfjord on the mainland, crisp air tells the tales of a glacier. Indeed, you are encountering Svartisen (The Black Ice), Norway’s second largest snow cap. Dividing the glacier from the fjord, the majestic Helgelandsbukken offers unparalleled views at its peak 1454 meters above sea level. From there you will see the enormous glacier on one side, and the incredible coast of Helgeland on the other. At both sides you look down at mountain peaks – breathtaking in every way. But there is a catch. Choosing this hike means not to choose the other option, which is a hike on the Svartisen glacier. Svartisen is more of a climb, really, but hey – when were you last walking on ice during summer? Join our Summer Festival Sail – and have tough decisions like these to make.
You can experience this on our Sea & Mountain Sport Week.
Rødøyløva – The Red Island Lion
443 meters (1,453 ft)
Along the Helgeland coast, you don’t have to climb high for world-class views. Rødøyløva, shaped like a reclining lion, rises 443 meters above the sea and has long been a famous landmark for sailors navigating these waters.
Some refer to Rødøyløva and its surrounding waters as the most beautiful view at Helgeland; it’s not a coincidence that this hike was the first national trek of Northern Norway. Today, the relatively steep way up is laid with sherpa stairs – and whatever sweat you pay stepping these stones is well rewarded as you reach the top.
Standing beneath the steep 350-meter cliff, it’s easy to see why the mountain earned its name – towering above the harbour and houses below, like a silent guardian of the island.
We absolutely love Rødøyløva and wish for everyone to have set foot here on this figurative marvel.
You can experience this on our Sea & Mountain Sport Week!
Fugløya – Bird Island
765 meters (2,510 ft)
You better pinch yourself to know it’s true: Fugløya holds both white sandy beaches with turquoise water AND the best mountain climbing in Helgeland! The quality of the rocks on the northern part of the island is optimal for trad climbing. This paradise on paradise allows for a day of incredible morning swims, followed by an amazing climbing experience, and finally coming to rest with a couple of sundowners by a bonfire at the beach.
The following day we need not sail far. The neighbouring island of Sandhornøy has even more to offer.
Sandhornet – Sand Horn
993 meters (3,258 ft)
This trip is as rewarding as it is hard. The views are out-of-this-world and on a clear day you can see almost all of the Salten “county”. The trail winds through rugged terrain and open mountainside, climbing steadily until you’re standing above the clouds.
For those enjoying a day of ease – you may read up on Elias Blix (1836-1902), a famous Norwegian priest, politician and hymn writer, born here on Sandhornøy. No wonder one may get a bit biblical out here in these dramatic surroundings!
You can experience this on our Sea & Mountain Sport Week!
Håen – The Viewpoint of Værøy
438 meters (1,437 ft)
Have you seen a spectacular photo of Norway and Lofoten on Instagram or Tiktok? There are good odds it was taken just here, at Håen.
With the open ocean stretching endlessly ahead, the mainland fading into the horizon, and scattered all around you, the Lofoten islands – this is heaven to everyone that loves nature. A gift to your camera lens!
The hike to Håen is relatively short and easy, following an old road that winds gently up the mountainside. Step by step, the views just get bigger and better — until you reach the top and it feels like the whole world is laid out before you.
Yes, Håen is one of the most iconic photo spots in Lofoten — and for good reason. Every direction is a magnificent postcard.
Reinebringen – Norway’s most popular hike
484 meters (1,589 ft)
Maybe Norway’s most popular hike, Reinebringen offers spectacular views every step of the way. In addition to the dramatic landscapes, small fishing villages unfold on tiny islands below, as if they were pearls on a string floating in the water. It’s the kind of views that make most people love life! Sherpa-stairs make a huge contribution to the comfort of walking, still, it’s quite steep and quite long. We love this hike for its obvious reasons, and if our guests have this on their bucket list, we’ll go! However, being an avalanche exposed mountain, it may be closed – and on perfect days it may be very crowded. It is what it is – a good work out in any scenario, sometimes one of the most beautiful in the world.
You can experience this hike on our trip Best of Lofoten.
Kvalvika Beach and Ryten
543 meters (1,781 ft)
Are you the kind of relationship where one wants to trek in the mountains, and the other wants to go for a tropical beach? Welcome to Kvalvika and Ryten – one of the world’s rare combinations of both. While many fishing villages lay on the protected southeast of Lofoten, hotels and tourists do too. Here, on the northwest side, there is majestic tranquillity to be found – looking straight out to the Norwegian sea. Lofoten is said to be the most beautiful archipelago in the world – and this is the “real Lofoten”. It’s in places like this we often find ourselves becoming one with our guests, one with the landscape – one with being.
A few winters back, two young men decided to spend a winter in the isolated and uninhabited bay of Norway. They built a cabin from driftwood and ocean trash, living off the land and surfing icy waves each day. With no distractions but nature, they found space for reflection, simplicity, and a different rhythm of life. You can watch the movie here.
Himmeltinden – like knocking on heaven’s door
931 meters (3,054 ft)
Himmeltinden, or “Peak Heaven” lives up to its name with incredible views of Vestfjorden and the surrounding mountains. The hike takes us through varied terrain, including mountain lakes and open landscapes. However, the variation stops there: this one continuous ascend, with no plateaus or breaks. Not too steep, bit by bit an easy walk really, but after 700 meters ascending most of us feel some burn. Is it worth it? Oh yes. Come with us to heaven and you’ll see why!
Justadtinden – like a backyard for the locals
738 meters (2,421 ft)
Justadtinden is the highest mountain on the Lofoten island of Vestvågøy. The hike slouches through lush meadows and treks up steep trails. At the top (which is rather flat), you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of Lofoten. The variety is what triggers us with this trip – both as far as the hike goes, and the views. It’s like a visual and workout-wise interval experience. You will most likely encounter fewer tourists and more locals on hike – a great way to exercise your “Hei, hei.” “Nydelig dag” and “Morn-morn, ja.”
Bunesstranda and Helvetestinden – Hell’s peak at Bunes beach
602 meters (1,975 ft)
Otherworldly. That is the word. Rowing onto this extraordinary beach from our anchorage is highly affected by the surrounding peaks. Together, they frame a dramatic scene, all to support the awe – as we lift our eyes to the highest peak of them all, Hell’s Peak. And hell’ish it is, a challenging hike indeed. You may believe in hell as you ascend, but you sure do believe in heaven as you reach breathtaking views at the top. From the beach or the boat at anchor, let the sun set while a fishing village color your backdrop. Heaven and hell, here it is, and it feels just right.
You can experience this hike on our trip Best of Lofoten.
Segla mountain – it doesn’t get more cinematic than this.
639 meters (2,096 ft)
Segla is a must for all! This dramatic peak is one for the bucket list, dropping 639 meters straight into the sea. It goes without saying that the view at its summit is absolutely breathtaking but staring at the mountain itself make you feel like you’re on the filmset of an epic fantasy. Unreal – yet there it is.
You can experience this epic mountain on our Hike & Sail trip from Lofoten to Tromsø and Hike & Sail trip from Tromsø to Lofoten.
Møysalen – The virgin’s saddle
1264 meters (4,147 ft)
Sailing with SeilNorge shorten this massive hike by 10 kilometers, which at some point, you will be happy about. The steep terrain makes this quite demanding, but at the steepest parts chains are hung to ease the climb. Surrounded by mountains and valleys, the feeling of being a true mountaineer is ever present. Two glaciers, however not too big during summer, will be crossed. It may sound challenging, but walking it is actually not technically difficult – it’s your sour thighs that will be the challenge, not your skills. A spectacular challenge – with great rewards both going up and down.
You can experience this epic mountain on our Hike & Sail trip from Lofoten to Tromsø and Hike & Sail trip from Tromsø to Lofoten.
Nordskottraværsen – A blancing act in Steigen
608 meters (1,995 ft)
Let’s get technical! Ropes and good spirits, that’s what we need to embark on this knife’s edge ripping the skies of Steigen in two. Never have we seen a person not smiling, standing before Nordskottraværsen. One long line – a balancing act with views of the wildly beautiful archipelago below. Like a magnet to all lovers of nature – the ridge is one of the most popular hikes in Northern Norway. Daunting, maybe. Doable? Yes! The stretches that call for rappel activity are few and not too long. And remember – once down, scroll to your camera roll and post to prove it’s true, while a nice warm dinner awaits on the sailboat. It’s life, you can do it!
Tindstinden – Ahhh at Å.
490 meters (1,608 ft)
For those driving Lofoten by car, the road ends at Å. Yes, the town is spelled with the one letter, Å (like the vocal sound in the word “caught”). Even though we get farther out by boat, the fact that roads stop here says something about the nature. The hike up to Tindstinden may be somewhat challenging, but ropes and chains enroute dubs as a nice gesture to get you there. This is an end-of-the-world kind of place, where Lofoten disappears behind you and the open ocean flows around, north, south and west. Famous fishing villages and peaks mentioned elsewhere in this article are scattered around in all its glory. But wow are the views to the east spectacular too! Gjerdtinden rages in the back, with his devilish peaks stinging the sky, the lake Ågsvatnet creates almost an illusionary perspective below – and steep down from the peak, the tiny village of Å.
Munken – The Monk
580 meters (1,903 ft)
At the Lofoten peninsula right inside Steigen, Munken rages in the sky. With its neighbouring peaks a valley is formed up there in the skies. Some say this hike is the best of them all – and all too late discovered. A rather pleasant hike in welcoming formations offer a chance to take it all in – all the way. Not the highest, not farthest west, not the most challenging, just one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Hermannsdaltinden – The Hermann valley Peak.
1029 meters (3,376 ft)
Sometimes it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ’n’ roll. But as Hermanndalstinden is the highest peak in western Lofoten, epic music arises once up at the peak overlooking … everything. To continue the musical reference these boots better be made for walking, as the hike up and back down takes a good day. Afraid of soar legs? Who cares – we are the champions of the world!
So, there you have it – some of the peaks we love to hike. Even though we have some “regulars” often hiked, we must be flexible. The wind and the weather go far in deciding what will be the most rewarding experience at any given time. In addition, maybe snorkelling with whales is more compelling than trekking up mountains one day. After all, it’s your holiday, your adventure. We can’t wait to see you on one of our boats!
Check out the trip calendar here or get in touch with any question you may have.
