Reinebringen

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Reinebringen: Steep Lofoten Viewpoint Hike Above Reine

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 5 June 2026

849

Ranked #849 of 974

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HikeList Score

Reinebringen scored 72/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Very Good

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 55
Balanced challenge 94
Scenery & wildness 98
Varied terrain 71
Accommodation 49
Food & support 38
Path quality 92
Season flexibility 89

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

Reinebringen is a short, steep out-and-back mountain hike above Reine on Moskenesøya in the Lofoten archipelago, Nordland, Norway. The climb itself is about 3 km and is listed as a 1-day hike, usually taking around 3 hours return including viewpoint time. It is moderate but physically demanding: the Sherpa stone stairway makes the route technically straightforward, but the ascent is relentless and the final ridge section is steeper, muddier and exposed. It suits fit hikers wanting Lofoten’s classic Reinefjorden panorama.

Route Overview

Most hikers park at the paid Reine outer harbour car parks, then walk roughly 1.3–1.8 km along the road to the trailhead on the old road west of the Ramsvik tunnel, Ramsviktunnelen, 8390 Reine. From there the route climbs almost directly up a constructed stone stairway, with rest benches built into the path. Near the top, the steps give way to a steeper natural section leading to the summit/viewpoint ridge at 448 m. The hike returns by the same route, so there are no stages, resupply points or accommodation stops. For longer Norwegian objectives, compare Dronningruta in Vesterålen or the classic Besseggen Ridge.

From Eroded Gully to Sherpa Stairway

Reinebringen has long been known for the postcard view over Reine, but the original route climbed a steep, boggy gully that became badly eroded and dangerous as visitor numbers grew. Rockfall and accidents led to a major rebuilding project. Nepalese Sherpa stonemasons began constructing the stone staircase in 2016, with around 1,564 steps in place by 2019. The full stairway to the summit ridge was completed in late summer 2021, turning the climb into a more durable and manageable route.

Notable highlights

Summit panorama over Reine and the Reinefjorden: The ridge looks down over Reine village, the turquoise Reinefjorden and Kirkefjorden, and the jagged peaks of Moskenesøya. It is one of Norway’s most recognisable hiking viewpoints.
The Sherpa stone stairway: Nearly 2,000 hand-laid granite steps, built by Nepalese Sherpa craftsmen between 2016 and 2021, now define the climb. They replaced a dangerous, eroded mud gully and make the route easier to follow.
Lofoten light and the midnight sun: In clear summer weather, the ridge catches low Arctic light. From late May to mid-July, hikers may see the midnight sun over the sea and surrounding peaks.
Sheer vertical scale: Reinebringen rises almost straight from sea level to the 448 m ridge, so the height gain comes fast. The view feels airy despite the mountain’s modest altitude.

Challenges to expect

Expect a continuous steep climb with almost no flat ground. The stone steps reduce technical difficulty but are physically demanding, especially on the descent. The upper natural path can be muddy and slippery after rain, and the ridge is narrow and exposed. There are no water sources or accommodation on the route. Winter ascents are strictly not recommended because of avalanche, icefall, cornices and severe fall risk.

849

Ranked #849 of 974

See the Top 100 →