Reine is a small fishing village on Moskenesøya island in Moskenes municipality, in the southern Lofoten Islands above the Arctic Circle. Its red rorbuer (fishermen's cabins) mirrored beneath jagged granite peaks have made it one of Norway's most photographed and 'most beautiful' villages. Rising directly behind the village, Reinebringen (roughly 448–484 m) is Lofoten's signature viewpoint, reached by climbing about 2,000 stone Sherpa steps built by Nepalese stonemasons between 2019 and 2022, opening onto a panorama of Reinefjorden and the 'Lofoten Wall.' However, repeated rockfall on the upper ridge closed the trail on and off between 2024 and 2026, so even in summer 2026 you must confirm its status through official channels right before you go. Reine makes an ideal base for combining the midnight sun, fjord kayaking, and winter aurora.
Highlights
The iconic summit-ridge panorama over Reinefjorden, the village, and the 'Lofoten Wall' from Reinebringen
The red rorbuer and fishing-village scenery, with small islands (Sakrisøy, Hamnøy) linked by bridges
The roughly 2,000 hand-laid Sherpa stone steps themselves (completed 2019–2022 by Nepalese masons)
Reinefjorden kayak tours, including midnight-sun paddling in the light season
Lofoten seafood nearby, such as the cod and famous fishburger at Anitas Seafood on Sakrisøy
Good to know
SafetyReinebringen was repeatedly closed between 2024 and 2026 due to rockfall on the upper ridge. Before setting out, verify the trail is open via official channels (reinebringen.no, the official 'reinebringen' Facebook page, or the local tourist office), and never step around red tape or a no-entry sign.
SeasonThe hiking season runs roughly mid-May to late September; it is strongly discouraged in winter when snow and ice remain. Rockfall risk is highest after heavy rain and during the spring thaw, so avoid those days.
SafetyIt is a short but very steep climb of about 2,000 stone steps. Sturdy hiking boots, a windproof/waterproof jacket, and plenty of water are essential, and it is not suitable for young children or dogs.
RulesUse only the paid parking in the centre of Reine; roadside and private-land parking is prohibited. Spaces fill fast in the June–September peak, so arrive early. Also note that in 2026–2027 the Nappstraumtunnelen south of Leknes is partly closed for maintenance with lead-car convoys, so allow extra travel time.
MannersThis is a working fishing village where people live and work. Respect the privacy of residents and their rorbuer, and be considerate of private property when flying drones or taking photos.
SeasonThe midnight sun lasts roughly late May to mid-July (bring an eye mask for sleeping), while the northern lights appear roughly September to April. Book peak-season lodging (rorbuer are limited) and rental cars months in advance.
CautionNorway has very little pickpocketing or violent crime, so it is very safe, but book ferries and buses through the official Reis Nordland (Entur) app and avoid unofficial 'guides' or parking touts. Most payments are by card; stay alert when using unmanned fuel-pump card readers.
Practical info
Most visitors take the car ferry from Bodø to Moskenes, or fly into Leknes or Svolvær and drive the E10 by rental car; the Reinebringen trailhead sits just outside the village, with paid parking in the centre of Reine. The mountain itself is free and seasonal with no set tickets or opening hours, but confirm the latest trail-open status and ferry/parking fees before you go (reinebringen.no, the official Facebook page, and the Reis Nordland app).
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