Exploring the Enchanting Lofoten Islands

A Day of Vikings and Views

Today was a day of epic proportions, a blend of historical immersion and physical challenge that left Élodie and me breathless in more ways than one. From stepping back in time at the Lofotr Viking Museum, Lofoten continues to amaze us with its diverse offerings.


Explore the rich heritage of the Vikings at Lofotr Viking Museum, where history comes to life through interactive exhibits and stunning recreations.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Karoline Restaurant. Situated in the charming Nusfjord fishing hamlet, the restaurant is located in a former dried fish store, adding to its historical ambiance. Though typically open for breakfast during the summer season, we were fortunate that it was open for groups, and we were able to enjoy a delightful meal before our adventures. Élodie, ever the pastry chef, was particularly impressed with the freshly baked bread and local jams. Fuelled up and ready to go, we set off to delve into the world of Vikings.

The Lofotr Viking Museum was an experience that truly transported us back in time. As we approached the museum, the reconstructed longhouse loomed in the distance, a testament to the rich history of this land. Inside, the smell of tar and woodsmoke filled the air, adding to the immersive atmosphere. We explored the longhouse, marveling at the craftsmanship and imagining what life must have been like for the Vikings who once called this place home.

The museum has various craft traditions from the Viking Age like plant dyeing and textile handicrafts, woodcarving, leather tanning, basket weaving, cooking, singing, dancing and music. There is also blacksmithing. We listened to Norse stories and learned about the crafts that sustained their way of life. Élodie was fascinated by the textile work, while I was captivated by the shipbuilding techniques. It's incredible to think that these seafaring people were able to navigate the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic in vessels built with such ingenuity. The museum is part of Museum Nord, which oversees several museums in Northern Norway.

The past is never truly gone; it lives on in the stories we tell and the places we preserve.

After our Viking adventure, it was time for a different kind of challenge: Reinebringen. This iconic mountain offers what are arguably the most breathtaking views in all of Lofoten. The hike has become increasingly popular, thanks to the efforts of Sherpas from Nepal who constructed a staircase leading to the summit. I had heard about the climb and the nearly 2,000 steps, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer exhilaration – and exhaustion – of the ascent.


Explore the breathtaking vistas of Reinebringen in Norway's Lofoten Islands, where stunning landscapes await every adventurous traveler.

The best time to hike Reinebringen is from mid-May to the end of September. Hiking is not recommended in the winter due to the icy steps and the high risk of avalanches and rockfall.

As we started our ascent, the steps seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. The climb was steep, and my legs quickly began to feel the burn. Élodie, ever the determined one, set a brisk pace, and I found myself struggling to keep up. We took several breaks along the way, catching our breath and taking in the ever-expanding views.

Looking down, the village of Reine looked like a toy set, nestled amidst the fjords and mountains. The higher we climbed, the more spectacular the scenery became. The wind picked up, and the air grew crisper, but the panoramic vistas spurred us onward. The stairs lead right to the summit.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the top. The view was simply stunning. The Lofoten Islands spread out before us in all their glory: jagged peaks, turquoise waters, and charming fishing villages dotting the coastline. It was a moment of pure triumph, a reward for our perseverance. We spent a good while at the summit, soaking in the scenery and snapping photos. Despite the crowds, the view was worth it.

The Reinebringen hike has some parking challenges. Parking is available at Reine Harbor, with a 1.8 km walk to the trailhead. There is also Reine Parking (Steffenakken), located south of the trailhead, with a 1.3 km walk to the start.

After descending Reinebringen, we were famished. We made our way to FANGST Restaurant Lofoten for a late lunch. This cozy spot embraces the local vibe, with a menu highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding waters and land. The restaurant emphasizes utilizing the proximity to the fishing fields outside Ballstad and working with local producers and fishermen to create a diverse menu.


Experience exceptional Norwegian seafood cuisine at FANGST Restaurant in Ballstad - where every meal tells a story.

Élodie was in her element, chatting with the chef about the local produce and preparation methods. We shared a selection of dishes, each one showcasing the unique flavors of Lofoten. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the herbs and vegetables were bursting with flavor. It was the perfect way to refuel after our hike. The restaurant's goal is to incorporate the surrounding fauna, such as herbs, seaweed, and kelp, to showcase the flavors of the region on the plate.

Before dinner, we decided to do some shopping at Lofoten Wool / Høystålet. Lofoten Wool welcomes visitors with contented sheep and beautiful woolen products from the same happy bunch. The sheep contribute substantially to the goods on sale in the workshop retail outlet Høystålet. We were greeted by Ragnhild Lie, who established Lofoten Wool in 2014. Ragnhild is concerned with utilizing as much of the raw ingredients as possible, and the shop sells lamb meat following the annual autumn slaughter, and soap infused with local plants. The shop also offers beautiful knitting kits and patterns, and sweaters, cardigans, hats, socks and mittens knitted by locals. I picked up a warm wool scarf, while Élodie found some beautiful yarn for her next knitting project. We learned that the animals graze on wild mountainsides and remote ocean islets during the light summer months, and the fresh air, salt, seaweed and rich pastures contribute to high quality wool production.


Discover the essence of Lofoten at Lofoten Wool, a unique knit shop offering local wool products and an immersive cultural experience.

For dinner, we had a reservation at Restaurant Nyvågar. Situated along the quayside in Kabelvåg, the restaurant is in beautiful, cozy, and historic surroundings. Our menu showcased a unique diversity, offering a fusion of authentic North Norwegian ingredients and international flavors. The restaurant’s chefs are passionate about exploring nature and source ingredients ranging from seaweed to homemade jams of the highest quality. We enjoyed the ocean view with a glass in hand.


Discover authentic Norwegian cuisine at Restaurant Nyvågar in Kabelvåg, where fresh local ingredients meet exceptional dining.

As we savored our meal, we reflected on the day's adventures. From the Viking longhouse to the summit of Reinebringen, Lofoten had offered us a glimpse into its rich history and stunning natural beauty. It was a day we would never forget. The restaurant has one of Norway's largest collections of Aquavits.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Hamnøy Scenic Viewpoint and the historical fishing village of Nusfjord. I’m also looking forward to checking out Magic Ice Lofoten. Good night from Lofoten!