About This Hike
Reinebringen is a short but relentlessly steep climb above Reine in Lofoten, ending at an exposed viewpoint 484 metres above sea level. The published two-kilometre return distance covers the stair route, not the full outing from legal parking. Drivers should use Reine Ytre Havn, then walk about 1.9 kilometres and 30 minutes each way through Reine, past Reinehalsen and along the old road outside Ramsvik tunnel to the trailhead. The Sherpa-built stone steps rise on a slope of roughly 45 degrees, with benches for breaks, but they do not make the climb effortless or remove mountain hazards. Bring water because there is nowhere to refill on the trail, stay on the constructed route and keep well back from the crowded, unprotected summit edges. All of Reine is a no-parking zone outside specifically signed parking areas, so roadside or tunnel parking is not an option. Reinebringen is a summer objective: the municipality closes the stairs for winter with a chain when snow, ice, avalanche and rockfall risk increase. Check current status before travelling and respect the closure.
Highlights
- ✓ Iconic panorama over Reine and the surrounding fjords
- ✓ Sherpa stone stairway
- ✓ Midnight sun views in summer
- ✓ Dramatic mountain scenery
Getting There
Use only signed parking at Reine Ytre Havn or other designated Reine car parks. Reine is a no-parking zone outside marked P areas; never park by the road, tunnel or trail access.
Before You Go
Reinebringen is short only on paper: the entire 450-metre climb is packed into steep stone stairs and the top is exposed. The 2 km figure is only the stairs; outer-harbour parking adds 1.9 km and about 30 minutes each way. Park only in a signed Reine area, check the municipal opening status on the day, and turn back if the chain is up or conditions are wet, icy, windy or crowded. The stairs are a summer route, not a year-round photo stop.
Information checked: September 2026, against Visit Lofoten and Moskenes municipality's Reinebringen access information
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Stay on the marked stairway and keep well back from steep, exposed edges at the top; the small summit area can be crowded.
- Choose good weather and wear sturdy footwear; conditions can make the steep steps unsafe.
- Do not hike when the winter closure is in place. Snow, ice and avalanche or rockfall risk can remain in spring.
- Not recommended for small children or anyone uncomfortable with steep, exposed terrain.