Reine is the poster child of the Lofoten Islands: red rorbuer cabins perched on stilts, jagged granite peaks dropping into teal water, and fishing boats bobbing in a sheltered bay. I grew up with this landscape as a backdrop to weekend trips and school holidays, and it still stops me in my tracks. This Reine travel guide brings together everything you need to plan a smooth trip, with practical tips locals pass to friends.
If you want the short answer: Reine is absolutely worth the journey. Give yourself at least two nights to settle in, hike Reinebringen if conditions allow, take a fjord boat into Reinefjorden, and leave space for weather to move through. Book your rorbu early, drive carefully on the E10, and pack for four seasons in a day.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of Reine and how to make the most of your time there.
Where Is Reine and Why It’s Special
Reine sits on the island of Moskenesøya in the southern part of the Lofoten archipelago, above the Arctic Circle. The village was built around cod fishing, and every winter you’ll see stockfish racks lining the shore. What makes Reine special is the contrast: dramatic peaks like Olstinden and Reinebringen rise straight from the sea, but the village itself is quiet, walkable, and easy to settle into. Photographers love it, hikers are spoiled for choice, and everyone else can simply breathe in the salt air and let the light do its thing.
Best Time to Visit Reine
You can visit Reine year-round, but your experience shifts with the seasons.
Summer (June to August): Midnight Sun season brings long, lingering light and great conditions for hiking and kayaking. Trails are busiest, prices are higher, and accommodation books far in advance. It’s a wonderful time if you value daylight and activity.
Shoulder seasons (May and September): Fewer visitors, more available rorbuer, and often crisp, clear light. Early May can still feel wintry; late September is a sweet spot for quiet roads and hints of autumn color.
Winter (October to April): This is the season for aurora hunters and anyone curious about the fishing culture at full speed. Days are short, storms roll through, and winter driving demands respect. If you are comfortable on snow and ice, it’s deeply peaceful. From roughly late November to mid-January, expect polar night light: blue hours and pastel midday.
Northern Lights: Your best chances are from September to March on clear nights. Bring a tripod, dress warmly, and be ready to move away from village lights to the outer skerries or nearby beaches.
How to Get to Reine
By air: Fly to Bodø, then connect to Leknes or Svolvær with Widerøe. From Leknes, Reine is about 1.5 hours by car on the E10. From Svolvær, plan about 2.5–3 hours depending on stops and weather.
By ferry: The car ferry from Bodø to Moskenes places you just a short drive from Reine. In summer, sailings are popular, so reserve a spot if bookings are offered, arrive early, and keep your plans flexible in case of weather delays.
By car: The E10 is a scenic highway that links the islands. Drive with patience; you’ll share the road with cyclists, motorhomes, and curious visitors staring at mountains. Pull into designated viewpoints for photos rather than stopping in the road.
By bus: There are buses from Leknes and Svolvær to Reine, timed around ferry schedules more often in summer. They work fine if you’re traveling light and staying central.
Where to Stay: Rorbuer and Other Options
Reine is famous for rorbuer, the traditional fisherman’s cabins on stilts. Many have been lovingly restored with modern comforts while keeping the original charm. They book early in summer and during northern lights season. If you want a particular view or private jetty, lock it in months ahead. There are also guesthouses, small hotels, and cabins in nearby Hamnøy and Sakrisøy, both within minutes of Reine.
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, look at hostels or camping cabins further up the E10. Wild camping is allowed with restrictions in Norway, but around Reine you must respect no-camping zones and private property. Use official campsites when in doubt.
What to Do in Reine
Hike Reinebringen the Right Way
Reinebringen is the staircase to the classic postcard view. Stone steps built by Nepalese Sherpa teams make the ascent direct but steep. Check conditions before you go; after heavy rain, snow, or strong wind, save it for another day. Go early or late to avoid the midday crowd, pack water, and wear proper footwear. The summit area is narrow; be courteous and give space for photos.
Take the Fjord Boat to Bunes or Horseid
From Reine, a local boat runs into Reinefjorden, stopping at Vindstad for Bunes Beach and at Kjerkfjorden for Horseid Beach. Both are wild, wide arcs of sand backed by cliffs. Bunes is the easier walk; Horseid feels more remote. Weather changes quickly in the fjords, so carry layers, snacks, and a charged phone. The last boat back is not negotiable; miss it and you’re camping.
Kayak and Quiet Paddles
On calm days, kayaking in Reinefjorden is pure therapy. You glide past racks of drying cod, beneath peaks mirrored in green water. Local outfitters provide guided trips and dry gear. If the wind picks up, be honest with your skill level; the sea here is cold year-round.
Photography Walks
You don’t need a zoom lens and a drone to get great shots. Some of my favorite frames come from simply strolling the bridges between Reine, Hamnøy, and Sakrisøy and waiting for light to break through. For sunrise or the softest evening glow, watch the forecast, give yourself time, and be okay with standing still.
Fishing Culture and Sea Trips
If you’re curious about the cod fishery, ask about short fishing trips or small museums in the area that tell the story of Lofoten’s winter cod season. You’ll understand why stockfish made these villages possible and why the racks matter. If you go to sea, dress warmer than you think you need.
Beaches Within Reach
Beyond Bunes and Horseid, consider Kvalvika near Fredvang for a classic Lofoten beach hike with a moderate climb. Parking fills quickly; start early and never block driveways or farm access.
Food and Drink: What to Expect
Reine leans small and seasonal. In summer, you’ll find fish-focused restaurants, cafés with cinnamon buns, and sometimes a food truck or two. In winter, hours tighten. If you have dietary restrictions, carry backup snacks and confirm kitchen hours.
Taste local cod in different forms, from baked fillets to hearty fish soup. If you enjoy stockfish, try it prepared the Lofoten way. For self-catering, small groceries will cover basics. For a broader selection or any special items, stock up in Leknes on your way down the islands. Wine and spirits are sold at state-run shops, not regular groceries, so plan ahead.
Practical Tips Only Locals Tell You
Weather is a character, not a backdrop. A sunny forecast can become sideways rain in an hour. Pack a waterproof shell, insulating mid-layer, hat, and gloves even in July. In winter, add traction for boots and a warm parka.
Parking and etiquette: Use marked lots and pay for parking where required. Roads are narrow; never stop on blind curves or shoulders. Drones have rules, and in summer there are periods and places where flying is restricted. Respect privacy around rorbuer; those cozy decks are often someone’s bedroom window.
Leave no trace: Stay on trail steps, especially on Reinebringen. Fragile mosses don’t bounce back quickly. Carry your trash out. If you’re using beaches for aurora viewing, avoid trampling dunes.
Cashless works: Cards and contactless payments are standard. Keep a small amount of cash just in case, but you won’t need much.
Daylight management: In summer, bring a sleep mask. In winter, aim your activities at the brightest part of the day, then enjoy slow evenings with a book, board game, or a soak if your rorbu has a sauna.
Safety Notes for Hikers and Drivers
Trails in Lofoten are steep and often slick with mud or wet rock. Good boots make a big difference, and trekking poles aren’t overkill. Tell someone your plan, especially if you’re heading beyond the Reinefjorden boat stops.
On the road, maintain generous following distance and let locals pass at safe pull-outs. In winter, rent a car with proper studded or friction winter tires and avoid tight schedules that force driving in a storm.
Suggested Itineraries in Reine
One day in Reine: Sunrise coffee on the quay, morning hike up Reinebringen if weather cooperates, slow lunch, then the afternoon boat to Bunes for a beach walk. Evening photography around the bridges as the light drops, and a fish dinner.
Two to three days: Add a guided kayak trip, a half-day fishing excursion or museum visit, and a drive to nearby Ramberg and Fredvang for Kvalvika Beach. Keep one “weather buffer” half-day for whichever activity needs the best conditions.
Four to five days: Build in real rest. Read on the deck, picnic on the rocks, and linger in the tiny galleries and cafés. If winter, allocate multiple aurora windows; your chance of a clear sky jumps with each extra night.
Packing List for Reine
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Insulating layers in wool or synthetic
- Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
- Hat, gloves, and a buff year-round
- Reusable water bottle and thermos
- Small first-aid kit and blister care
- Headlamp in winter, sleep mask in summer
- Power bank and camera tripod
- Swimsuit if you fancy a cold dip or sauna session
Costs and Budgeting
Reine isn’t a budget destination, but you can manage costs with a few choices. Travel in May or September for better rates, cook some meals in your rorbu kitchen, and focus on the free things: hikes, beaches, and the light show. Book the big-ticket items early so you’re not left with only premium options.
Day Trips from Reine
Use Reine as a base to explore the southern islands. Hamnøy and Sakrisøy are essentially next door for iconic photos and quick café stops. Ramberg offers a broad sandy beach, and the winding road to Å i Lofoten ends at a village museum that tells the fishing story from the inside. Give yourself time to stop at viewpoints; the short detours are often the highlight.
A Local Rhythm to Aim For
Reine rewards anyone who slows down. Wake with the gulls, check the sea for texture, and choose your plan based on what the sky is doing. If the wind howls, lean into it: a storm day by the window with coffee is very Lofoten. When the light opens, step out quickly. The best moments here aren’t scheduled; they’re noticed.