This Arctic Circle fishing village sits among Norway's fjords and peaks. Small museums, local restaurants, and guesthouses line its waterfront, while hiking trails lead to mountain views.
Reine, a village of 300 residents in Norway's Lofoten archipelago, sits among granite peaks rising directly from Reinefjorden. Walk the 448-meter Reinebringen trail for panoramic views of islands and fjords, paddle through clear Arctic waters, or wake up in a red-painted rorbuer fishing cabin perched above the water. In winter, you can watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky, while summer brings midnight sun and hiking opportunities to remote Arctic beaches like Horseid and Bunes.
Getting to Reine
The village lies 300 kilometers southwest of Tromsø on the island of Moskenesøya. You can reach Reine by taking a ferry from Bodø to nearby Moskenes (9 km away), or by flying to Svolvær Airport and driving 125 km west along the E10 highway. The bus service Lofotekspressen connects Reine to other parts of the Lofoten Islands, with regular routes from Narvik and Evenes.
Hiking Above the Arctic Circle
A stone staircase leads to Reinebringen's summit, 448 meters above sea level. The trail, renovated in 2019, takes about two hours to climb. At the top, you'll see Reine's red cabins below, granite peaks stretching to the horizon, and the blue expanse of Reinefjorden. Local authorities close the trail during winter months due to ice and snow conditions.
Water Activities in Reinefjorden
The calm waters of Reinefjorden make it ideal for kayaking between small islands and along steep mountain walls. Several local companies run guided kayak tours and rentals. Take the morning ferry from Reine's harbor to Vindstad or Kjerkfjorden to start your hike to Horseid and Bunes beaches - where white sand meets vertical cliff faces.
Where to Stay and Eat
Red-painted rorbuer fishing cabins line Reine's waterfront, many dating from 1743 when the village began as a trading post. These wooden structures stand on stilts above the water, now converted into guest accommodation. You'll find basic supplies at the Coop Market in the village center. Local restaurants focus on fresh fish dishes, particularly cod and stockfish - air-dried cod that still hangs on wooden racks throughout the village.
A Brief History
While fishing remains central to Reine's identity, tourism has grown since the late 1970s when a national magazine highlighted the village's dramatic setting. The village rebuilt after significant damage during World War II, maintaining its traditional architecture and fishing heritage while adapting to welcome visitors from around the world.
