Lofoten, Norway
Reinebringen - Lofoten's stair to the postcard
A 4 km return walk up 1972 stone steps to one of the most photographed views in Europe. Short, brutal on the legs, and worth every minute.
Published May 5, 2026 · Last updated May 5, 2026 · researched
Reinebringen is a 448-metre peak in Lofoten with 1972 hand-built Sherpa stone steps to the top. The view from the summit - across the village of Reine to the surrounding peaks rising straight from the sea - is the photograph people fly to Lofoten for. The walk is 4 km return and physically harder than the distance suggests.
The original eroded path was rebuilt by a team of Nepalese stonemasons between 2019 and 2022. The new staircase is safer than the old route ever was, but it is still steep, in places near-vertical, and not the right place for vertigo or wet trail shoes.
Photo: Rod Long on Unsplash.
What the walk is actually like
- Total stairs: 1972, hand-set, varying tread depth
- Steepest section: The middle third, where the stair tilts to roughly 45°
- At the top: A wide ridge with multiple viewpoints. Do not walk further along the ridge - past the official summit it becomes loose, exposed, and dangerous.
- The descent: Harder on the knees than the climb. Use trekking poles.
Most fit walkers complete it in 2.5-3.5 hours, including 30-45 minutes at the top.
When to go
| Period | Status |
|---|---|
| June to mid-September | Trail in best condition; busy from 10 am |
| April-May | Snow on upper steps, can be icy - check conditions |
| Mid-September to October | Excellent if the stone is dry; brutal if wet |
| November to March | Trail closed by snow and ice - do not attempt |
The trail closes in winter and through the early melt season. Check Visit Lofoten or local signs at the trailhead before starting.
When not to go
- In rain. The stones become extremely slick. People who attempt it in heavy rain are why the rescue helicopter visits.
- In fog. You will see nothing at the top, and the descent becomes more dangerous than the climb.
- At sunset, without a headlamp. Lofoten in summer has midnight sun; the rest of the year, plan to be down before dusk.
- In high wind. The summit is exposed; gusts can be a real problem on the upper stairs.
If you have driven to Reine and the weather is wrong, walk instead to Vinstad along the coast - a 4 km flat round-trip with views back at Reinebringen. It is the consolation prize and a good one.
Parking and access
The trailhead is roughly 100 m from the E10 road in Reine. Parking is at the official car park (~150 NOK) - do not park on the verge of the E10, which is now ticketed.
The trail starts immediately at the foot of the cliff. There is no ferry, no shuttle, and no entry fee for the trail itself.
What to bring
- Hard ankle boots - trail shoes slip on wet stone
- Trekking poles - for the descent especially
- Layers - Lofoten weather changes in 20 minutes
- Lunch - there’s no facility on the trail; eat at the top
- Water - 1 litre per person; no streams on the route
- Headlamp - if you start after 5 pm outside summer
How it compares to other Lofoten walks
Lofoten has more than Reinebringen. Three short walks worth knowing about:
| Trail | Distance | Effort | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reinebringen | 4 km | High (stairs) | The classic Reine view |
| Ryten | 8 km | Medium | Kvalvika beach + summit selfie spot |
| Bunes Beach | 10 km return | Easy-medium | Wide white-sand beach surrounded by peaks |
| Festvågtinden | 5 km | High (rocky) | Henningsvær harbour from above |
Reinebringen has the most-photographed view; Bunes is the most peaceful day; Festvågtinden has the best harbour shot. Pick by what you came for.
Common questions
Is it as scary as people say?
The middle third of the stairs is steep. There is one section where the stones drop sharply - many people sit and take it slowly. Genuine vertigo? This is not the right walk. Confident on stairs? You’ll be fine.
Can I take a child?
The official guidance is that the trail is suitable for “fit walkers in good footwear.” That excludes most children under about 10. The exposed top section is the bigger risk than the stairs.
Is the original (pre-stair) trail still there?
It exists but is closed. The eroded scree was the reason for the stair rebuild and walking it now is illegal - fines apply.
What about midnight sun?
In June and the first half of July, Lofoten has 24-hour daylight. People do start the climb at 11 pm to avoid daytime crowds and watch the “sunset” that never lands. Bring a layer; it gets cold at the top in the small hours.
Sources: Visit Lofoten, the Reine Trail Authority, and the Nepalese Sherpa stonemason project documentation.
Keep reading
- The best time to hike in Norway - when Lofoten is in its best window
- Allemannsretten - wild-camping rules in Lofoten (very strict near the trailhead)
- Preikestolen - another Sherpa-built stair-trail, on the south coast
- Hiking in Norway: the complete guide - the hub