Reine in the Lofoten Islands: How to Get There, What to See and Interesting Facts
Reine is a small fishing village located in the Lofoten Islands, in northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle. It has just around 300 inhabitants, but its spectacular location has made it one of the most photographed places in the country. Surrounded by steep mountains rising directly from the sea and crystal-clear waters, the landscape looks like something from a postcard at any time of year.
Its history has always been closely connected to Arctic cod fishing, especially during winter, when thousands of fish migrate to the coast of northern Norway to spawn. For centuries, Reine was an important fishing village, and even today you can see the traditional wooden drying racks where skrei, the famous Norwegian Arctic cod, is hung to dry before being exported to countries such as Spain, Portugal and Italy.
Although tourism has become increasingly important in recent years, Reine still retains the authentic atmosphere of a northern fishing village. Life here continues to revolve around the weather, the sea and the changing seasons. In winter, there are only a few hours of daylight, and the Northern Lights are part of the experience. In summer, the sun never fully sets, and the mountains attract hikers and photographers looking for the perfect picture of Lofoten.
Who Lives in Reine All Year Round?
Although Reine might look like a purely tourist destination, people actually live here throughout the year.
Most residents work in fishing, tourism or small family businesses connected to these industries. Some also work in nearby villages such as Moskenes or Sørvågen and choose to live in Reine because of its peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings.
Life in Reine isn’t particularly easy compared with living in a large city. Winters are long and dark, and the weather can be harsh. However, these are often the very things that local people appreciate: a close connection with nature and a slower pace of life.
In such a small village, everyone tends to know each other, creating a strong sense of community.
What Is Life Like in Reine During Winter?
Winter in Reine is an experience unlike almost anywhere else in Europe.
Between December and early January, the village experiences the Polar Night, a period when the sun never rises above the horizon.
However, this doesn’t mean complete darkness 24 hours a day. Instead, there’s a special bluish twilight for a few hours, creating a beautiful and unusual atmosphere.
Temperatures are generally not as extreme as you might expect, thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream. However, strong winds and humidity can make it feel much colder.
Winter is a peaceful time in Reine, with fewer tourists, snow-covered roads and an authentic Arctic atmosphere. It’s also one of the best times of year to see the Northern Lights.
If you’re planning to visit Reine in winter, though, it’s important to organise your trip carefully. The weather can change quickly, some restaurants and accommodation have reduced opening hours, and certain activities depend entirely on weather conditions.
What to See in Reine
Reinebringen Viewpoint
Reinebringen offers what is probably one of the best views in the entire Lofoten archipelago.
From the top, you’ll enjoy an incredible panorama of Reine village, the surrounding fjords and the dramatic mountain peaks.
The hike has become extremely popular in recent years thanks to Instagram, but it’s still a demanding climb.
Today, the trail has more than 1,500 stone steps built by Nepalese Sherpas to help prevent erosion on the mountainside.
The hike usually takes between one and two hours, depending on your pace. Although it isn’t technically difficult, it does require a reasonable level of fitness.
It’s important to wear suitable hiking shoes, as the steps can become very slippery when it rains.
Tip: Try to start your hike early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
Walk Among the Rorbuer: Traditional Fishermen’s Cabins
Rorbuer are one of the most recognisable symbols of the Lofoten Islands.
These small wooden cabins, usually painted red, were originally built to accommodate fishermen who travelled to the islands during the cod fishing season.
Today, many have been converted into holiday accommodation, but they still retain their traditional appearance, often standing on wooden stilts directly above the water.
Walking among these cabins is one of the best ways to experience the atmosphere of Reine.
Some of the most beautiful examples can be found around the harbour and in the nearby villages of Sakrisøy and Hamnøy, both just a short distance away.
See the Traditional Cod Drying Racks
One of the most distinctive features of the Lofoten landscape is the enormous wooden structures used to dry cod outdoors.
The busiest period is usually between February and May, coinciding with the skrei fishing season.
The smell can be quite strong, especially during spring, but it’s part of the authentic experience of visiting northern Norway.
The fish is dried naturally using the cold Arctic air and wind, following a traditional preservation method that has been used since the Viking Age.
Things to Do in Reine
1. Kayaking in the Fjord
One of the best ways to explore the area is from the water.
Kayaking between mountains and small islands allows you to discover places that can’t be reached by road and gives you a completely different perspective of Reine.
Several local companies organise guided kayaking excursions, particularly between May and September.
If you already have experience, you can also rent a kayak and explore independently.
During summer, the waters are often relatively calm, although it’s important to be properly equipped because the sea remains very cold throughout the year.
2. See the Northern Lights
Thanks to its location above the Arctic Circle, Reine is an excellent place to see the Northern Lights between September and March.
Clear nights and low levels of light pollution mean that you can sometimes see them directly from the village, without needing to travel far.
However, the Northern Lights are never guaranteed.
The most important things are patience, checking the weather forecast and avoiding nights with heavy cloud cover.
3. Experience the Midnight Sun or Polar Night
Depending on when you visit, Reine offers two completely opposite natural phenomena.
Between late May and mid-July, the sun never fully sets, creating the strange feeling that the day never ends.
This is known as the Midnight Sun.
During part of the winter, the opposite happens: the Polar Night arrives, and the sun remains below the horizon for several weeks.
Both are extraordinary experiences that are difficult to describe until you’ve experienced them yourself.
4. Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife
Although the best-known whale-watching excursions depart from Vesterålen and Andenes, tours are also organised in the Lofoten region to look for orcas, humpback whales, porpoises and dolphins, particularly during winter.
It’s also common to spot white-tailed sea eagles flying above the fjords or seals resting near the coast.
If you’re interested in this type of activity, it’s best to book in advance during the high season, as places can fill up quickly.
How to Get to Reine
The most common way to reach Reine is by car, following the E10 road, the main scenic route running through the Lofoten Islands.
The nearest airports are Leknes and Svolvær, with connections to Oslo or Bergen.
Another popular option is to travel to Bodø and take the ferry to Moskenes, which is just a 10-minute drive from Reine.
If you’re travelling independently, I’d recommend renting a car.
Public transport is available, but services are relatively limited, and having your own vehicle gives you much more freedom to explore the islands.
For more information about Reine, visit the official Visit Lofoten website.
