Reine: Winter Snowshoe Hike to Ryten – With Local Guide｜Norway

The winter hike to Ryten is a proper Arctic adventure. We climb just over 500 vertical meters through changing winter terrain to reach one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Lofoten.

It’s not an easy stroll — but the reward is unreal. The panorama from the top regularly turns grown adults into soft, emotional creatures. Some blame the beauty, others blame “wind in the eyes.” We let them decide, but we’ll happily take the credit.

While many winter tours in Lofoten are short 2–3 hour walks, this is a full 5-hour mountain hike. We go slow, steady, and safe — but still take you high above the fjords to one of the best viewpoints in the islands.

We keep our groups small (max 6 people per guide) so we can move at a comfortable pace and enjoy the mountains without the rush of larger tour groups.

This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness. Expect around 3 hours of uphill hiking and about 2 hours downhill in mountain terrain. You don’t need to be a professional athlete — but you should feel comfortable walking uphill for an extended period.

We pick you up anywhere between Å and Ramberg and drive to the trailhead. There we prepare the gear: snowshoes, microspikes, hiking poles, and extra layers.

Winter conditions in Lofoten change quickly. Our goal is always to hike Ryten, but mountain conditions vary throughout the season. Some days require snowshoes, some microspikes, and sometimes no extra equipment at all. If the wind on Ryten is too strong or conditions are unsafe, we may hike to Kvalvika Beach instead. Safety always comes first, and our guides will adjust the plan if necessary to ensure the best possible experience.

Before we start, we show you how to use the equipment and how to layer your clothes to stay warm without overheating. Then we hike at a relaxed pace with breaks for photos, hot drinks, and catching your breath.

Halfway up (or sometimes on the summit), we take a longer break and enjoy a warm expedition meal with hot drinks. We provide options for all dietary requirements. Yes — food really does taste better outdoors.

Over the years we’ve gathered gear that makes the experience both safer and more comfortable: snowshoes, microspikes, poles, gaiters, backpacks, buffs, mittens, fleece layers, ski goggles, thermo cups, and lightweight seats with wool liners from Lofoten Wool.

New this season is winter shoe rental! In our experience, the biggest reason for less-than-ideal experiences, and sometimes even turning around, are wet feet. If you don't have tall waterproof winter boots, keeping snow and moisture out is a loosing battle. Let us know your shoe size beforehand and we will make sure your feet stay toasty warm the whole hike! 200 NOK/pair.

This hike isn’t just about reaching the summit. It’s about experiencing the Arctic winter, learning about Norwegian nature and friluftsliv, sharing stories, and sometimes sliding down snowy slopes like kids.

For many guests, it ends up being the highlight of their trip to Lofoten.