What’s the absolute worst hike in Norway that we still completely recommend you go on?

Reinebringen!

Just outside the town of Reine, there is literally nothing fun or enjoyable for about 98% of this hike.

It’s just a stairway – an endless stone stairway—that goes on for 1,974 steps.

And these steps aren’t friendly (although very well constructed…). They’re steep and narrow, have nowhere to step off to the side, and leave many a hiker with their hands on their knees, taking breaks and gasping for air.

The view on the climb is virtually nonexistent – unless you turn around and look back behind you.

But that’s the entire reason to go on this hike— to get to the view at the top.

When you do finally emerge on the wind-buffeted ridge line, where sheer cliffs drop 1,500 feet to the fishing village below, you’re greeted by what’s arguably one of Lofoten’s most epic views.

Want to make it even more memorable? Time your walk to hit the top around sunset, since the view looking west toward the midnight sun forms of spectacular, backlit, postcard of Norway that makes every single one of those quad burning steps worth the interminable slog to the top.

(PS: we didn’t take the kids on this hike – it would’ve been extremely boring for them, not to mention dangerous.)
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