The hike to the 400-meter-high Mannen on the Lofoten Islands offers a breathtaking experience! Though the elevation is moderate, the summit rewards you with spectacular views over the white sandy beaches of Haukland, Vik, and Uttakleiv, all surrounded by turquoise waters.
Starting point: Follow the E10 towards Leknes, then follow the signs to Uttakleiv Beach. After turning onto a narrow side roads, you’ll soon reach the bay at Haukland Beach. Parking is available at the paid parking lot (40 NOK/6 hours) or for free at one of the few spots at Vik Beach. Coordinates for Google Maps: 68.199379, 13.532091
Route: From the parking lot at the beach, you’ll see the old cart road on the opposite side of the road. Follow this road for about 500 meters until you see a clear path on the left that ascends the mountainside. Take this path, and when you reach a brook, follow the trail to the left along the ridge towards the top of Mannen. Make sure to stay on the trail to the left along the ridge, avoiding the paths that go straight towards Uttakleiv or towards Himmeltinden. The ascent is steady all the way to the summit. There are some exposed sections, especially near the narrow final part of the hike.
Difficulty according to Norwegian standards: Blue = medium; suitable for moderately fit hikers with basic hiking knowledge and some experience in the terrain.
Distance: ≈ 4 km round trip
Elevation gain: ≈ 350 meters ascent and descent
Duration: ≈ 3 hours