Reine

Reine is a fishing village situated on the island of Moskenesøya in the Lofoten archipelago of Nordland county, Norway. Positioned along the Reinefjorden branch off Vestfjorden, the village stands above the Arctic Circle at latitude 67.93° N. It serves as the administrative centre of Moskenes municipality and has a permanent population of roughly 300 residents. The settlement sits against vertical granite peaks, including Olstinden and Reinebringen, with red and yellow wooden fishermen's cabins (rorbuer) built on stilts along the shoreline.

Historically dependent on cod fishing and stockfish drying, Reine functions today as a primary base for travel in southern Lofoten. Visitors come to hike mountain trails such as Reinebringen, paddle kayaks through Reinefjorden, experience Arctic cod fishing, and view the landscape under seasonal lighting. Because of its location in northern Norway, the village experiences 24-hour daylight during summer and long periods of twilight and darkness in winter, making it a focal point for viewing the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights.

Reine has a subpolar oceanic climate influenced by the warm Gulf Stream, keeping winter temperatures milder than typical for locations above the Arctic Circle. Average summer temperatures in July and August range from 10°C to 16°C, while winter temperatures from December through March linger between -2°C and 3°C. Precipitation is high throughout the year, averaging around 1,200 mm annually, with rain or snow falling on roughly 170 days per year. High winds and sudden sea storms are common year-round.

By Bus

Reis Nordland operates public bus services across Nordland county. Route 300 (Lofotekspressen) runs daily along the E10 highway connecting Narvik and Svolvær to Reine and Å i Lofoten. The journey from Svolvær to Reine takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, costing NOK 110 to 160 (~$10 to $15 USD). Local Line 742 connects Leknes to Reine and Å, running several times daily (1 hour 30 minutes, NOK 80 to 120 / $7.50 to $11.50 USD). Tickets purchased on board incur a NOK 20 ($1.90 USD) surcharge; purchasing via the mobile app Reis provides the standard fare.

By Train

No train service runs on the Lofoten Islands. The nearest Norwegian railway station is Bodø Station, 100 kilometres south across Vestfjorden, serving as the northern terminus of SJ Norge's Nordland Line (Nordlandsbanen) from Trondheim (10-hour journey; single fares NOK 600 to 1,200 / ~$56 to $112 USD for standard seats or private sleeping compartments). From Bodø, passengers take the 3.5 to 4-hour Torghatten Nord ferry to Moskenes (5 km south of Reine). Alternatively, Narvik Station (290 km northeast) connects to Stockholm via Vy Tåg's Ofoten Line (18-hour journey; single fares SEK 700 to 1,400 / ~$67 to $134 USD), followed by a 6-hour ride on Reis Nordland Bus Route 300 to Reine.

By Car

Reine lies along European Route E10 (Kong Olav Vs vei), the main paved highway traversing the Lofoten archipelago. Drive times and distances from major regional points:

• Moskenes Ferry Port: 5 km south via E10 (8 minutes).
• Leknes: 76 km northeast via E10 (1 hour 15 minutes).
• Svolvær: 120 km northeast via E10 (2 hours).
• Narvik: 290 km northeast via E10 (4.5 to 5 hours).

Car rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar) operate at Leknes, Svolvær, and Harstad/Narvik airports. Single-lane bridges with traffic lights and narrow sections are frequent along the southern stretch of the E10 near Reine.

By Air

No airport operates in Reine. The nearest air transport options include:

• Leknes Airport (IATA: LKN): 76 km northeast. Widerøe operates regional Dash-8 flights connecting Leknes to Bodø (25 minutes) and Oslo. Taxis or Reis Nordland Bus Line 742 connect Leknes Airport to Reine (1.5 hours).
• Bodø Airport (IATA: BOO): 100 kilometres south across Vestfjorden. Served by SAS, Norwegian, and Widerøe with daily flights from Oslo Airport (OSL) (1 hour 35 minutes flight time). From Bodø Airport, passengers take a 5-minute taxi or bus to the Bodø ferry terminal for the Torghatten Nord car ferry to Moskenes (3.5 to 4 hours, free for foot passengers, NOK 800 to 1,100 / ~$75 to $105 USD for passenger vehicles).
• Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes (IATA: EVE): 270 km northeast. Direct flights via SAS and Norwegian from Oslo (1 hour 40 minutes). Drive time from Evenes to Reine along the E10 highway takes 4 hours 15 minutes.

The village of Reine spans small islands connected by bridges along the E10. Walking is suitable for getting around the harbour area, market, and nearby trailhead.

• Local Bus: Reis Nordland Line 742 runs between Moskenes, Reine, Ramberg, and Leknes. Fares range from NOK 40 to 90 (~$3.75 to $8.50 USD). Timetables and digital single/day tickets are managed via the Reis mobile app.
• Ferries: Reinefjorden Sjøhus operates local passenger ferries from Reine harbour (Reine hurtigbåtkai) to Vindstad and Kjerkfjorden for trail access. One-way fares cost NOK 60 to 100 (~$5.50 to $9.50 USD).
• Taxi: Moskenes Taxi provides regional transfers. Fares are metered, starting around NOK 100 ($9.50 USD) with a rate of roughly NOK 25 ($2.35 USD) per kilometre.
• Rental Cars & Bicycles: Bike rentals are available at Reinefjorden Sjøhus and local guesthouses for NOK 250 to 450 (~$23 to $42 USD) per day. Rental cars are recommended for visiting remote beaches and neighboring hamlets.

• Reinebringen Mountain: A 448-metre peak offering views over Reinefjorden, Hamnøy, and surrounding peaks. Access is via a 1,560-step stone staircase built by Nepalese Sherpas to prevent trail erosion. Free entry.

• Hamnøy Village: Located 3 km north of Reine along the E10. A historic fishing hamlet featuring red wooden rorbuer set on rocky outcrops above the fjord. Free entry.

• Sakrisøy Island: Located 1.5 km north of Reine. Distinctive for yellow rorbuer, fish drying racks (hjell), and seafood specialty shops. Free entry.

• Reine Church (Reine kirke): Constructed in 1890, this wooden long church stands in the centre of Reine and serves Moskenes parish. Free entry / donations accepted.

• Norwegian Fishing Village Museum (Norsk Fiskeværsmuseum): Located in Å i Lofoten, 10 km south of Reine. A preserved 19th-century fishing village with a historic cod liver oil factory, bakery, forge, and boathouses. Entry fee: NOK 100 (~$9.50 USD) for adults.

• Lofoten Stockfish Museum (Lofoten Tørrfiskmuseum): Located in Å, 10 km south of Reine. Explains the process of drying Arctic cod on wooden racks for export to European markets. Entry fee: NOK 100 (~$9.50 USD) for adults.

• Reinebringen Hike: Climb the 1,560 Sherpa steps to the ridge of Reinebringen (448 m) for views of the Reine fjord system. Proper hiking boots are required as top sections can be icy or slippery.

• Reinefjorden Kayaking: Hire a kayak or join a guided tour from Reine harbour to paddle across Reinefjorden, passing beneath the vertical face of Olstinden peak.

• Bunes Beach Excursion: Board the passenger ferry from Reine harbour to Vindstad (25 minutes, NOK 60 to 100 / ~$5.50 to $9.50 USD each way), then follow an easy 3 km walking track over a grassy pass to Bunes Beach on the northern ocean side of Moskenesøya.

• Northern Lights Viewing: Position at clear viewpoints such as Hamnøy bridge or Sakrisøy between September and April to observe the Aurora Borealis over the fjords.

• Sea Angling & Cod Fishing: Book local fishing charters out of Reine or Moskenes harbour to catch cod, pollock, and halibut in Vestfjorden.

• Gammelbua: Set inside a restored 18th-century merchant store in Reine harbour. Serves traditional Northern Norwegian seafood dishes including Arctic cod, stockfish, whale steak, and reindeer. Upscale tier (NOK 320 to 550 / ~$30 to $52 USD per main course).
• Anita's Sjømat (Anita's Seafood): Located on Sakrisøy island, 1.5 km north of Reine. Specializes in gourmet fish burgers topped with smoked salmon or halibut, fish soup, and fresh shellfish. Mid-range tier (NOK 160 to 280 / ~$15 to $26 USD per meal).
• Lanternen: A waterfront bistro and cafe in Reine village offering fish and chips, fish soup, open-faced shrimp sandwiches, and coffee. Mid-range tier (NOK 180 to 320 / ~$17 to $30 USD per meal).
• Underhuset Restaurant: Located at Sakrisøy Rorbuer, serving traditional Norwegian cod, seafood platters, and locally brewed beers in a renovated 19th-century dining room. Upscale tier (NOK 350 to 600 / ~$33 to $56 USD per main course).
• Krambua Restaurant: Located at Eliassen Rorbuer on Hamnøy island, 3 km north of Reine. Offers seasonal Norwegian menus featuring cod, lamb, and root vegetables. Upscale tier (NOK 300 to 520 / ~$28 to $49 USD per main course).

• Budget: Shared dorms and basic private rooms at Reine Hostel or Lofoten Planet BaseCamp, or tent sites at Moskenes Camping (5 km south). Nightly rates range from NOK 450 to 1,200 (~$42 to $112 USD).
• Mid-range: Private guesthouse rooms and apartments at Catogården (a boutique guesthouse in central Reine) or Det Gamle Dampskipselskap. Nightly rates range from NOK 1,500 to 2,800 (~$140 to $262 USD).
• Upscale: Waterfront fishermen's cabins (rorbuer) converted into modern self-catering lodges, including Reine Rorbuer - Classic Norway Hotels, Eliassen Rorbuer (Hamnøy), and Sakrisøy Rorbuer. Nightly rates range from NOK 3,200 to 6,000 (~$300 to $560 USD).

• Å i Lofoten: Located 10 km south via the E10 highway (15-minute drive). The terminus of European Route E10, containing preserved historic rorbuer, the Stockfish Museum, and coastal hiking trails around Lake Ågvatnet.
• Ramberg: Located 25 km north via the E10 highway (30-minute drive). Famous for the crescent-shaped white sands of Rambergstranda and Skagsanden Beach, popular for Arctic surfing and photography.
• Nusfjord: Located 42 km north via E10 and Fv807 (45-minute drive). A historic cod-fishing village preserved as an open-air architectural site with traditional harbour buildings and hiking routes.
• Henningsvær: Located 115 km northeast via E10 and Fv816 (1.5 to 2 hours drive). A fishing village spread across multiple islets, known for craft workshops, art galleries, and a football venue built on granite bedrock.
• Svolvær: Located 120 km northeast via the E10 highway (2 hours drive). The main administrative and commercial hub of Lofoten, offering boat tours to Trollfjorden, mountain hiking up Svolværgeita, and ferry links to mainland Norway.