Reine, Lofoten: Where to Eat, Stay, and What to Do

If you’ve seen a photo of Norway that made your jaw drop, chances are it was of Reine. This tiny fishing village tucked into the dramatic peaks of Lofoten is straight out of a dream—red rorbuer (fishing cabins) perched on the edge of clear fjords, craggy mountains towering overhead, and the kind of peaceful, end-of-the-world vibes that make you wonder if you should just move there and never look back.

When I first arrived in Reine, I could hardly believe places like this existed outside of postcards. Whether you’re looking to hike, feast on local seafood, or just absorb the unreal beauty of the area, here’s my guide to where to eat, stay, and what to do in this magical corner of Lofoten.

Where to Stay: Cozy Cabins and Waterfront Views

In Reine, staying in a rorbuer (the charming red fishing huts) is part of the charm. These traditional fishing cabins turned guesthouses let you wake up to the sound of seagulls and the soft lapping of the fjord against the dock. There’s nothing like sipping coffee on the deck of a rorbuer as the morning mist lifts off the water.

We stayed in this cabin, which had incredible views and was perfectly appointed. It had two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a huge deck, parking, and most importantly, a washer and dryer. Here are some similar options:

• Eliassen Rorbuer: Located on the tiny island of Hamnøy, Eliassen Rorbuer is one of the best spots to stay in Reine. You get those iconic red cabins, right on the water, with views that will have you snapping photos non-stop. It’s rustic yet modern, and each cabin comes with a small kitchen, perfect if you want to cook your own meals.
• Reine Rorbuer: Want to stay in the heart of the action? Reine Rorbuer offers waterfront cabins with some of the most spectacular views in Lofoten. You can practically reach out and touch the mountains from your doorstep, and the vibe here feels like a perfect blend of history and luxury.

What to Do: Hikes, Kayaks, and Unbelievable Views

Reine is an adventure-lover’s paradise. Whether you want to hike towering peaks, paddle through crystal-clear fjords, or just wander through the picturesque village, there’s something here for every type of traveler.

• Hike Reinebringen: I know, I know, you’ve heard of Reinebringen before—it’s one of the most famous hikes in Lofoten. It was still too snowy to safely hike when we visited in May, but I would have loved to experience it. Even though it’s a steep, challenging climb, the fjords stretch out below you, with the red and yellow cabins of Reine dotting the shoreline, it’s an amazing view. It’s not an easy trek, but if you’re up for it, the payoff is absolutely worth it.
• Kayak the Reinefjorden: If hiking isn’t your thing (or you just want to experience the fjord from another angle), rent a kayak and paddle through the Reinefjorden. Gliding on the still waters with the towering peaks rising all around you—it’s a peaceful, almost spiritual experience. There are guided tours available if you want some local insight, or you can rent a kayak on your own for a solo adventure.
• Explore the Village of Å: Just a short drive from Reine is the village of Å, which feels like the end of the world in the best way. It’s a small fishing village with a fascinating history, and you can visit the.
• See the famous red fishing huts of Hamnoy. This is the spot where the image of the famous red fishing huts in the top photo was taken.

Keep in mind that weather can change on a dime in Lofoten, so be prepared to hike in the rain. This is my perfect Norway packing list for any time of year.

Where to Eat: Fresh Fish and Cozy Cafés

In Reine, food is all about local ingredients and simple, hearty meals that warm you up after a day of exploring. Fish, of course, takes center stage, and some of the best meals I had in Lofoten were right here in this tiny village.

• Bringen Kaffebar: If you’re craving something cozy and casual, Bringen Kaffebar is your spot. This little café in Reine serves up delicious waffles, coffee, and sandwiches, perfect for a quick lunch or snack. It’s also a great place to unwind after a hike, with warm vibes and stunning fjord views out the window.
• Gadus: was our favorite restaurant of our whole stay in Lofoten. They make amazing Italian food! Just be sure to reserve a table ahead of time as this is a small place.
• Gammelbua, located right in the heart of Reine, serves fresh, local seafood like stockfish, cod, and shrimp, all while you’re seated in a rustic dining room with exposed wooden beams and candlelit tables. It’s the kind of place where you can imagine old Norwegian fishermen sitting down after a long day at sea.
• Anitas Sjømat: If you want something quick but fresh, head to Anitas Sjømat just outside Reine. You can grab some smoked salmon, stockfish, or shrimp straight from the sea, or even pick up a fish burger for a more filling meal. It’s a great spot for a picnic lunch if you want to eat by the water and take in the views.

Where Else to Visit in the Area

We spent a week road tripping through Lofoten, and it was magical. Reine was one of our three main stops where we spent several days, and I think we did a great job on seeing the best of the best. You can check out my Lofoten Itinerary here, and my Norwegian Fjords itinerary here.

Wrapping Up Your Stay in Reine

Reine is one of those places that gets under your skin. It’s quiet, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful. After a few days of hiking, kayaking, and feasting on fresh fish, you’ll start to wonder why anyone ever leaves. Whether you’re taking in the view from the top of Reinebringen or sipping coffee while the fjord mist rolls in, Reine is a place that will stick with you long after you’ve gone.

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