The Ryten Hike, Lofoten Islands

The Hike to Ryten is one of those hikes to a location with something primordial. The hike isn’t challenging, but there’s something about the view above Klavika beach that makes this location unique. Perhaps it’s the hidden beach or the impressively steep mountains around it. Whatever it is, here’s where you can enjoy some of the finest views in the Lofoten.

The view from one of the many ledged overlooking Klavika beach.

This is also a very popular location for the same reason. I am sure you have probably seen a photo of a blond girl overlooking Klavika Bach from the top or the classic guy hanging from a rocky ledge as if hanging on for dear life.

Still, if you, like me, are not particularly interested in similar “memes” photos, I highly recommend you visit this location too. Don’t pass it up because others have already shot it to death or because it’s become a cliche. This is a beautiful and unique location, and you’d want to see it for yourself. Also, the hike will take over half a day, so you can easily integrate it into any itinerary.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Ryten Hike

Selfie anyone?

How to Get to Ryten

The Ryten trailhead is located in the village of Fredvang, which can be reached either by car or public transport.

• Driving Directions: From the E10, whether you are coming from north or south, you will have to turn toward Fredvang, at the bridge connecting the Moskenesøya and Flakstadøya islands. Keep following the road until you spot the parking signs. If you are looking for a Car rental, you can search for & compare the best deals on Discover Cars. Here you can compare the prices of all the major car rental companies and find the very best deals.
• Parking: There are two paid parking lots. One on private ground, close to the trailhead, here. The other one is by the school, a little further away – 10 minutes walk – from the trailhead. This is a popular place that can get very crowded, especially in high season, so it pays off to be here early o late in the day.
• Public Transport: The closest bus stop is Fredvang Nord, where buses 300 and 771 stop. However, this isn’t the best option as buses will stop here once a day, from Monday to Friday. Here you can check the timetable. The walk to the trailhead is about ten minutes, more or less the same as the parking lot by the school.

My trusty ultralight Big Agnes Fly Creek UL HV on Ryten.

The Ryten Trail

The trail is relatively easy, and there are no steep or exposed sections. The first part is rather flattish and can be boggy, but there will be wooden walkways for part of the way. Still, I’d recommend being careful here, as it can also be slippery.

The ascent to the summit can be divided into two parts. After the first 15/20 minutes, you will come across the first part of the climb. You will then reach another flattish area with the first views of Klavika beach.

From there, the last part of the ascent starts. Again, you will have great views over the bay until you reach the rocky ledges just below the summit, where you’ll have a full view of the beaches below. After that, you can continue further up to the summit, marked by a cairn.

I never did it, but if you have time, you can combine this hike with a visit to Klavika beach. There is a connecting trail just before the second part of the climb.

Sunrise on a late-September morning

The Ryten Hike Photos and Photography tips

There are many great views on the way up, especially as Klavika beach becomes visible. Undoubtedly, the best views are from the many rocky ledges below the summit.

I used anything between 14 and 200 mm. You’d need an ultra-wide lens to capture the whole landscape of the beach and the mountains surrounding it. You can also find interesting compositions in the range of 100-200 mm as the views are open and wide, and there’s plenty of space.

In terms of light, it’s generally best to be here late in the afternoon. How much depends on the season at this latitude, but generally speaking, from the early morning until late afternoon, the beach and the west side of the mountain will largely be in the shadows. Check any of the sun position/calculator apps available before heading there.

Lastly, flying drones here is not allowed, as Ryten is part of the Lofotodden National Park.

Klavika beach

View from the actual summit of Ryten

The trail and some of the first views of Klavika beach.

Sun and rain on the mountain around Klavika beach.

Part of the coastline and the mountains of Flakstadøya

The Bridge in Frdvange – 200mm shot from Ryten.

Selfie anyone?

Sunset over Klavika beach.

Map of the Ryten Hike

The trail is well-marked with the usual pint trail posts and is always easy to follow. You don’t need a GPS track here, but the map below can give you a good idea of the elevation profile and what to expect on the trail. First, however, I’d like to point out that unlike most of my other maps, this is only the way up.

Where to stay

If you are into it, camping up the mountain is a great option. Plenty of space to pitch a tent as the top of the mountain is broad and flat-ish. Otherwise, there are several different options you can choose from if you are planning to spend the night in the area:

• The Lofoten Beach camp in Skagsanden is the closest one.
• Ramberg also offers accommodations and additional facilities like coffee shops, supermarkets, and dining options. Fredvang also has a few options.

Additional Resources

• Planning a trip? Here are my tips to plan a trip to the Lofoten Islands.
• Check out the main page on Hiking in Norway for more hikes in Norway.