TRAIL GUIDE
Ryten and Kvalvika
The peak of Ryten (540 m) and the beach at Kvalvika are two of Lofoten’s best known hiking destinations, where steep, alpine mountains meet white sand beaches and azure blue sea. Hike to the summit, down to the beach, or take both on a round trip.
About the hike
A family friendly mountain hike with spectacular views from the summit of Ryten, down toward azure blue sea and white sand beaches, framed by steep mountainsides. If you want to swim, take a detour down to Kvalvika, but do not be fooled by the tropical feel. The sea temperature can be ice cold, even on warm summer days.
Ryten and Kvalvika is one of Lofoten’s most popular hiking destinations, and it is easy to understand why. You will see several paths across the terrain, a sign of high visitor numbers. We are working to improve the trails and restore nature, but some sections can be wet and muddy. Good footwear is recommended. The hike starts from the parking area at Fredvang school or at Innersand.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
7 – 13 km both ways
Elevation
540 m total ascent
Duration
2 – 6 hours
Season
All year
Trail guide
Several paths lead into the area. Here are the three most common ones. Choose the one that fits your fitness, your time and the weather.
1
Ryten from Innersand
From Innersand, follow the trail up toward Einangen, a small lake. Turn right here, and the trail becomes steeper and more demanding up toward Skjettendikan, with some short climbs over rocky sections in a few places. Watch out for slippery rocks in wet weather. A short, flatter stretch then takes you to Forsvatnet and on to the summit. This is the most common route up to Ryten.
2
Down to Kvalvika
At Forsvatnet, you can turn left and head down to Kvalvika, instead of or in addition to the summit. Parts of the trail are laid with boardwalks, before stone steps take you the rest of the way down to the beach.
3
From Torsfjorden
You can also reach Kvalvika from Torsfjorden, as an alternative to Innersand. A trail leads over Skoren, between Moltinden and Torsfjordtinden, down to Kvalvika. From Skoren down to Kvalvika, the terrain is rugged and rocky, so take care. From here, you can continue on up to Ryten.
Round trip for the fit
If you are in good shape and ready for a full day out, you can do the loop Innersand, Ryten, Kvalvika, Torsfjorden and back to Innersand. The last stretch, between Torsfjorden and Innersand, follows the road, about 5 km on asphalt.
Parking
There are two main parking areas at Fredvang: Fredvang School and Innersand. Both fill up quickly in high season, so arrive early. Use designated parking only. Parking on roadsides or in passing places can block emergency vehicles and local residents, and may result in a fine.
CLOSEST TO RYTEN
Innersand
Closest to the start of the path up towards Forsvatnet and Ryten. Run by a private company, with toilets and waste handling. There is also food available here.
Paid parking · Toilets · Waste disposal
MAIN CAR PARK
Fredvang school
The largest capacity and the starting point for the round trip, by the old school at Fredvang. This is where we recommend most people to park.
Paid parking · EV charging · Largest capacity
BICYCLE PARKING
Torsfjorden
A small rest stop where the path to Kvalvika begins. Best suited for those arriving by bike. If you come by car, park at Fredvang school or Innersand.
Bicycle parking · Toilets · Few spaces
Map and weather forecast
Plan your trip before you go. The weather in Lofoten changes quickly, and conditions at the top of Ryten can be tougher than down at the parking area. In winter, the hike requires experience with snow and avalanche assessment, plus the right gear.
Weather forecast for Ryten & Kvalvika
Provided by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and NRK.
Ryten & Kvalvika trail map
Parking, approx. 2 km to the trail
Directions →" data-ryten="Ryten
543 m a.s.l." data-torsfjorden="Torsfjorden rest area
Rest stop with a toilet and few parking spaces. We recommend parking at Fredvang school or Innersand instead." data-kvalvika="Kvalvika
Beach" style="width:100%;height:480px;overflow:hidden">
Orange dashed lines: hiking trails (Innersand to Ryten, Torsfjorden to Kvalvika and on up to the junction toward Ryten). White dashed: walking along the road to Innersand, from Fredvang school and from Torsfjorden. Mobile coverage may be poor in parts of the area.
How to leave no trace
Ryten and Kvalvika lie within Lofotodden National Park, a protected coastal alpine landscape with nesting birds and fragile vegetation that is easily damaged by foot traffic. We are working to improve the trails and restore nature. Here is what matters most to know when you visit:
Stay on the trail
The vegetation wears down quickly. Follow the trail and the boardwalks, even when it is wet and tempting to step around.
Carry everything out
Whatever you carry in, you carry out again. That includes food scraps and toilet paper, as there are no bins in the park.
Camp gently
You can camp, but not in vulnerable areas. Pitch your tent on durable ground, stay no more than two nights in the same spot, and leave no trace.
No drones
Out of consideration for wildlife and other visitors, flying drones is not allowed in the national park.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash. Leash requirements apply from April 1 to August 20, with extended leash requirements in Flakstad municipality until November 15 in areas with grazing livestock.
- Only light fires on the sand or at established fire spots, never on plants or bare rock. Remember the general fire ban from 15 April to 15 September.
- Do not build cairns or move stones. Leave plants, animals and cultural heritage in peace.
- Cycling and bikes is only permitted on roads and designated trails. Cycling is not allowed on the trails from Bunesfjorden to Bunessanden and from Torsfjorden to Kvalvika.
Frequently asked questions
There is toilet at the car park at Innersand and at the Torsfjorden rest stop. There are no toilets along the path or at Kvalvika. If you need to go along the way, do it well away from the path, water and streams, bury what you can and carry your toilet paper back out.
Yes, both car parks charge a fee.
At Innersand you pay at a staffed booth. At Fredvang school you pay at an EasyPark machine.
Parking in passing places or ditches can result in a fine, so only park in marked spaces.
Yes, for children who are used to mountain hiking. The path is marked but steep in places, and near the top of Ryten it runs close to a cliff that drops steeply down towards Kvalvika. Keep small children close to you there. If you want a gentler goal, the beach at Kvalvika makes a fine trip on its own.
Lofotodden is an important habitat for sea eagles, golden eagles and several vulnerable seabirds. A drone disturbs the birdlife and the peace for other visitors, so flying drones is not allowed anywhere in the national park.
The national park board can grant an exemption in special cases, as long as it does not harm the conservation values or set a precedent for similar cases.
If you need to fly a drone for work, you must apply to the board first. Expect a reply within three weeks of the application being received.
Yes. Kvalvika is an open beach facing the ocean, and the water is cold all year round. Many take a quick dip and warm up on the sand afterwards. There is no lifeguard, so swim at your own judgement and take care in waves and currents.
Yes. The Norwegian right to roam applies, and you can pitch a tent freely as long as you take care. Camp on durable ground, keep well away from houses and cabins, and leave the spot without a trace, the way you would want to find it yourself.
Yes, but keep your dog on a lead. There are grazing animals in the area and birds that nest here, and a lead protects both the wildlife and your dog.
Need help?
The weather in Lofoten turns fast, and in the mountains there is often little or no mobile coverage. In an emergency, call the emergency number. The operators speak English.
112
Police / emergency
113
Ambulance
110
Fire
Download Hjelp 113
A free emergency app from Norwegian Air Ambulance. It shows your exact GPS coordinates, even without mobile coverage. If you have no signal: take a screenshot of your coordinates where you are, walk until you get coverage, and read them out when you call.
Good to know
For non-urgent medical help, call the medical helpline on 116 117.
Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, check the forecast before you leave, and bring layers, food and drink, even on short hikes.
Explore more hikes
Lofotodden offers many beautiful and easily accessible nature experiences, both on land and at sea.
TRAIL GUIDE
Bunessanden
A wide sandy beach ringed by high mountains. Storskiva (848 m) and the smooth, polished Helvetestinden (602 m) rise straight up from the shore.
TRAIL GUIDE
Å & Ågdalen
Out at Å you see the Lofoten Wall stretch towards the mountain island of Mosken. Between them lies Moskstraumen, one of the strongest ocean currents in the world.
FOR GUIDES AND ORGANISERS
Planning a guided tour or organised activity in the park?
If you are taking guests on a guided tour, running a camp or organising other travel in Lofotodden National Park, you need to apply for a permit first. A separate page tells you who needs to apply, what the application requires and the deadlines that apply.
Thank you for looking after Lofotodden
Leave nature the way you would like to find it yourself, so it stays just as nice for the next person who comes.