When the summer trails close under snow and ice, a guided snowshoe walk is the sensible way to get into the Lofoten mountains. Local operators run winter hike and snowshoe trips in western Lofoten, with the guide choosing a route to suit the day's weather and snow conditions. Snowshoes spread your weight so you can walk on deep snow, and a guide knows which slopes are safe, which are not and where the views are best. The walk is slow, quiet and surprisingly easy for people who are reasonably fit, and the scenery of white peaks, frozen shoreline and dark sea is very different from the summer picture. It is a good daytime activity for the dark season, because it uses the short window of daylight and leaves the evening free for northern lights.
What to expect
You meet the guide, are fitted with snowshoes and sometimes poles, and walk in a small group for a few hours, with pauses for photographs and a hot drink. The pace is set for the group, and no previous snowshoeing experience is needed. You will be told which clothing to wear, and it helps to arrive with warm layers, waterproof boots and gloves. The route changes with conditions, which is exactly why a guide is worth the cost.
Why not go alone
Parts of Lofoten, including the trails that are popular in summer, cross avalanche-prone ground in winter, and the tourist board warns strongly against climbing Reinebringen outside its season. A guide reads the snow, the wind and the weather, and turns the group around when it is not safe. This is the best reason to choose a guided walk over a do-it-yourself winter hike, particularly for visitors who do not know the terrain.
Booking tips
Winter trips run when snow and weather allow, so book early in your stay and keep a spare day. The tour shown here is a small-group product with a high rating from a modest number of reviewers, so check the current schedule and meeting point. Combine it with an aurora tour for a full winter day, and bring a flask, spare gloves and a camera with a warm battery. It suits active visitors, couples and older teenagers, and is less suited to anyone who dislikes cold or has limited mobility.
What to expect
The experience
A guided winter hike on snowshoes in western Lofoten, with a guide choosing a safe route for the day.
Best time
The winter season, in daylight, with snow on the ground; book early in your stay in case weather forces a change.
How long
A few hours on the trail plus meeting and fitting time.
Tips
Wear warm layers, waterproof boots and gloves, bring a flask, and keep a spare day in case the trip is cancelled for weather.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active winter visitors who want to reach the mountains safely.
- Families
- Suitable for fit older children and teenagers; check minimum ages when booking.
- Couples
- A quiet shared adventure in white scenery.
- Pair with
- A northern lights tour in the evening or winter kayaking in Reinefjorden.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Do I need snowshoeing experience?+
No. The guide fits you with snowshoes and sets an easy pace, though you should be comfortable walking for a few hours.
Why take a guide in winter?+
Parts of the mountains cross avalanche-prone ground and conditions change fast. A guide reads the snow and weather and picks a safe route.
When does it run?+
In the winter season, when there is snow. Check the current schedule when you book.
What should I wear?+
Warm layers, waterproof boots, a hat and gloves. Ask whether the operator provides poles and gear.
Can I climb Reinebringen instead?+
No. Reinebringen is a May to September hike, and local advice is not to attempt it in winter.
