For a truly exotic getaway from Paris, it’s hard to find a more dramatic destination than Reine. After a few hours of flying and driving, you’ll swap the rooftops of the capital for the fjords, red cabins, and mountains of the Lofoten Islands. This small Norwegian village requires a bit of planning, but it offers a complete change of scenery, especially between late spring and the height of summer.
Once there, the scenery is a curious mix: about 300 residents, red fishermen’s cabins perched along the water’s edge, and mountains that seem to rise right behind the houses.
A fishing village of about 300 residents nestled between a lake and the mountains
The village stretches across several small islands connected by bridges and a narrow road. The Vestfjord lies on one side, the Reinefjord on the other. Fishing remains an important industry, with facilities dedicated to receiving and processing fish. Reine is therefore not a staged setting for visitors: locals work there year-round, and the tourist office reminds visitors to respect work zones and private property.
Symbols of the village, the famous rorbuer—those red cabins visible in every photo of the Lofoten Islands—once housed fishermen who came to take part in the major cod fishing season. Several have since been renovated and converted into lodging, particularly around the harbor.
For hikers, the Reinebringen trail captures much of the village’s postcard-perfect scenery. The summit reaches 484 meters and overlooks the islets, bridges, and the Reinefjord. The round-trip hike is only about two kilometers, but the slope reaches nearly 45 degrees in some places. You should allow one to two hours for the hike, avoid wearing light shoes, and skip it in winter, when the ascent is strongly discouraged for safety reasons.
Another day could be spent, for example, at Bunes Beach. The boat departs from Reine and crosses the fjord to the tiny village of Vindstad. From there , it’s a nearly 3-kilometer walk to reach this large beach surrounded by mountains, in the heart of Lofotodden National Park.
With its breathtaking scenery, Reine ranks among the most idyllic destinations in Europe. Nestled between lakes, mountains, and Nordic landscapes, it’s a getaway that takes some effort to reach but is absolutely worth the trip!