Safe hiking in Lofoten
Lofoten may be the most stunning place on Earth. However, behind its idyllic facade lie some grim statistics. Every year, tourists sustain injuries while hiking in the mountains. It could be due to bad luck, but often it's because of inadequate gear and lack of knowledge. Here, we've gathered some tips for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in Lofoten! Remember, you can always reach out to the tourist office. Better to be safe than sorry!
1. Dress appropriately
The nature in Lofoten can be harsh. Even in summer, it can get really cold and windy. Plus, the weather changes quickly! If you're heading for a hike, it's wise to have a good backpack where you can pack:
- Extra clothing (preferably wool)
- An extra pair of socks
- Enough water
- Something to provide energy, like chocolate bars and nuts
- A proper first aid kit
Additionally, you must have good shoes! By this, we don't mean sneakers, but shoes suitable for rough terrain. They should also have ankle support, which provides better stability while hiking.
2. Be updated on the weather forecast
As mentioned, the weather in Lofoten can change rapidly. What may start as a day with clear skies and blazing sun can suddenly turn into fog and chilly wind. You don't want to be out hiking in the fog. It's easy to get lost, and it can get very cold. Additionally, the fog can linger for a long time. There are several good weather apps (it's often wise to keep an eye on them, as you can see the weather in real-time). We've listed two of them here:
However, sea fog is not always easy to predict. Therefore, we remind you to exercise great caution and preferably inform someone about your hike. Also, make sure your phone is charged.
3. Validate your own health
To be honest: the first time I went hiking in Lofoten, I was shocked and my confidence went DOWN. It's tough to climb uphill, and the mountains in Lofoten are steep! Even if you think you're in decent shape, it's a good idea to start slowly, with shorter hikes (we've created a list of five short hikes here). No one enjoys getting injured or getting so exhausted that they can't make their way back down. It can actually happen!
So, assess your fitness level, and consider testing yourself on shorter/easier hikes in Lofoten before tackling the highest mountains.
4. Stay away from the edges!
We cannot stress this enough: DO NOT go near the edge when you're hiking a mountain! So many accidents happen in Lofoten because of this - every single year.
There are no safety fences in the mountains of Lofoten, and often there's no one at the top warning you either. Moreover, the edges can be loose. So here, you simply have to rely on common sense and stay a few meters away from the edge. You can still capture cool pictures, and besides, you keep yourself safe. Win win!
5. Listen to the locals
Last but certainly not least, listen to local advices! Locals are the ones who know the conditions best. We recommend asking people before you embark on a hike to prevent safe hiking in Lofoten. Inquire about how challenging a hike is, but also whether, for example, the weather is suitable. Sometimes it can be extremely slippery in the mountains, even if the sun is shining. Or there may be tricky sections where you have to climb, which you won't find on Google.
Feel no shame in contacting the local tourist information centers in Lofoten!
