The Ryten hike plus Kvalvika Seaside mixture on the southern island of Moskenesøya was the primary outing we did in Norway’s Lofoten Islands. What an unforgettable hike it was! Climb Ryten by itself and luxuriate in a incredible expertise – together with stupendous mountain and sea views in all instructions. And in case you add in a hike to Kvalvika Seaside – a white sand seashore that appears prefer it belongs within the Caribbean, you up the wow issue significantly. In contrast to most of the different hikes we did within the Lofoten Islands, this one began off gently. I extremely suggest it!
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Ryten hike abstract
Distance to Ryten from Innersand car parking zone: 7 km return
Elevation acquire: 520 m or 1,706 ft
Problem: Straightforward in case you hike incessantly, in any other case average
Time wanted: Roughly 3 hours return
Ryten hike – Kvalvika Seaside abstract
Ryten and Kvalvika Seaside mixture distance: 12.5 km
Elevation acquire: 930 m or 3,051 ft
Problem: Average
Time wanted: 5 – 7 hours; enable for an extended break on Kvalvika Seaside
Greatest time for the Ryten hike and Kvalvika Seaside
Summer time is the most well-liked time to do the Ryten hike because it’s peak season for good climate, delicate temperatures, and lengthy days. It’s additionally the busiest time of the yr and parking is usually a problem.
The Ryten hike can be incredible in fall as there may be nonetheless sufficient daylight, and the variety of hikers drops off.
The hike up Ryten may also be accomplished in winter and spring, however you’ll need some daylight – and it’s greatest if the climate is in your favour. It’s not a variety of enjoyable to hike within the fog (and I say that from my expertise mountain climbing Nonstinden the place there was nary a view to be seen for many of the hike.) Costume for the circumstances. Think about taking snowshoes, mountain climbing poles, and microspikes. The upside of a winter hike is quiet trails and delightful wintry scenes, particularly in case you rating a sunny day.
In response to Information to Lofoten, it’s best to begin the winter hike from “the centrum” in Fredvang.
The place to park for the Ryten hike
You’ll discover parking for the Ryten hike a couple of 10-minute drive away from Ramberg, one of many cities that provides fuel, cafes, grocery shops and extra.
Parking is an enormous situation for the Ryten hike. Please be thoughtful as all the things I’ve heard is that individuals will park on slim roads the place it’s not allowed, making life very troublesome for the locals. Be sure to’ve received some money as there shall be many extra cases the place you’ll want it, in case you plan on mountain climbing within the Lofoten Islands. Right here’s what we discovered.
Car parking zone #1 – We handed a car parking zone in a yard with a field for money on the left-hand aspect of the highway after on the drive in the direction of the trailhead – after the Fredvang bridges. The car parking zone is nicely signed and is on my map under with the next GPS coordinates -68.090594, 13.156800. It’s a couple of kilometre to stroll to the trailhead from right here.
Car parking zone #2 – It is a enormous car parking zone proper beside the trailhead referred to as Innersand – with GPS coordinates 68.089147, 13.140483. You’ll be able to even park in a single day, however it’ll value you extra. They direct you to a parking spot, so no area is wasted. As you may see within the photograph, they promote espresso and chocolate as nicely.
Car parking zone #3 – I didn’t go to, however I’ve examine an 8-stall car parking zone in Torsfjorden that gives entry to Kvalvika Seaside. It fills quick. If there are not any areas, flip round and don’t park illegally on the slim highway.
Car parking zone #4 – We inadvertently occurred on the car parking zone for the hike to Mulstoa Seaside with room for maybe 20 vehicles. It’s free, nevertheless it’s roughly a 1.2 km stroll every method. The approximate GPS coordinates are 68.099734, 13.1352283.
Location map for the Ryten hike and Kvalvika Seaside
Issues to know earlier than mountain climbing Ryten and Kvalvika Seaside
Climate forecast
Verify the Ryten climate forecast earlier than you go. I do know a number of hikers will solely have one alternative to do the Ryten hike, however there’s not a variety of level if it’s socked in by fog or if the forecast reveals nothing however rain. Due to its elevation, the climate will possible be worse the upper you go.
If it’s foggy, why not select one of many coastal walks. We actually loved the close by hike to Mulstoa Seaside.
Plan forward
Let somebody know the place you’re going and whenever you plan to be out. Carry the mountain climbing necessities as climate can flip rapidly. Don’t neglect raincoats and heat layers, even in case you begin out on a sunny summer season day.
In Reine, cease in on the Lofotodden Nationwide Park Customer Centre. Get up to date info and buy WAG (waste aggregation and gelling) baggage – so you may pack out your personal poop in case you’re planning to camp on Kvalvika Seaside. You would additionally purchase the baggage right here on Amazon.
Ryten hike description
Search for the path leaving the car parking zone in Innersand. It begins off flat on a mixture of dust and boardwalk. Periodically there are locations on the boardwalk to permit for passing. Then the climbing begins however so do the views. Trying again, you’ll see inexperienced fields, red-roofed farms, a stunning seashore within the distance, and the jagged peaks of Flakstadøya Island.
After passing two lakes in a brief, flat part you’ll begin climbing once more, however extra steeply this time. There are as set of chains that some hikers would possibly discover useful, particularly below slippery circumstances.
Then there’s a bit of boardwalk the place you may see the path climbing up Ryten. There’s the choice to detour and hike as much as the Fredvanghytte – however you’re going to get higher views as you go increased, so except you’re the kind that should hike each inch of path, give it a move. Whenever you attain Forsvatnet Lake, you’ll have to determine in case you’re going to the seashore first or up the mountain. (We selected to hike to Kavalvika Seaside first.)
It’s a gentle however not troublesome hike up Ryten. It was dry on the day we hiked Ryten however below moist circumstances, you’ll be into mud. Be a superb individual and don’t contribute to path braiding.
As you climb increased, you’ll be near cliffs in case you hold to the left. There’s extra drama in case you do this, however in case you’re petrified of heights, simply step a couple of ft to the correct.
I didn’t discover it on the hike up, however I did on our descent due to all of the individuals making an attempt to get photograph ops. Just under the false Ryten summit is a cliff that appears just like the well-known and far photographed Trollunga. It’s right here you will get a copycat image with lovely Kvalvika Seaside a good distance down under.
From the false summit, it’s a five-minute stroll to achieve the true summit. I extremely suggest ending what you began because the views on prime are extraordinary.
To return to your automotive, merely retrace your steps.
You’ll be able to camp on the Ryten summit ought to that attraction – although it’s essential to carry further water or return all the way down to the lakes to get some. You can even camp close to Forsvatnet Lake.
Kvalvika Seaside Hike
We did the hike to Kvalvika Seaside first after which backtracked up the steep hill and completed the Ryten hike. To get to Kvalvika Seaside from the path to Ryten, hold proper at Forsvatnet Lake and hike down on the picket boardwalks. It is a enjoyable little bit of mountain climbing.
When the boardwalk ends, be ready for a steep descent. It is a good time to tug out the poles as they’ll provide help to navigate the rocky, muddy, and typically slippery path. We picked our method down and had been at Kvalvika Seaside very quickly.
Whenever you attain the seashore you may go for a swim within the chilly Arctic waters, wander the size of the seashore – shedding individuals the additional you stroll, or just discover your house on the seashore and luxuriate in a little bit of relaxation and leisure.
When you’ve already accomplished the Ryten hike, there may be the choice to return to the car parking zone by climbing the col behind Kvalvika Seaside. Though you could not see the path clearly whenever you’re standing on the seashore, you may often pick individuals ascending or descending on it. It is a a lot simpler and shorter climb out. From the highest of the col, the path heads in the direction of the car parking zone at Torsfjorden. From there, you may stroll the highway again by means of Fredvang and again to the paid car parking zone at Innersand.
I want to stay to trails slightly than roads, so I used to be completely happy to hike out the identical method we hiked in. At the least there’s an alternative choice, and it’s solely about 2 km to the car parking zone for Kvalvika Seaside.
Wild tenting on Kvalvika Seaside
I used to be stunned to see tents at Kvalvika Seaside – however for now wild tenting is allowed, though you’re in Lofotodden Nationwide Park. Reportedly this is likely one of the busiest wild tenting spots within the Lofotens – and I can see why. You will get to the campsite through a brief hike – which makes life simple in case you’re carrying a average load, the views are elegant, and the seashore is perfection.
However there are issues and useful issues each camper can do.
The sheer variety of individuals wild tenting in summer season (as much as 100 individuals some nights) with none bogs arrange is inflicting degradation to the panorama and the freshwater streams within the space have been proven to comprise E.coli. Don’t even take into consideration filling water bottles with out treating and/or boiling the water.
When you nonetheless select to camp at Kvalvika Seaside, a very powerful factor you are able to do is to Depart No Hint. Which means packing out EVERYTHING you pack in – even poop. (You should purchase particular poop baggage (WAG baggage) that don’t odor and received’t burst. I used to be shocked on the quantity of bathroom paper I noticed – not a lot on this hike as I didn’t go searching, however on different hikes within the Lofotens. Nobody desires to see this, particularly the locals. When you don’t have a WAG bag, dig a gap away from all water sources, and bury your waste BUT pack out bathroom paper and/or moist wipes.
Steer clear of fragile sand dunes to protect the ecosystem.
There’s a ban on bonfires from April 15 – September fifteenth. When you can also make a campfire, hold it small utilizing wooden mendacity round on the bottom, however don’t use outdated or dying timber as they nonetheless present habitat for a lot of organisms.
Go ready for antagonistic climate as circumstances can activate a dime. Your tent ought to have a fly and be waterproof. Pack further layers of heat clothes.
If the considered tenting with 100 individuals is a turn-off, as it’s for me, intention for the shoulder seasons in late spring or early fall.
At all times let somebody know your plan, pack a first-aid package and an InReach or one thing related in case you might have an emergency.
After your hike
A lot of you may be hungry after a hike up Ryten or a go to to Kvalvika Seaside. There’s a meals truck you may’t miss on the highway again to Ramberg. They make scrumptious made to order wraps – and there are many picnic tables to sit down again and benefit from the view.
The place to remain within the Lofotens
Some concepts embody the next spots.
Olenilsøy Cabins in Reine are rated as fabulous.
We stayed at Trendy Rorbu Ryten 1 and did all are personal cooking. It was very peaceable and we cherished searching over the water. It wasn’t fancy, beds had been small, however the principle rooms had been spacious.
The Lofoten Cabins – Kakern in Ramberg are extremely rated and can be a superb selection.
All in favour of extra hikes in Europe & the Lofoten Islands?
It will get a nasty rap from many individuals, however in case you can rating a parking spot, I feel it’s extremely worthwhile to hike the Reinebringen Path. Get pleasure from a few of the greatest views within the Lofoten Islands.
When you’re brief on time, however you need a hike that delivers 360 diploma views, go for the Offersøykammen Hike.
One other excellent hike positioned in Sørvågen close to the tip of the E10 is the Munkebu Hut hike with a climb of Munken Peak.
How about hikes in Europe?
The Through Alpina in Switzerland is an impressive multi-day hike – with no tenting concerned.
You’ll be able to’t beat mountain climbing in Mallorca in winter. The hike from Valldemossa to Soller was the spotlight in my view.
The Tour du Mont Blanc could also be a preferred hike – however that’s as a result of the surroundings is great day after day.
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Thanks for studying.
Leigh McAdam
Writer of Uncover Canada – 100 Inspiring Outside Adventures
Co-author of 200 Nature Sizzling Spots in Alberta
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