Here’s a short overview of some great beaches on the west coast of Moskenes island in Lofoten, Norway.
The west coast of Moskenes island is remote and isolated with no roads. Access to these beaches is only through hiking, sea kayaking or boat. All of these beaches used to have settlements before the inhabitants moved to more central areas in the 1950s.
Some of the beaches are huge and ancient. They have been around a long time and are surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on this planet. They are a bit harder to get to, but they are great to camp on and the midnight sun can create long-lasting memories as it paints the sky and landscape orange. Water temperature? Cold!
Bunes beach
Accessible by ferry or sea kayak from Reine, Bunes beach is one of the more popular and accessible beaches. It has a fresh water source, toilet and plenty of campsites. Privacy is usually not a problem here as it’s such a huge beach. It’s also possible to hike up to nearby peaks, such as Helvetestinden.
Looking down on Bunes beach from Helvetestinden.
Text view towards the midnight sun.
With good weather, the beach can be spectacular.
Horseid beach
Accessible by ferry from Reine and a following one hour hike. This beach is one of the least visited beaches. There is fresh water near the beach. Horseid beach is the largest beach.
Hiking towards Horseid beach.
Exploring the huge Horseid beach.
Looking down on Horseid beach from Branntuva ridge, a great hike from Horseid.
Kvalvika beach
This is without a doubt the most visited beach, mostly due to the fact that it’s easily accessible by a short hike. Kvalvika has also recently received attention from the movie “North of the sun”. There is a fresh water source on the beach. Expect many visitors on this beach.
Peaceful one moment and rough the next. Conditions can change within minutes.
During summertime, you may have trouble finding a good campsite.
Sea kayaking to this beach is only for those who know what they are doing. The conditions can be rough.
Refsvika beach
Only accessible by boat or sea kayak. A long and steep hike from Å is possible but only for the most dedicated hiker. The beach is small and surrounded by steep mountains. There is a cave nearby with two to three thousand year old paintings. There used to be a settlement here and you can see the remains. Paddling here involves rounding the southern tip of the island. There is a tidal current there which needs to be part of your plan.
Sea kayaking here requires planning and preparation. It’s not for beginners.
One of several caves on the west coast of Moskenes.
Looking down into a cave on the west coast of Moskenes.
Inside one of several caves on the west coast.
