Reine

Reine sits on the Reinefjorden at the far end of the Lofoten chain, a scatter of red-painted rorbuer, the old fishermen's cabins, on small islands linked by bridges, with the peaks of Olstinden and Reinebringen rising almost vertically behind. It was a fishing station from the eighteenth century and the cod trade is still visible in the drying racks that fill with split fish from February to May. Most of the cabins are now let to visitors. The classic view is from Reinebringen, a peak above the village reached by a stone stairway of nearly two thousand steps built by Nepalese sherpa masons after the original path became dangerously eroded from overuse.

What you actually see

• The red rorbuer - fishermen's cabins on islets in the fjord.
• The peaks - Olstinden and Reinebringen rising directly behind.
• The drying racks - split cod hanging from February to May.
• The Reinebringen stairway - nearly two thousand stone steps to the viewpoint.

When to go

June to August for the midnight sun and full services; February to May for the fish drying and the aurora with returning light. September to March for northern lights and quiet. The Reinebringen stairway can be closed in ice.

Honest expectations

Reine is small and completely given over to tourism in summer, with limited parking and roads that struggle with camper traffic. The Reinebringen climb is steep and strenuous despite the steps. Accommodation is expensive and books far ahead.

Nearby

Hamnoy is over the bridge; Å, Bunes and the Moskstraumen lie at the end of the island chain.