A short, steep, rocky climb from sea level to a pointed summit 541 metres above the fishing village of Henningsvær, which lies below on its chain of islands like a map, football pitch and all, with the whole Lofoten wall marching away to the south-west.
Henningsvær is the most beautiful village in central Lofoten, a fishing port spread across a cluster of skerries joined by bridges, with a football pitch famously laid out on a rock in the sea. Festvågtind is the mountain that guards it.
The path starts at sea level beside the road to the village and simply goes up: first through birch scrub and over boulders, then past a small lake, Heiavatnet, in a hollow halfway up, and finally up a steep, rocky ridge to the summit. It is a classic short Lofoten climb, with real exposure near the top but no climbing.
The summit view is the reward: Henningsvær's islands and harbour directly below, the Vestfjord stretching to the mainland mountains, and the jagged spine of Lofoten running both ways. It is a perfect evening walk under the midnight sun, with dinner in the village afterwards.
An out-and-back on one path. Mostly well trodden, with red-painted markers on rocks higher up.
Approximate profile. Solid: up; dashed: down.
From the small car park on the road to Henningsvær, near the first bridges, the path climbs straight up through birch scrub and a jumble of boulders. Some easy scrambling with hands; the climbing begins immediately.
About halfway, the path levels out beside Heiavatnet, a small lake in a rocky bowl, with the first big views of Henningsvær. Many people turn back here satisfied; it is already a fine viewpoint.
Above the lake the path steepens up a rocky ridge with drops on one side, to the small summit. Henningsvær is laid out directly below: the bridges, the harbour, the drying racks and the football pitch on its island. Descend carefully the same way; the loose rock is worse going down.
Henningsvær is on its own road off the E10, about 25 minutes from Svolvær; buses run from Svolvær several times a day. The small car park at the trailhead fills early in summer; park considerately.
Walk into Henningsvær for dinner on the harbour, coffee in a converted fish warehouse, or a look at the galleries. It is one of the liveliest small places in Lofoten in summer.
Food in the guide →
Nearly 2,000 Sherpa-built steps to the view over Reine.
A cliff ledge above the wildest beach in Lofoten.
Two short summits above Lofoten's white-sand beaches.
To a hut among lakes, then the highest peak on Moskenesøya.
The old coastal path between two white beaches.
The summit of the emptiest main island, over the Maelstrom.
Wikimedia Commons photographs are used under their Creative Commons licences; Pexels photographs under the Pexels licence.
