The Reinebringen Trail is on my 100 Hikes of a Lifetime challenge. It’s neither particularly high nor the most interesting walk on the island, but the view from the peak is said to be stunning. The forecast is for rain and clouds later in the morning, so I’m on the road by 6 am to have the best chance of a clear view. The mountain profile towers over Reine as I make a familiar circuit of the bay.
Within minutes, a brief rain spell passes — fingers crossed.
The road passes through a tunnel beneath Reinebringen, with a separate footpath outside, but I can’t resist a quick peak inside.
The trail, ascending around 1,470 feet, comprises 1,974 stone steps built by Nepalese Sherpas to protect the path from erosion. It’s a different sort of climb — an extreme cardio workout.
I stop frequently to catch my breath, admiring the widening views below. A couple, kissing on the first step, splits up. The woman struggles alone while her partner bounds up the steps — so much for romance.
Much later, he stops and descends to find her. I don’t see them again.
Close to the summit, majestic views begin to appear.
There are only ten people on the summit. Despite the cloud cover, the view is spectacular — one of the finest I’ve ever seen. I understand why people say this walk is all about the payoff. I could sit here for hours.
There’s the usual round of mutual photographs and lots of excited chatter with strangers.
Although the official trail ends at this viewing spot, a narrow ridge path leads higher into the mountains, with precipitous falls on either side — not in this weather!
Descending, a rumbling noise makes me glance up to watch a boulder tumbling down from the peak high above. No, it’s a backpack! Three tiny figures peer down from the top. I can’t help laughing.
The path is much busier now, including two long guided-tour-crocodiles. I’m not sure why you need a guide for what is essentially a long staircase.
I’m back in Reine by mid-morning, where the sole coffee shop serves a lovely range of pastries and cakes.
Someone is waiting patiently outside for their cake.
The rest of my day is spent exploring, reading and eating. Anita’s Seafood comes highly recommended — a fast food restaurant serving fish burgers. My salmon burger is delicious. You do have to pass the nightmarish collection of monkfish heads.
Suitably fed, it’s a short walk back to the guest house to relax and reflect on another enjoyable day.
Date of walk: Saturday 31 August 2024.
Amazing views as you say.
I didn’t make it up there but it looks wonderful. It reminds me of another walk I want to do one day, although in a different part of Norway Flørli where there are 4444 steps up from the Fjord to the top! (Google Flørli 4444 if you are interested)
That looks an interesting walk. There are so many places to visit in Norway. Mount Skala is also in my 100 Hikes of a Lifetime book.
Wow!