One of the well-known and perhaps the most popular hike in Lofoten is the one to the top of Mount Mannen. It is mid-April when we enjoy a few exceptionally beautiful days in Lofoten with lots of sun, little wind and a temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius. And although most of the snow has already melted, there are still plenty of traces to remind us that spring has only just begun here. After all, we are above the Arctic Circle, where the ‘warmer’ season lasts only a short time and sometimes doesn’t start until late May or early June. But Haukland Beach is particularly beautiful during this period, with few people, azure blue water and an environment with green meadows and a light sandy beach that has only just been cleared of snow. Only on the tops of the mountains we see some snow. After absorbing the necessary rays of the sun and having a cup of coffee with a view of the peak of Mannen, it is really time to stretch our legs and start hiking to the top.
About the hike to Mannen at the Lofoten
- Distance: 3,5 km
- Height: 400 meters above sea level
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours (total)
- Difficulty Level: Medium
- Best season: May – September
- Parking: navigate to Haukland Beach, with a parking lot just before the tunnel. This is also the starting point of the hike.
From the Haukland beach car park (with facilities) cross the road and follow the old road parallel to the mountain (do not go through the tunnel). After almost exactly 500 meters you will see a zigzagging path on the left, which can also be recognized by the power cables that go over the mountain here. Follow this path up until you reach a fork* at the top of the first hill, then turn left and follow the ridge towards the top of Mannen. Although this should be a clear path, at the start of the season the marking was difficult to find or not there at all and there were several routes to follow. Fortunately, every route leads up to the top and you don’t have to ‘climb’ very far to enjoy a beautiful view of Haukland beach.
*After walking up the first pass, don’t you feel like climbing to the top anymore? Then you can also follow the route straight ahead at the fork, which will take you to Uttakleiv beach on the other side of Mannen. From the beach you can walk back to Haukland Beach along the sea (right) and Mannen (left) via the old road. This route also includes about 3 hours on well-marked trails and historical information about the region along the way.
Because we made this hike at the beginning of the season, there were still snow remnants on some parts or it was very wet due to melted snow. Finding the right path can therefore sometimes be very difficult. We have therefore amply used the 3 hours for this route and thought it was a typical Norwegian hike: nice stomping up and occasionally even climbing. Because the route contains many (loose) stones and it can be wet and muddy throughout the season (besides snow residues, there is also a lot of rain on the Lofoten) it is advisable to wear good hiking or mountain boots. We would really advise to not wear sports shoes for this hike. Also keep in mind that there can be a strong wind and that the weather – especially on days when there are more clouds – can also suddenly change. It can then be useful to bring a water and windproof jacket. Some parts also run along the edge, so you walk unsheltered there. From the top you do have a full 360 degree view over three of the most beautiful beaches in Lofoten: Haukland Beach, Vik and Uttakleiv Beach.
If you are traveling with a camper or tent, you can also spend the night at Haukland Beach in the parking lot or in the field / on the beach. Make sure you don’t leave any rubbish behind and use the facilities if you don’t have them with you.
