Munkebu hut hike is one of the best hikes in the most alpine parts of Lofoten Islands on Moskenesøy. The Munkebu hut hike is demanding and long, about 10 km (6.2 miles) out-and-back.

Some hikers want to combine hiking to Munkebu hut, with summitting Munken next to the huts, or hiking to the summit of one of the highest peaks in Lofoten Islands, Hermannsdalstinden in Lofotodden National Park.

I have hiked Munkebu trail twice, in 2020 and 2025. Both times it was July and hot, the latter time very hot indeed.

The first time I hiked to Munkebu, I followed the official marked route, the most direct trail from Sørvågen back and forth. The second time, I wandered around with my trekking back, admiring the new scenery.

I'll tell you about both trails in this article, so you can choose the best way to experience the Lofoten Munkebu hut hike for yourself!

The Munkebu hut hike - from Sørvågen or Moskenes

As said, you can hike straight to Munkebu, or via several mountains and viewpoints.

From Sørvågen to Munkebu

The route from Sørvågen is the official and signposted Munkebu hut trail. The route starts behind the camping area next to Lake Sørvågvatnet. The route has steep ascents/descents where you must use ropes or chains.

The route is about 5 km (3.1 miles) in one direction, with about 540 m of ascent. The return route is the same, so the total distance is about 10 km. The estimated hiking time is around 4-5 hours and the trail is marked red, i.e. demanding / hard.

From Moskenes (Moskenesvågen) to Munkebu - scenic route

The second route starts from Moskenes / Moskenesvågen on the E10 road next to the cemetery. This is easily accessible from the Moskenes Camping campsite, for example. There are several alternative paths to Munkebu.

By hiking via Merraflestinden, the route is about 4.1 km in each direction, with an ascent of about 585 m.

Drinking water: drinking water is available along both routes. In addition, there is a clear stream and a pond at Munkebu hut which are potable water.

Sørvågen parking and camping

Sørvågen has paid parking and a camping area on the cliffs by Lake Sørvågvatnet. There are also toilets for a fee in the parking area. Camper vans' overnight parking is not allowed in the parking area.

I camped at Sørvågen in 2020 when it was less crowded. There are plenty of nice, flat tent pitches in the area, but parking spaces are quickly running out.

Munkebu hut hike (from Moskenesvågen)

Because of the heat, I went hiking in the middle of the night. In mid-July, the midnight sun is so bright that you don't need a headlamp. The bushy path at the edge of the cemetery was easy to find. The trailhead must have been used as a toilet, the smell was strong.

In Norway, the hiking trails oftentimes start in a similar way: big boulders and a steep upward slope. That was the nature of this trail too. But, in the cool night, the trail seemed quite easy. I had remembered that there are no mosquitoes in Lofoten. There were lots of mosquitoes!

The path climbs straight up to a mountain plateau. It took half an hour from my starting point to get here. The view down to Sørvågen opens up above the treetops. By the way: Moskenes is a good place for whale watching - I saw whales on several evenings.

The clear Lake Moskenesvatnet shines on the plateau against the sharp mountains. A concrete dam has been built on the southern edge of the lake, from which the water flows down in a stream. I went to the dam to have a sip of water. The stream is easily crossed by stones.

The Lofoten nature map shows exactly where, camping is forbidden. Lake Moskenesvatnet is drinking water, so camping around it is strictly forbidden. But still: a tent was pitched right in the middle of the restricted area on top of the hill. If all visitors to Lofoten thought that one tent was not a nuisance, the nature of Lofoten would have been destroyed long ago. Please, respect the nature!

The map shows a path along both shores of Lake Moskenesvatnet. I thought I'd go around from the eastern shore of the water, where it would curve around to Kjølen ridge. The peat path was clearly visible on the slope and I set off to hike along it.

During the gentle climb, the village by the sea is nicely visible from above. The slope was somewhat wet and muddy, although it had been hot and dry for several days.

The path winds around the marshland. There is a deeper puddle at one point, but you can get around it either by jumping on large rocks, or by looking for the trail under the ferns above.

At one point I realised that the trail goes in a slightly funny place, much further east and higher than the route that would lead to Munkebu. I must have missed the junction, because after a while I was on the plateau between Gylttinden (542 m) and Merraflestinden (537 m).

From the plateau I had a stunning view down to Djupfjorden. At the very end you can see the bridge and the E10 road. The southern slopes of Reinebringen descend in steep steps to the sea on the northern shore of the fjord. It was a bit of a shame, as the sun had already risen high enough to really dazzle.

The top of Gylttinden could also be reached from the plateau. The trail runs right along the edge of the mountain. Similarly, in the other direction, the trail starts along the edge to the top of Merraflestinden.

I spent some time climbing towards the summit, until I realised that I really wanted to get to the central ridge, to the path through Kjølen, not hike around the summit of Merraflestinden. However, I had to climb almost to the top until the slope to the ridge looked easy enough to hike.

This was perhaps a foolish idea, as it would have been much easier (and quicker) to follow the path to the summit, rather than scramble through mounds and boulders, and finally climb the near-vertical wall to the ridge with a rucksack on my back!

In any case, you should always prefer to stay on a path, rather than trampling on untouched vegetation. On the boulders, I saw a rabbit hopping along at high speed, disappearing into the lush greenery.

But the Kjølen ridge was magnificent! From the ridge I could again see the E10 bridge, Djupfjorden and Gylttinden stretching to the fjord, and in the distance the "Lofoten Wall", the chain of islands and mountains rising up amidst the clouds.

The trail descends meandering down through green grassland, continuing all the way to the flat top of Kollfjellet. Here is a great break in the scenery, at night you can be all to yourself admiring the midnight sun.

From the ridge some distance down the trail comes to a junction of paths. Here, the trail turns sharply right and leads to Munkebu and its official marked route.

At first the path follows the same elevation curve on a steep slope, but the route does not feel exposed. Finally, the path descends to the point where the trail from the top of Merraflestinden descends.

The view opens up again to Djupfjorden and the bridge over the E10. From this point, the fjord is visible right down to the buildings at the bottom.

There was also a nice grassy platform for a tent at this point. On top of that, the plateau was one of the only shady parts of the route - no wonder there was already a tent on the grass. The official Munkebu route, the marked trail, continues right up towards Djupfjordheia (510 m).

The slopes of Djupfjordheia are gentle and easy to hike. The last time I hiked in Lofoten there were patches of snow, and there was one snowy spot this time too. The cairn at the top offers great views in all directions, but the Munkebu hut and the blue ponds only come into view on the very last descent.

DNT Munkebu hut at the foot of Munken

Munkebu hut is the Norwegian DNT's paid reservation hut. The hut and buildings are located right on the border of Lofotodden National Park, but not within the national park.

In 2025, Munkebu hut is completely closed, meaning that it will not be available for reservation at all. This is due to break-ins and vandalism. This kind of "hiking tourism" just leaves me speechless!

Munkebu's red huts are located on a cliff next to a clear pond. The pond draws its water from a stream running down from the mountains and is drinking water. Swimming and washing dishes in the pond is strictly forbidden.

Many hikers also like to combine Munkebu hut hike with a hike to the neighbouring Munken or Hermannsdalstinden, or both.

Hermannsdalstinden (1029 m)

Hermannsdalstinden is one of the highest peaks in Lofoten (but not the highest) and the highest mountain in Moskenesøya, located in the Lofotodden National Park. It is about 5 km from Munkebu hut to the summit of Hermannsdalstinden. Hermannsdalstinden is a hard/expert hike.

As the hike from Munkebu to Hermannsdalstinden and back to Sørvågen is a demanding hike of about 20 kilometres, many people prefer to split the hike into two days. Camping right next to Munkebu huts is prohibited, but there are plenty of great campsites outside the restricted area.

I had originally planned to visit Hermannsdalstinden, but somehow the scorching heat (and the much delayed Værøy ferry) messed up all my plans. I had intended to camp somewhere near Munkebu outside the restricted area, but before I had even thought about pitching my tent, it was too bright and warm.

I stood at Munkebu by Lake Tennesvatnet, staring at Hermannsdalstinden with tired eyes because I had missed sleep altogether. A couple of places looked quite wild. At least when my head felt already deflated without sleep and my legs were tired too. When I looked at the photos at home, the route didn't look quite as scary as it looked from the distance.

The trail first runs along the wide, flat ridge between Tennesvatnet and Fjerddalsvatnet. The trail then turns right and runs under power lines along another wide ridge between Krokvatnet and Tennesvatnet. The trail then crosses a shallower mound, then begins its final ascent.

The first tricky part is the narrow ridge that rises between Litlforsvatnet and Krokvatnet, the middle of which is visible directly towards Munkebu. There may be some airiness in places, but it's difficult to judge from the distance. It could be similar to Besseggen Ridge (which I have managed to climb!).

Another tricky spot is just before the summit of Hermannsdalstinden. For a short distance, the wall of the mountain is practically vertical. Ropes or chains have been put there to help climbing.

Once you have completed the five kilometre climb, you probably won't want to start the return journey from the top of the mountain straight away. The summit of Hermannsdalstinden is a popular spot for watching the midnight sun, sunsets and sunrises.

Munken (797 m)

Since I decided to leave Hermannsdalstinden for next time (it would be my third hike to Munkebu!), I thought I'd climb to Munken. On the topo map, Munken is quite an easy mountain to climb and the route shouldn't be too airy.

Munken has three peaks, the middle one being the highest at 797 metres. If it seems too steep, the northern peak (769 m) should at least be accessible without any problems. From the top of Munken you can see both Reinebringen and the alpine mountains of the Lofoten in the direction of Hermannsdalstinden and the Lofotenodden National Park.

I had a quick stop at the nature's toilet before heading up to Munken. (Note: You have to carry your own toilet paper out of the nature, e.g. in a sealable freezer bag.) The heat was almost unbearable, but there wouldn't be too many ascent metres ahead.

The path to Munken was easily found on the east side of Munkebu pond. I set off on a brisk, comfortable trail that curved up the western slope of the mountain. After a while, the scenery started to look nice enough that I took out my camera and mobile phone for a video. To my horror, I noticed that my iPhone was not in the pocket of my hiking tights.

My fuzzy brain couldn't think any other option than forgetting the phone in the bushes on the toilet trip. I hurried down the mountain to search the right bush. Luckily, I finally found it, and my mobile phone on the ground, too.

I didn't set off to climb Munken again, but hiked straight back to the return route away from the burning sun.

Munkebu hut hike to Sørvågen (marked trail)

The marked trail from Munkebu hut starts climbing over the stream towards the top of Djupfjordheia. The flat Djupfjorheia is a pleasant hike in both directions, with fine scenery following on all sides.

Descending down Djupfjordheia is a breeze - but maybe you want to spend some time lying on the grass on the slope. At the junction of the paths from Merraflestinden, turn right. Down below, the green valley is dotted with numerous deep blue lakes and ponds, between which the winding path is clearly visible.

From Djupfjordheia, the trail to Sørvågen is almost all descent. After the first gentle slope, you descend a long stretch of magnificent rocky staircase. At the bottom of the cliff face, you can take a refreshing dip at the foot of a small waterfall where you can also refill your water bottle.

Follow the brook down to a rocky plateau where you can see the Munkebu signpost. According to the signpost, Munkebu is 2.3 kilometres away from here (the pictures below show the signposts for Munkebu in 2020 and 2025).

The next section is mostly flat land with cliffs and sandy paths. There are nice ponds on both sides of the trail. At one point there is a slightly tricky boulder crossing, especially if you are a short person.

The most difficult parts are after crossing a small rocky ledge. Metal poles and ropes have been installed along the route to help you descend (and ascend) the steep cliffs.

After a more gentle cliff, another chain-assisted section follows. Here there is also gravel and sharp rock edges. Immediately afterwards, there is an almost equally difficult rock climb ahead, but without ropes. On the descent, the left-side, or the middle route is the best, with tree trunks to help you balance.

Finally, you descend into the gentle shade of the trees. For a while, the path is paved with big stones until it descends to a flat gravel path on the shore of Lake Stuvdalsvatnet. At this point there is an attractive bay for swimming, but swimming is not allowed in Stuvdalsvatnet, because it is also drinking water.

The gravel path first comes to beautiful waterfalls. Then it's just a matter of crossing a low cliff. On the other side of the cliff, the Sørvågen parking and camping area awaits.

My own experiences of the Munkebu hut hike

The Munkebu hut hike is one of the best hikes in Lofoten! The route is just the right challenge and the scenery is varied with the most dramatic mountain landscape of Moskenesøy. Munkebu's red huts next to clear ponds surrounded by mountains are like a postcard.

The route from Moskenesvågen is somewhat easier than Munkebu hut official trail. The scenic route is free of difficult cliffs and chains, and you also get to some great viewpoints. I recommend taking a different route than the marked trail, at least in the other direction.

The marked trail is slightly easier in the direction of Munkebu, as it is easier to climb the steep cliffs than to descend them.

In mid-summer and on sunny days, there are not many places to cool off in the shade on the Munkebu hut hike. I forgot my sunscreen on the way out at night, and my arms got a little burnt.

The first time I hiked Munkebu in 2020, I didn't see very many people, maybe five in total and one tent. Now on the 2025 Munkebu hut hike, the trail was extremely crowded and there were more tents. On the way back, at least 50 people were walking towards me during the short time. It was only quiet at night.

I want to highlight responsible nature tourism and travelling. On this trip to Lofoten, I tried to make as much use as possible of local services, accommodation, restaurants and food shops. Read Visit Lofoten's guide on how to be a responsible nature tourist.

See also the Lofoten nature map for places for camping and parking.

I've now been to Lofoten Islands three times in 20 years in the July heat. The next time, I'll do the Munkebu hut hike in the cool autumn!

Great hikes in Lofoten Islands

• Horseidvika and Horseid beach (Lofotodden National Park)
• Reinebringen (Reine)
• Kvalvika and Ryten (Lofotodden National Park)
• Volandstinden (Fredvang Bridges)
• Veggen (Haukland and Uttakleiv)
• Festvågtinden and Presten (Torsketungen)
• Tuva (Svolvær)
• Blåtind, Fløya and Djevelporten (Svolvær)
• Tjeldbergtinden (Kabelvåg)
• Nusfjord - Nesland coastal trail