Horseid Beach
A remote, stunning sandy beach accessible by a rewarding hike, offering unparalleled seclusion and dramatic mountain vistas in Lofoten.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Horseid Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote, stunning sandy beach accessible by a rewarding hike, offering unparalleled seclusion and dramatic mountain vistas in Lofoten.
"This was by far our favorite and our most recommended for the views and seclusion!"
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The trail can be rocky and steep. Good footwear is crucial for a safe and comfortable hike .
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Lofoten weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Horseid Beach
Moskenesøy
A vast, often secluded sandy beach framed by dramatic mountains. Perfect for a peaceful escape.

The Hike to Horseid Beach
From Selfjord or Vindstad
A challenging yet incredibly rewarding trek with stunning coastal and mountain vistas.

Mountain Views from the Skeret
Above Horseid Beach
Panoramic views of the beach and surrounding fjords from a higher vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Hike is Part of the Adventure
Timing is Everything for Seclusion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I was camping on the Horseid Beach, Norway this summer [OC] [3840x2160]
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The trail can be rocky and steep. Good footwear is crucial for a safe and comfortable hike.
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Lofoten weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection.
Horseid Beach on the Lofoten Islands, Norway. Accessible only on foot or boat. One of the most northern beaches in the world. Great backpacking overnight.
Horseid Beach, Norway- June 2019
🚤 Check Ferry Schedules
If taking the ferry to Vindstad, plan your return trip to minimize waiting time.
📸 Bring Your Camera
The scenery is breathtaking, especially the views from the skeret.
Lofoten in March
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The trail can be rocky and steep. Good footwear is crucial for a safe and comfortable hike.
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Lofoten weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection.
🚤 Check Ferry Schedules
If taking the ferry to Vindstad, plan your return trip to minimize waiting time.
📸 Bring Your Camera
The scenery is breathtaking, especially the views from the skeret.
🏕️ Overnight Stays Possible
Consider camping for a truly immersive experience, but be prepared for no facilities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Horseid Beach, calling it a 'gem' and their 'most recommended' hike for its seclusion and stunning views. The challenging hike is consistently described as 'so worth it.' While the journey requires effort, the reward of having the vast beach often to oneself is unparalleled. Some note the terrain can be tough, especially the rocky descent, and advise good footwear.
"We hiked to Horseid Beach from Selfjord (RT about 13miles, 3,500ft elevation gain, 6hrs including time for pictures/lunch) definitely a taxing hike but so worth the views and having the beach to yourself! Out of our 10+ hikes across the Lofoten Islands this was by far our favorite and our most recommended for the views and seclusion 🙌🏽 follow me on insta for more travel content! @montanalucky 🫶"
montana lucky
"Awesome beach, often overlooked but great gem"
YC Law
"A nice walk to Horseidstranda, great views when you get up to the skeret. A nice walk to take when you are in Reine. Fast boat from Reine to the small harbor at the bottom of the Kjerkfjord. On the way into the Kjerkfjord you stop by Vindstad. From the pier in Kjerkfjorden the path goes over the skeret at about 200 meters in altitude. High mountains on both sides. The path is clear and somewhat steep down on the other side. Fantastic views down to the beach and the sea. The weather was humid, and good shoes keep you warm, and fit well on the path. The beach is huge, 1 km long and 700 meters wide.
It took us a couple of hours to get to the beach, and the same back, without breaks. The trip is 10 km long. Check the timetable for the fast boat, so you don't have to wait a long time. No facilities at the pier."
Jens Eirik Leitan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Horseid Beach is primarily accessed via hiking. You can start from Selfjord for a longer, more challenging hike (approx. 10 km round trip, 6 hours),
or take a fast boat from Reine to Vindstad and then hike over a mountain pass (approx. 200m elevation gain) to reach the beach. There are no direct car routes to the beach itself.Parking can be challenging. If you're taking the ferry to Vindstad, check local parking regulations as they can be strict and fines are issued for improper parking.
Some areas offer limited 3-hour parking, while others have 24-hour options before a bridge.Yes, you can use the fast boat service from Reine to Vindstad. This is a popular option for those without a car. Remember to check the ferry timetable in advance to plan your journey efficiently.
The hike from Vindstad involves crossing a mountain pass with about 200 meters of elevation gain. The path is generally clear but can be steep, especially on the descent towards the beach. The views on the way are spectacular.
The hike is considered moderately difficult, especially the ascent and descent. It requires good physical condition and appropriate footwear. The length and terrain can be taxing, but the reward is immense.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Horseid Beach itself. The costs are associated with transportation, such as ferry tickets if you use that option.
Horseid Beach is a natural attraction and does not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for hiking and safety.
There is no admission fee for the hiking trails leading to Horseid Beach. The primary costs are related to getting to the starting points, like ferry fares or potential parking fees.
While not as common as for more accessible locations, guided tours might be available, especially during peak season. However, many visitors prefer to hike independently to enjoy the seclusion.
There are no facilities at Horseid Beach, including restrooms, shops, or cafes. It's a wild, natural beach, so come prepared with everything you need, including water and snacks.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The best way is to hike there and spend ample time enjoying the vastness of the beach and the surrounding dramatic scenery. Many visitors recommend staying overnight to experience the sunset and sunrise.
While the water is clear and beautiful, it is the Arctic Ocean, so expect very cold temperatures. Swimming is possible for the brave, but it's more of a place for scenic walks and relaxation.
You might see seabirds along the coast. The surrounding mountains are home to various bird species. Keep an eye out for marine life in the clear waters.
Yes, camping is a popular option for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the experience. It's a wild camping spot, so be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, a packed lunch, rain gear, warm layers, sun protection, and a camera. A map and compass or GPS device are advisable for the hike.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The entire beach offers stunning photographic opportunities. Don't miss the panoramic views from the 'skeret' (the mountain pass above the beach).
The long stretch of sand with the dramatic mountains as a backdrop is iconic.Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most magical light for photography. However, the dramatic landscapes are impressive throughout the day, especially with moody Lofoten weather.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and mountains. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the landscape. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Always check current drone regulations for Norway and Lofoten before flying. Be mindful of wildlife and other visitors. Respect any no-fly zones that may be in place.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your frame to give a sense of scale. Shooting from a lower angle can emphasize the height of the surrounding mountains against the beach.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit