Lofoten Islands, Norway

dream ride
dream ride with fjord view

What about a trail ride in dramatic scenery in the midnight sun?  The Lofoten archipelago lies within the Arctic Circle, so you could enjoy 24 hours of sunshine during the summer months in good weather conditions.  Yet, your body’s need for sleep remains the same at 68° north.

The Lofoten Islands combine dramatic mountains and peaks with open sea, sheltered bays, beaches and steep fjords to one of the most spectacular landscapes.  There are a handful of trails that are as well good for mountain biking, however, hiking your bike is sometimes inevitable.  The biggest challenge though, is to find a decent bike to rent.  It is a good idea to bring your own rig.

One of the best Lofoten rides starts just south of Leknes in Bergsdalen and winds up to Smordalskammen (437 meters elevation).  It is an out-and-back ride on a ridge with a fun way back downhill.

A real classic trail is the Keiservarden near Digermulen.   The last German emperor Wilhelm II enjoyed the view on the Raftsundet already in 1889.  The ride at the top is partially on granite rock.

Kleppstadheia in the Kabelvag/Svolvaer region offers great views, but requires to hike your bike for a while.

Trailride.no is a very helpful app to locate MTB-rides in Norway.