Mannen Hike in Lofoten - The Best Guide

Mannen Hike is another iconic hike in the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway. From its summit, you’ll get amazing views of the beautiful Haukland and Vik beaches on one side and Uttakleiv beach on the other. The contrast between the white sand and turquoise waters will make you forget that you are in the Arctic Circle and transport you to a tropical island.

Do you want to do this hike and enjoy these views? Then keep reading this blog to discover everything you need to enjoy one of Lofoten’s most beautiful hikes.

MANNEN MOUNTAIN

Mannen is a small mountain peak located north of the city of Leknes in the Lofoten Islands. With an altitude of only 400 meters above sea level, it is a moderate hike that will grant you breathtaking views of three very famous beaches in in the archipelago: Haukland, Vik, and Uttakleiv.

The scenery that this hike has to offer seems more suitable for a tropical island than the Arctic. With a relatively “low effort” (for Lofoten standards), you’ll be able to enjoy some very nice views. Long, white sand beaches bathed by turquoise waters and framed by green fields and sharp mountains.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE HIKE

In this section you’ll find some practical information that will make your life easier on the day of your hike.

PARKING & TRAILHEAD

The trailhead to Mannen is right next to Haukland Beach, so the best place to park your car is at Haukland Beach parking lot (exact location on the map at the end of this blog). However, you should take into consideration that this parking is not free. You’ll have to pay a small parking fee to leave your car here (20 NOK for 1 hour; 60 NOK for the day).

If you don’t want to avoid the parking fee, then you can park your car along the road next to Vik Beach for free. However, the parking spots are limited and this will add a couple kilometers to your hike.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Mannen is more or less a “moderate hike” for Lofoten standards. The trail does not have any technical difficulty and it is not too steep. However, it does run along the mountain ridge so it is quite windy.

The following equipment, will be handy during your hike.

Hiking shoes with a good grip: Hiking shoes are very important in Lofoten. Rain is common in this part of Norway, so the terrain can get muddy. Waterproof hiking shoes will allow you to walk with dry feet.
A reusable water bottle: Hydration while hiking is key and during the summer months even more. Make sure to bring enough water to complete this hike as there is no water source along the way.
A hat and sunscreen to protect you from the sun. The day we did this hike it was mostly cloudy so we didn’t have many problems with the sun but, if you do this hike on a sunny day, please take into consideration that there is no shade at all along the trail.
Bring a waterproof jacket with you. In the Lofoten, the weather can be quite unpredictable. One moment is sunny and a few minutes later, it starts raining. Always bring with you a waterproof layer just in case. And even if it doesn’t rain, this hike is quite windy and exposed. You will be happy to have some wind protection.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE MANNEN?

The best time to do this hike is between May and September when the weather is milder. If you want to increase your chances of good weather, then your best option is July and August. We did this hike in August on a partially clouded day. Luckily, it didn’t rain at all during our hike but it was very windy at the top.

During the winter months, it is not recommended to do this hike as it can be very dangerous with snow and ice on the trail.

I would also not recommend to hike Mannen with bad weather conditions. The trail is very exposed along the ridge so it is very important to have good weather conditions and avoid dangerous situations.

MANNEN HIKE

HIKE STATS

Trail Start/End – Parking at Haukland Beach (Paying Parking)

Distance – 4,2 km

Elevation Gain – 363 m

Level – Easy – Moderate

Route Type – Linear Route

Estimated Time Needed – 3 hours. This includes plenty of time for a picnic at the top and relaxing while you enjoy the views.

Best Time To Visit – Between June and August, to increase your chances of good weather.

HIKE MAP

MANNEN HIKE - STEP BY STEP GUIDE

The First Climb Until The Ridge

The trail begins at the parking lot at Haukland Beach. From the parking lot, you’ll have to cross the road, keeping Mannen and the tunnel on your left, and follow the paved road in front of you for 700 meters. At this moment, you’ll see a small path on your left side, going up the hill.

This path will zig-zag along the hill for approximately 300 meters and will bring you to the ridge.

The Ridge Up To Mannen

Once you reach the top of the winding trail, you turn left towards the summit of Mannen. From here, it is just a matter of following the ridge until you reach the top of Mannen.

The trail is not too steep in the beginning but it does get steeper as you get closer to the top. There are also a few big rocks here and there along the trail but it is nothing too complicated. The most difficult thing about this trail is that it runs along the ridge with quite a big fall on the left side. If you’re not sure-footed and are scared of heights then maybe this is not the trail for you.

As you go up, you’ll already get to enjoy amazing views over Haukland Beach, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to enjoy the company of many sheep.

The Summit

Once you’re at the summit, just relax and enjoy the amazing views over Haukland Beach and Vik Beach. There is also a prominent rock where you can take nice photos. Just remember to be careful and not take unnecessary risks for a photo!

Before you go down, have a look at the right side to also get nice views over Uttakleiv Beach. Many people just focus on the impressive views of Haukland Beach and forget to look at the other side.

The Return Hike

To return, you just have to retrace your steps all the way back to the parking lot. But don’t you worry, this doesn’t mean that it will be boring. The views on your way down of the surrounding mountains are also pretty spectacular!

OTHER THINGS TO DO NEAR MANNEN

Looking for other ideas to do after your hike? Here are some other things you can do to complete your day.

Relax at Haukland Beach or Vik Beach. There is nothing better than relaxing at the beach after a hike. If you find yourself with a sunny afternoon, I definitely recommend spending some time at one of these two beaches. Just don’t let the turquoise waters fool you, the water is really cold!
Visit Uttakleiv Beach. Uttakleiv Beach is another very famous beach in Lofoten. In 2010 it ranked as the third most beautiful beach in the world. To reach this beach, you have two options. The first one is to drive your car through the tunnel next to Haukland Beach and park your car there. However, parking here is quite expensive to preserve the area. The second option is to go on a second hike around Mannen mountain. The hike is 4 km (one way) but there is barely any elevation gain.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR MANNEN

Mannen is located only a few kilometers away from Leknes so the best option is to book your accommodation nearby. Here are some recommendations, I would choose for myself if I were to return to the Lofoten Islands.

Cozy private bedroom in Leknes: This place is basic but it is a great option if you’re just looking for a place to sleep and want to save some money during your stay in Lofoten.
Scandic Hotel Leknes: Regular hotel offering breakfast included in your reservation.

MAP WITH LOCATIONS

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the star next to the map title to add this map to your google maps account. To view it on your phone while traveling, open Google Maps, click on the menu button and go to “Your Places”, click on Maps and you’ll see this map in your list.

HIKE SUMMARY AND INFOGRAPHIC

No time to read the full blog post? Here’s an infographic I’ve created with the most important information about this hike.

And that’s it for my blog about Mannen. I hope you liked it and found it useful. Let me know what you think in the comments!

Happy hiking!

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MANNEN HIKE IN LOFOTEN – THE BEST GUIDE

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