Reine Norway: Exploring the Fishing Village Under the Northern Lights

Are you ready for an adventure off the beaten path? Reine is a small fishing village situated in the heart of the Lofoten Islands in Norway, and it's the perfect destination for an unforgettable journey. Whether you're looking to explore a quaint fishing village surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty or to witness the majestic Northern Lights dancing in the sky, Reine has something for everyone.

Situated in Lofoten Islands, this remote fishing village offers breathtaking views of the Lofoten Archipelago and endless opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis (aka the Northern Lights). From picturesque shorelines and majestic mountains to a bustling seaside community, don't be fooled by its small size. Reine is big when it comes to offering unique experiences that you won't find anywhere else.

Let me take you on a journey to discover all that this charming village has to offer. Get ready, because it's time to explore Reine under the Northern Lights!

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An Introduction to Reine, Norway: A Picturesque Fishing Village in the Lofoten Islands

It's no secret that Norway is a stunning destination to see nature in all its glory. From its cascading waterfalls to majestic fjords, this country has something for everyone. But one of the most enchanting spots - especially during winter - is the fishing village of Reine situated in the Lofoten islands.

Reine is only a 2 hours drive from the town of Svolvær, and once you get there, it's easy to understand why Reine is so popular with travelers from around the world. Reine offers breathtaking views of mountainous backdrops overlooking a quaint fishing harbor and a truly spectacular light show - the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

Reine is also renowned for its historical significance, being an important fishing port since early Viking times. Today you can experience traditional architecture, swim in the waters beneath majestic peaks and watch fishermen offload their catch of the day to local markets and restaurants.

If you're looking to experience an unforgettable lightshow or just relax in a stunning setting, Reine is your destination. In this guide, we'll take you through all that Reine has to offer - from top places to see the Northern Lights, to exploring unique activities that offer a truly authentic experience!

How to Get to Reine From Svolvær

Getting to Reine from Svolvær is easy and takes about 2 hours by car. Starting in Svolvær, head east on E10 towards Reinefjorden, then drive north on 815 towards Å before taking a left onto 810. This will take you through stunning landscapes of mountains, fjords, and small fishing villages before you finally arrive in Reine. Once in the village, you'll find yourself surrounded by the picturesque fishing cottages characteristic of the Lofoten Islands.

Although it is possible to drive or take a bus to Reine from Svolvær, many tourists opt for guided Northern Lights tours from Tromsø that offer transportation and guided views of the Aurora Borealis during your journey. Whichever route you take, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Why Reine Is the Best Place to See the Northern Lights in Lofoten

Reine, sitting on the southern end of the Lofoten Islands, is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Norway. In fact, this little fishing village - with its colorful wooden houses and snow-capped mountains - is one of the best places in all of Europe to spot natural auroras moving across the night sky.

Readily Accessible
The beauty about Reine is that it's easily accessible from Svolvær, which is only 2 hours drive away. It also helps that there’s no light pollution for miles around and that you can also enjoy sweeping views of the midnight sun during summertime.

Best Places To See The Northern Lights
Here are five of our favorite places to view the Aurora Borealis near Reine:

Nusfjord: Climb up the nearby mountaintop for fantastic views overlooking the fish-filled fjords. Its elevation provides a great vantage point for seeing northern lights dancing above you.
Sahlen: This cute fishing village surrounded by mountains and crystalline waters looks like something out of a fairytale and provides excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities throughout winter.
Djupfjorden: Perched atop a cluster of rocky islands is Djupfjorden - where you can take in spectacular ocean vistas and some truly breathtaking aurora displays if conditions are optimum.
Reine Veslefrikk: Venture off from Reine's pier onto this small island for incredible panoramas of snow-covered hills illuminated by shooting streams of light.
Sakrisøy Church: If you'd like to witness the Aurora dancing over traditional Norwegian architecture, Sakrisøy Church is definitely worth a visit. Its old-world charm and serene atmosphere make it perfect for taking time to soak in the beauty of the night sky.

Once you’re done with your Aurora hunting, be sure to explore the other attractions of Reine. Take a hike around the surrounding hills for some of the most beautiful views of the Lofoten Islands. For a more leisurely sightseeing experience, take a boat tour around the nearby fjords and admire the idyllic villages from a distance.

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you can’t go wrong with sampling the local seafood. Reine has plenty of restaurants serving some of the freshest fish, shrimp, and cod in the region. After dinner, grab a cup of hot cocoa at one of the many cafes and watch the sunset over the village.

Reine, Norway is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Its majestic Northern Lights, breathtaking natural scenery, and friendly locals make it one of the best European destinations to explore. Whether you’re looking to take in the sights, or just relax and take it all in, Reine is sure to provide a memorable experience that you won’t soon forget.

Additional Top 5 Spots to View the Northern Lights in Reine and Nearby

When it comes to the Northern Lights, Reine offers some of the best places to witness nature’s stunning light show. Here are the top five spots to see the Northern Lights in and around Reine:

Hamnøy – a fishing village located close to Reine, where you can enjoy views of crystallized mountains and colorful wooden houses situated near a frozen lake.
Einangen – a small bay situated close to Lofoten’s main road, offering majestic views of Storsanden beach and high-rising peaks.
Skagsanden Beach – an iconic spot near Flakstadøya Island, which is ideal for watching Aurora Borealis above the sparkling sea and white sand shoreline.
The church in Nusfjord – admire Aurora in front of Nusfjord Church with its classic red color, as well as spectacular views of snow-clad mountains behind it.
Kvalvika beach - a picturesque beach with breathtaking views, where you can watch the illuminated sky from the middle of a rocky mountainside bay surrounded by high peaks all around.

If that doesn't get your heart racing then we don't know what does! The combination of the night sky full of stars, glowing colors painted across the horizon, deep blue waters and snow-covered mountains make this area a must-see for anyone looking for an experience with Aurora Borealis that they'll never forget!

What to Do in Reine During Winter

Winter might seem a little bleak in Norway, but it's actually one of the best times to explore Reine! Whether you're looking for fishing, skiing, or winter photography, there's something for everyone in this picturesque fishing village.

Fishing
Reine is well-known for its cod-fishing industry; families have been fishing off the coast of Norway since the 17th century. While the winter months are usually pretty quiet for most fishermen, you can still book a fishing tour and learn about this traditional livelihood.

Skiing
Reine's also set against some incredible ski terrain - so don't forget your skis! The Ski Touring Wilderness Ski Course takes you through mountains like Olstinden and Steinfjellet, with incredible views out across the fjord and out to sea. You'll be immersed in the stunning winter scenery of Lofoten!

Winter Photography Tours
The Northern Lights make Reine ideal for winter photography tours - and lucky for you there are plenty to choose from! Take a night tour and get amazing shots of the Aurora Borealis while they're at their brightest, or take a day tour and capture stunning landscapes around Reine. Plus, some tours include instruction on photography basics like exposure settings and composition - perfect if you're just starting out!

Ice Climbing and Snowmobiling
If you're feeling brave enough, why not take an ice-climbing lesson? For an extra dose of adrenaline, try snowmobiling across untouched powder - it's the perfect way to explore Reine during wintertime!

A Brief History of Reine: Life in a Traditional Fishing Village

The tiny fishing village of Reine, nestled among the stark, rocky beauty of the Lofoten Islands in Norway, has a long and fascinating history. People have been fishing salmon and cod here for centuries, although it wasn't until the late 19th century that it developed into a full-fledged village.

In 1848, two captains of fishing boats - Karsten Tuddal and Ole Einar Skrede - settled in Reine as permanent residents. Soon after, more fishermen followed suit and established small family businesses to cope with the burgeoning population. Eventually, over 200 people called Reine their home.

In addition to fishing, locals made their own tools for hunting and foraged for wild fruits and plants like bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), junipers (Juniperus communis), cloudberries (Rubus chamaemorus) and soap lichens (Sphaerophorus cuspidatus). In 1921, the area was officially declared an independent municipality with its own local council, school and tourist office.

Today, although the traditional way of life is still practiced in many ways by locals who continue to fish in this pristine environment, things have changed drastically in Reine: tourism is now central to life here. But both visitors and villagers get something special out of this place: unforgettable experiences under the Northern Lights while they explore one of Europe’s most photogenic places.

Northern Lights Online Tools: Chasing Aurora Like a Pro

The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.

Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.
The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.
Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.
Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.
Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.
If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.

Conclusion

Reine is a majestic and remote fishing village located in the Lofoten Islands of Norway. It’s one of the best places to witness the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights and a popular tourist destination for many reasons. It's situated amidst the backdrop of majestic mountains, its pristine shoreline is ideal for activities such as kayaking and fishing, and its rich cultural history make it an ideal tourist destination for the adventure seeker. No matter if you're seeking nature, adventure, or culture, Reine is an ideal destination for an unforgettable experience - the perfect place to witness the Aurora Borealis.

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