John and I hadn’t deliberate to do the Mannen hike in Norway’s Lofoten Islands. We had began off on Haukland Seaside on the west coast of the Lofoten Islands with the intention of doing a loop hike alongside the coast that included Uttakliev Seaside and an outdated cart street over the mountain that linked the 2 communities.
On the path/outdated cart street over the low level on the mountain you move a few turnoffs to different trails. One takes you to Himmeltinden (the very best mountain on the island of Vestvågøy within the Lofotens with a NATO radar on the summit that has monitored Norwegian airspace for the reason that 1980’s) and the opposite to Mannen.
After we acquired to the turnoff to Mannen Peak,we checked out one another and mentioned – “We’re right here, so we’d as effectively do it and it doesn’t look very distant.”
Nonetheless, most individuals do the Mannen hike as an out and again from Haukland Seaside. However if you happen to’ve acquired about 4 hours, I extremely advocate the extra circuitous route through Uttakliev Seaside and over the move to succeed in the path. That route will probably be nearer to 10 km in complete.
Mannen Hike Abstract
Distance: 3.5 km spherical journey as an out and again.
Elevation acquire: 400 m (1,312 toes) up Mannen Peak.
Degree of issue: Reasonable however with some publicity.
Time wanted: 2 – 3 hours.
Household-friendly: Not good for younger youngsters. Older youngsters (+8 years) who don’t thoughts heights must be wonderful.
Parking: Haukland Seaside on the car parking zone. Vik Seaside and a stroll can be another choice.
Canine: Allowed however have to be on a leash between April 1 – October 1 due to animals grazing within the space.
Don’t overlook: Pack water, power bars, further clothes in case it’s windy on the high, and rain gear. Throw a washing swimsuit in your automotive for a fast dip after the hike.
Finest time to hike Mannen
Ideally you wish to hike Mannen between Might and September when the climate is greatest. If it’s been raining laborious, it’s possible you’ll discover the path to be slippery, so take further precautions below that situation.
In summer season within the Lofoten Islands, Mom Nature is able to throwing curve balls associated to climate. It may well rain for every week at a time. The Mannen hike with its superb views is greatest when the visibility is excessive.
In winter, as soon as there may be snow and ice round, a hike up Mannen is discouraged – particularly contemplating how slim it the path is in locations and the variety of drop-offs.
How you can get to the trailhead at Haukland Seaside
By automotive
Haukland Seaside is positioned on the island of Vestvågøy which is simple to entry when you’ve got a automotive. It’s simply quarter-hour from Leknes, the second largest city within the Lofoten Islands.
We had performed the Offersøykammen hike within the morning, simply 13 minutes by automotive away. It was a fairly drive with a part of it alongside the coast and previous Vik Seaside.
If you happen to want a rental automotive to your journey within the Lofotens take a look at Uncover Automobiles. You possibly can lease one in Leknes.
By public transport
In keeping with the Information to Lofoten web site, you’ll be able to take bus line 765 that leaves from Leknes with stops at each Haukland and Uttakliev Seashores – however solely between June 21 – August 22.
The bus leaves twice every day from Leknes on a Monday to Saturday foundation at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM. It returns from Uttakleiv Seaside at 10:05 AM and 14:05 PM – so that you’ll must plan your Mannen hike accordingly. Perhaps a fellow hiker will probably be variety sufficient to drive you again to Leknes.
Location map of Huakland Seaside and Mannen
Mannen hike description
The Mannen hike begins proper from the car parking zone at Haukland Seaside – named by Lonely Planet in 2023 as the very best seaside in Europe. The car parking zone isn’t massive, so get there early if its the center of the summer season. There are bathrooms you need to pay for and a café in a transport crate – although it was closed by late August. Reportedly a brand new Customer’s Centre is within the works for late 2024.
If you happen to can drag your self away from the attractive white sand seaside, head for the entry street and search for the narrow-paved street. Hike up it for about 10 minutes to succeed in a path heading left up the mountain. There are a number of trails to select from, so go along with the one which’s most used. Switchback up the hill to succeed in the intersection with two trails – the one which goes up Mannen and the one which continues to Uttakliev Seaside.
The climbing begins in earnest. Zig zag up the mountain on a slim, typically muddy path. Sometimes there are rocks to scramble up, nevertheless it’s all simple mountaineering. There are a couple of lookouts alongside the way in which, so remember to test them out.
A lot of the path to the highest is through an ethereal, narrow-in-places ridge. There are some good perches alongside the way in which the place you get spectacular views of Haukland Seaside. Be very cautious if its raining or its simply rained as a few of the higher path may get very slippery.
From the smallish summit of Mannen Peak, the views are epic. Not solely are you able to see Haukland Seaside and quite a few outer Lofoten Islands however Veggen – an in-your-face mountain you can too climb.
After having fun with the views from the summit (we had been there on a windless day), retrace your steps to return to Haukland Seaside. However don’t rush it – and as a substitute benefit from the views trying to Haukland Seaside in a single course and Uttakliev Seaside within the different.
A dip or a swim put up hike?
If you wish to revive your physique after a hike up Mannen, then head for a dip within the chilly waters off Haukland Seaside. In keeping with the World seaside Information, the water could also be as heat 12ºC in August, however in Might it’s simply 6.5ºC. Both approach, it’s going to invigorate you – and take your thoughts off your drained muscle groups.
Parking for the Mannen hike
You possibly can see that the car parking zone for each the Mannen hike and Haukland Seaside isn’t massive. There may be the choice to park at Vik Seaside and stroll right here – and it wouldn’t take greater than about 20 minutes.
Serious about extra mountaineering in Norway and Sweden?
Sweden
Kungsleden Path Information: Abisko to Nikkaluokta (a incredible 6 – 7-day hike)
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Ryten Hike and Kvalvika Seaside, Lofoten Islands
Reinebringen Hike, Lofoten Islands: A Full Information
Munkebu Hut Hike + Munken, Lofoten Islands
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