Hike to Kvalvika Beach and Stay the Night

Kvalvika beach is a beautiful remote beach in Lofoten and can only be reached by foot or by boat. From this beach, you have a beautiful view of the Ryten mountain. You can experience the magical midnight sun or a spectacular sunset over the ocean. It is also the perfect place to spend a night under the stars on a beach. If you are lucky, you can even witness the Northern Lights from the end of August on a clear night. Can it get even more magical? And we have more good news: hiking to the beach is quite easy and not too demanding at all. In this blog post we tell you more about the Kvalvika Beach Hike on the Lofoten Islands.
68° 04′ N, 13° 05′ E​

Overview

Kvalvika beach hike overview

Distance

8 km

Height Difference

150 m

Total Elevation Gain

150 m

Duration

3 to 4 hours

Type of trail

Out & Back

Difficulty Level

Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert

There are different trails leading to both the east and the west sides of Kvalvika Beach. There’s also a short trail connecting both sides of the beach, so you don’t have to choose which side you hike. One of the hikes to the west side of the beach can be combined with the Ryten hike. Another hike to the west side of Kvalvika starts at Torsfjord.

Kvalvika Beach with a view on Ryten mountain
Kvalvika Beach with a view on Ryten mountain

We will explain more about the ‘Vestvika‘ hike from Selfjord to the east side of the beach. This is the trail with the least elevation, so it is the easiest if you hike with camping gear. It is important to mention that despite the path does not have many altimeters, it is a path with a very uneven surface and quite a few rocks that you have to go over and past. 

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Blogpost about the hike to Kvalvika Beach

Hike to Kvalvika Beach

The Markjorda parking area is located at the Kvalvika Beach Trail Head. You have to cross the road and enter the meadows through a small gate. From here, you follow the trail, across some wooden planks, over the first small hill.

After this hill, the trail becomes rougher with more rocks. You will reach the first lake and after a while, you will enter a little forest with small trees. Here, you have to duck and dodge some branches and step along some muddy and rocky sections.

The main trail will also split up a couple of times. It doesn’t really matter which trail you take, as long as you keep walking in the same direction.

Sign at the start of the Kvalvika Beach trail
Sign at the start of the Kvalvika Beach trail
The path during the hike to Kvalvika beach
The path during the hike to Kvalvika beach

Once you pass the trees, the path continues along the lake until you reach a short section uphill to the second lake. The trail wraps around this second lake as well. Along the way, you will have to scramble over and between some rocks and walk through some muddy parts. 

Kvalvika Beach Hike
Kvalvika Beach Hike
Kvalvika Beach Hike
Kvalvika Beach Hike

As soon as you’ve passed the second lake and walked around the corner, you will see Kvalvika Beach appear. From here, it is one last stretch down towards the beach. Be careful as it is quite steep and can be slippery. But once you have conquered this last part, you can put up your tent and enjoy the beautiful Kvalvika Beach with a view of Ryten and the endless ocean.

After a magical night, you have to return to the same trail to get back to your car.

Reflections on a lake near Kvalvika Beach
Reflections near Kvalvika Beach
Kvalvika Beach
Northern Lights spectacle on Kvalvika Beach

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When to hike

The hiking season for Kvalvika runs during spring, summer, and autumn. During winter, the hike can be extremely challenging due to snow, ice, and harsh weather conditions. It’s recommended only for experienced hikers and those well-prepared for winter outdoor activities. Camping is not recommended during winter due to the harsh weather conditions.

It is not recommended to hike in bad weather conditions as the trail might get very slippery and muddy. This hike is best done on a sunny and clear day or during a clear midnight sun night. The beach can be very exposed to strong winds, so it is not recommended to stay the night on windy nights. 

Kvalvika Beach Hike
Spend the night in your tent on Kvalvika beach

How to get there

To start the Kvalvika Beach Hike from Selfjord to the east side of the beach, you can park your car for free in the Markjorda Parking lot.

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Kvalvika Beach Hike Map

Map for the Kvalvika beach hike

Tips & Safety

You might encounter some sheep on the trail. Remember not to disturb them and keep your dog on a leash. As Kvalvika Beach is located in the Lofotodden National Park, drones are NOT allowed. 

Important hiking tips!

Wear proper hiking shoes as you have to hike up some slippery parts and rocks.
There are no facilities along the way, so bring enough food and water with you.
Sun protection is a must on sunny days, as you have to walk the whole hike without shelter.
The weather in the mountains can change quickly. Always check the weather forecast before you start hiking.
Leave nothing but footprints. Please don't litter, not along the trail, nor somewhere else.

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Last updated: July 19, 2024
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Win-Win for everyone

Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?

However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!

Last edited: 02/09/2023

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