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Munken Hike

By François · updated in May 202605/2026My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Hard Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
5h30 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
13km
out and back
Elevation gain
1,030m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
769 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
No
Marked
No
Popularity
Low
Island
Moskenesøya, Lofoten
Start point
67.89127, 13.00981
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Munken hike leads to the northern peak of this iconic mountain in the Lofoten archipelago, rising to an altitude of 769 meters on the island of Moskenesøya. The route passes through spectacular landscapes and offers exceptional views of the surrounding fjords, numerous high-altitude lakes, and rugged mountains, which are characteristic of the archipelago.

This must-do hike passes by the Munkebu hut, an ideal place to rest or camp, before continuing to the summit, which reveals an incredible 360-degree panorama of the Reinefjord, Forsfjord, and Kjerkfjord.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Munken Hike

Difficulties of the hike

There are no significant difficulties, except for the route's length and the substantial elevation gain. As is often the case in Lofoten, the trail is not marked. However, it is clearly visible, and you will find a few directional signs.

Please note that the true summit of Munken, the southern peak (797 m), is reserved for experienced climbers; the northern peak presented here is 30 meters lower and does not require technical climbing skills.

What you'll love

  • An exceptional panoramic view from the summit: A 360-degree panorama of the Lofoten archipelago with a bird's-eye view of the fjords, the succession of rocky peaks, and the Arctic Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.
  • The impressive succession of lakes with varying shapes and shades of blue along the route.
  • Optional detour via Merraflestinden: A magnificent view of Djupfjorden is accessible with only an extra half-hour walk.
  • The Munkebu hut is an ideal place to pitch your tent, with drinking water available and magnificent views.

Practical information

Best time to go

Mid-June to September on average. See the Norway FAQ for more details.

Extension

You can extend this hike by climbing Hermannsdalstinden for an unforgettable experience. In this case, the area around the Munkebu huts is an ideal place to camp for a two-day hike.

Sørvågen village and Tindasvatnet lake
Sørvågen village and Tindasvatnet lake
Lake Fjerddalsvatnet (222 m)
Lake Fjerddalsvatnet (222 m)
Djupfjorden fjord from Merraflestinden
Djupfjorden fjord from Merraflestinden
Munkebu lake and huts in front of Hermannsdalstinden (1029 m)
Munkebu lake and huts in front of Hermannsdalstinden (1029 m)
Northern panorama of Moskenesøya
Northern panorama of Moskenesøya
Northern panorama of Moskenesøya
Northern panorama of Moskenesøya
South summit of Munken and Djupfjorden
South summit of Munken and Djupfjorden
Kjerkfjorden
Kjerkfjorden
Tennesvatnet and Krokvatnet lakes in front of Breitinden (747 m) and Hermanndalstinden (1029 m) peaks
Tennesvatnet and Krokvatnet lakes in front of Breitinden (747 m) and Hermanndalstinden (1029 m) peaks
Midnight sun at the summit
Midnight sun at the summit
Midnight sun
Midnight sun
Panorama during the midnight sun
Panorama during the midnight sun
View to the south
View to the south
Tennesvatnet and Krokvatnet lakes in front of Breitinden (747 m) and Hermanndalstinden (1029 m) peaks
Tennesvatnet and Krokvatnet lakes in front of Breitinden (747 m) and Hermanndalstinden (1029 m) peaks
Hermannsdalstinden from the Munkebu huts
Hermannsdalstinden from the Munkebu huts
Reflections of Støvla and Breitinden in Lake Munkebu
Reflections of Støvla and Breitinden in Lake Munkebu

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/norway/munken/