Have you been to Kvalvika beach and Ryten?
In August, I, and two of my friends traveled to the Lofoten Islands. It was a great trip to Northern Norway and we were in Lofoten during the week. We visited many interesting places and I wanted to show them the Kvalvika Beach. I knew that this was an amazing location and I was sure that they would like it. At the same time, we wanted to climb Ryten.
We decided to take the easiest way. I drove through Fredwang and after 3 km left the car in the parking near the road. We arrived here after lunch when most tourists had already left this place and we found one slot for our car in this parking lot.
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Previously, there were no problems with parking. But the Kvalvika beach became a popular place and the police penalize drivers for the parking violation. Be careful!
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We planned this track to last for 2 days. It was important for us to stay here for the night since we are fond of landscape photography.
I used to be here twice, and I knew how to get here. We took with us all the most necessary for camping and landscape photo shooting. These are two tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, two titanium mugs, a small gas. And I took a special gas stove with a mass of only 25 grams!!! We took dried food, chocolate, tea, and coffee for dinner and breakfast.
On the Kvalvika beach has drinking water and I knew about it. I took an empty plastic bottle and crushed it, so it did not take up much space in my backpack.
Kvalvika beach.
Location: Fradvang, Moskenesøy
Round trip: 5,5 km
To top: 170 meters
Hike duration: 2 hours
Level: easy/some moderate
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Parking at Kvalvika Beach and Ryten
There are two parking spaces at Kvalvika Beach and Ryten.
Keep in mind that parking on the roadside is prohibited. You can get a penalty.
How to get to Kvalvika beach?
The route starts from the parking lot.
First, there is a steep climb through the birch forest over large boulders but very soon the road flattens out and leads along the boggy plain and moss. In the wettest places, there are wooden walkways. When you pass the waterlogged part of the route begins a rocky ascent to the pass. Very soon you will be at the top.
The most difficult part of the route is downhill. There are big boulders here and pass flat stone slabs. Water flows through it and it is very slippery. Having overcome this obstacle you will appear on the grass on which you will go down to a beach.
Wild camping on the Kvalvika beach.
Are you planning to make wild camping on the Kvalvika beach? The best place is the meadow near the sandy part of the beach. Nearby is a stream. It is a source of drinking water. I drank it unboiled and there was no problem. You can boil water before drinking.
From this point, you can stroll along the beach or go to Kvalvika beach 2 which is located near. At low tide, you will walk along the shore.
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Ryten mountain.
From Ryten you can see the famous view of Kvalvika Beach. Hiking on Ryten is not easy. Round trip from the parking is about 11 km. I’m sure that the view from the mountain is worth the effort.
Location: Fredvang, Moskenesøy
Elevation: 543m
Distance: 2,5km (from Kvalvika beach) / 3,6km (from Ryten Trailhead)
To top: 543 meters
Hike duration: 1,5-2 hours (from Kvalvika) / 3 hours (from Ryten Trailhead)
Level: easy/some moderate
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
How to get here.
First way.
Hiking up Ryten mountain starting on the right side of the beach. You can easily find a way to the top. At first, the trail is steeply up. This is the most difficult part of the route. If you have poor physical, it will hard for you. Do not give up.
After a steep climb, you will find yourself on a plateau. On the right side of the trail is a small lake. Fill the bottled water here and continue your way. Immediately after the lake, the trail diverges. You should go to the left. It’s an easy walk and very soon you will be at the top of Ryten mountain.
Second way.
Parking for Ryten/Kvalvika beach Starts here.
Parking and Trail Head
- 50 NOK per car for a day trip
- 100 NOK per car for overnight stay
You can pay with cash, card or the Norwegian app Vipps. There is also a toilet.
The place has the shortest road to Ryten. A really enjoyable walk. Stunning views and a good path with a mixture of terrains that can be done in a couple of hours. I highly recommend it and taking the time to walk down to the beach if the weather is good.
It’s very windy here. If you plan to wait for sunset, then take your warm clothes and a windproof jacket.
From Ryten mountain you can see amazing views of the Kvalvika beach and the open ocean. Here you can watch the Midnight Sun in the summertime. Some travelers do wild camping at Ryten mountain. I wasn’t camping here. It’s very windy here and I’m not sure that it will be cozy for me.
Wild camping near Ryten.
If you want to do wild camping on Ryten, I advise you to put a tent near the lake. This place protected from strong wind and there is drinking water. Perhaps this is a great idea and I will make camping near the mountain lake next time.
You can lightly go down to the Kvalvika beach.
Do you like hiking? I want to show you one more hiking guide! The view from the mountain is stunning. MANNEN MOUNTAIN | HIKING GUIDE
Hiking The Kvalvika beach and Ryten mountain are one of the most beautiful walks in the Lofoten Islands. Be sure to do this. But on the Lofoten Islands, there are many amazing places and you can read about it on my website.
The Lofoten Islands are my main photographic topic. If you want to find out the best points of view on Lofoten Islands and extend your personal knowledge about taking photos on Lofoten – you should read my book “Lofoten Islands Travel and Photo Guide”.
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What are the parking rules I should be careful about when wild camping?
Kvalvika Beach trail head there is small parking. You can free park your car here. Don’t park a car along the road (only Kvalvika beach trail head). You will get a penalty. Look at Google maps this spot.
In most places for wild camping, there is free parking or a place where you can park a car. Look for a spot on the beach. You can park a car on the side of the road. You will see there is a small road extension (10-15 meters long).