If you’ve fallen in love with the dreamy beaches of Vik and Haukland on the Lofoten Islands, the hike to Holandsmelen is a must. This moderately challenging trail rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views over two of the most stunning bays in the Lofoten archipelago. With its relatively gentle ascent—uncommon for the often steep Lofoten terrain—Holandsmelen makes for an accessible and immensely rewarding adventure.

Starting point: To reach the starting point of the Holandsmelen hike from Leknes, take the E10 west toward Napp. Watch for the sign marked “Uttakleiv” and turn right here. Follow the road to the next junction and turn left toward Haukland Beach. Continue along Voieveien for approximately 2 kilometers until you see a parking area on the right side of the road. If this lot is full, you can drive up a forest track to a plateau, where additional parking spaces are available. For precise navigation, use the Google Maps coordinates 68.175987, 13.526039.

Route: The hike to Holandsmelen begins along a gently sloping tractor road that winds into a patch of forest. Passing through a sheep gate, the path narrows and steepens, leading you through increasingly sparse vegetation. As you ascend, the landscape begins to open up, offering the first glimpses of the peak ahead. The trail, though unmarked, is easy to follow, carved by the footsteps of previous adventurers. After leaving the forest, the trail levels out onto a scenic plateau, where expansive coastal views begin to unfold. The path remains well-trodden but takes on a steeper incline as it curves to the right, hugging the mountain’s base.

The final stretch to the summit is a bit more rugged. The trail becomes less defined, merging with rocky slopes, but stone cairns guide the way. At last, a large stone pyramid marks the summit, where breathtaking 360-degree views await. From here, the turquoise waters of Vik and Haukland beaches shimmer below, framed by towering peaks like Veggen and Mannen.

Difficulty according to Norwegian standards: Blue = medium; hikes suitable for moderately trained hikers with basic hiking knowledge and some experience in the terrain.

Distance: ≈ 5.6 km

Elevation gain: ≈ 390 meters up & down

Duration: ≈ 2-3 hours