Værøy, one of the beautiful islands in the Lofoten archipelago, is home to one of the region’s most iconic viewpoints—Måstadfjellet. This dramatic spot offers sweeping views of the surrounding cliffs and the island’s rugged coastline, making it a must-see for any hiker. With two distinct routes to choose from, both leading to this stunning vantage point, hikers of varying abilities can enjoy the journey.
The Trails to Måstadfjellet Viewpoint
There are two main paths to reach Måstadfjellet, depending on how much of a challenge you’re seeking. The easier route, called Heia, follows a paved road most of the way, making it a more accessible option. The more challenging route, Håheia, offers a steeper and more rugged climb for those looking for a more demanding hike.
The viewpoint itself sits atop the Måstadfjellet cliffs, offering incredible views of the island and the surrounding seas. When you first see the island, you’ll notice a weather station at the peak—this is where the viewpoint is located.
Getting There: Directions and Parking
To start your hike, drive along Marka Road until you reach a point with a parking lot and two blue buildings, which is the starting point of the trail. The path begins between the buildings, with Heia being the easier option. While there is a road that seems to lead directly to the top, it’s closed to the public, so hiking is your only option.
You’ll also notice a tunnel along the way, but again, access is blocked—fortunately, the tunnel looks a bit daunting, so walking through it wasn’t something I was eager to do!
The Hike: Easy or Challenging?
The hike itself is around 3.5 km each way. The first part of the trail is steeper and feels more like a proper hike, but once it connects with the paved road, the rest of the route is much easier and manageable. If you’re looking for a more challenging experience, the Håheia route avoids the paved road and offers a steeper, less-maintained path.
On our first attempt, the weather was perfect when we arrived on the island. We had sunshine and clear skies, and we took advantage of the weather by heading straight to Måstadfjellet. But, as is often the case in this part of Norway, the weather changed quickly.
The Weather: A Sudden Shift
Just as we began our hike, the skies started to cloud over, and by the time we were nearing the top, it started to rain. Things escalated rapidly—within minutes, a thick fog rolled in, and the wind picked up, making the conditions extremely challenging. Visibility dropped to almost zero, and the sharp raindrops stung our faces.
When we reached the viewpoint, the wind was so intense that we decided not to venture to the narrow path where most people take their photos. There are no barriers to prevent a fall, and the drop was sheer. It felt unsafe, so we made the decision to turn back.
The Return: A Perfect Second Attempt
The next day, the weather was much more favorable, so we set off again, eager to reach the summit. This time, the weather held up, and we were able to make it to the famous path. The views from Måstadfjellet were every bit as spectacular as I had imagined.
The way down, however, felt a lot more challenging. The steep incline made me nervous, and my knees were shaky as I carefully navigated the descent. The path is narrow, and I wasn’t keen on slipping, so I took it slow.
The Views: A Reward for Your Efforts
One of the best things about Måstadfjellet is the incredible view. From the top, you can see Punn Sanden Beach, with its white sand stretching along the coastline. In the distance, the abandoned village of Måstad is visible, though the path down to it looks somewhat treacherous.
If you’re up for more exploration, there are additional paths leading from the summit, but many of them are not officially marked as hiking trails and are more like informal paths through the grass. However, the route to the top offers plenty of opportunities for amazing photographs, so keep your camera ready!
On the way back down, you’ll also pass by scenic spots with sweeping views of the Værøy municipality, adding even more photographic moments to your hike.
Conclusion: A Memorable Adventure
Hiking to Måstadfjellet is an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend. Whether you choose the easy route or the more challenging one, the views are absolutely worth the effort. Værøy itself is a remote and wild place, and spending time there gives you a real sense of the natural beauty of the Lofoten Islands.
If you’re planning to visit, be sure to check the weather before you go, as conditions can change rapidly. But no matter the weather, the experience of hiking to Måstadfjellet will stay with you long after you’ve left this stunning island.
