Northern Norway is filled with incredible hiking opportunities, but few trails combine accessibility, dramatic scenery, and solitude quite like Måtinden on the island of Andøya. Rising 405 meters above sea level, this hike may not be the tallest or most demanding, yet it delivers one of the most breathtaking coastal panoramas in the region—especially when timed with the late Arctic sunset.
Finding Your Way to Måtinden
Måtinden is located on Andøya, an island in Nordland county. The easiest way to reach it is by car. Travelers can drive directly from Senja or Lofoten, or take the ferry from Gryllefjord on Senja to Andenes on Andøya. The trailhead has its own marked parking area just off the main road, and because the island is less busy than its more famous neighbors, finding a spot is rarely an issue.
Trail Overview
- Elevation: 405 m
- Length: 3.7 km each way (7.4 km round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Estimated time: 3–4 hours
The path begins through low forest before quickly leading to the steepest stretch of the hike. This section requires some effort, but the rocks provide reliable footing and make the climb manageable. Once you reach the plateau, the route levels out into long, gentle stretches with wide-open views.
Hiking Experience
When I first discovered this trail, it wasn’t even on my itinerary. My original plan for Bleik was to join a puffin safari, but with extra time on hand, I decided to explore Måtinden. Setting out in the evening, I quickly realized this was one of the most rewarding decisions of my trip.
The quietness of the trail struck me immediately. Unlike the crowded routes on Lofoten, here you can hike in peace, with only seabirds and the occasional sheep for company. At one point, I wandered slightly off the main track and stumbled upon a hidden lake tucked between steep ridges—a reminder of how wild and untouched Andøya feels.
Reaching the Summit
The final stretch to the peak is relatively gentle, and then suddenly the ground falls away into sheer cliffs. From the top, you’re rewarded with a sweeping 360-degree panorama: turquoise beaches, jagged cliffs known as Pikstaven, Hegstaven, and Breistaven, and the vast expanse of the Norwegian Sea.
If you time your hike for the evening, you’ll see the sun dip toward the horizon but never fully disappear during late summer. The sky glows with shades of pink, orange, and gold, reflecting off the water below. It’s the kind of view that makes you linger at the summit long after the climb is done.
Extending the Adventure
From the peak, trails continue toward Bleik and Stave, offering longer hikes if you want to explore further. I chose to return the same way after watching the midnight sun from the ridge, reaching Bleik just after midnight. The village, framed by its long sandy beach and backed by towering cliffs, looked magical in the soft Arctic light.
Final Thoughts
Måtinden may not appear on every guidebook list, but it deserves a place on any Northern Norway itinerary. It’s a trail that combines moderate effort with world-class views, far from the crowds. If you have a night to spare on Andøya, stay in Bleik and set aside an evening for this hike—you’ll walk away with memories of one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.
