Hamnøy, the enchanted village where the mountains meet the sea

Some places have the ability to transport us into a fairytale or a movie setting... Hamnøy is one of them: an incredible place that, once seen in person, makes Instagram photos just a memory. It's one of the most spectacular and photogenic corners of Norway, where the mountains drop sheer to the sea and the red houses of the fishing village are reflected in the water, creating an absurdly photogenic color contrast.

Hamnøy, a charming village to discover

Hamnøy is a small fishing village in the Lofoten Islands . It's part of Norway 's most beloved archipelago and looks like it's straight out of a painting, thanks to its vivid, unique colors. Nature reigns supreme, but the little red houses, known locally as rorbuers and built on stilts, add a touch of character to this place where the scent of the sea and the clear air make your heart skip a beat.

The village is a perfect microcosm where days pass slowly and nature dictates the rules. Recognized as the most photogenic village in the world by National Geographic , it also embodies history, tradition, and adventure.

Here you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the fjords, or set off on an excursion to discover hidden beaches: by boat you can reach Bunes Beach or Horseidstranda , remote and wild bays where you may be the only visitor.

But Hamnøy isn't just photogenic: it's history, tradition, and adventure . A place where you can relax in a sauna overlooking the fjords or set out on an excursion to discover hidden beaches. And if you're lucky, you might even witness the unique spectacle of the Northern Lights dancing over the waters of the Norwegian Sea . The water here is incredibly calm and clear. Starting from Reine or Hamnøy , you can explore the fjords by kayak, enjoying silence, wild nature, and a feeling of absolute peace.

Among the must-do's? A photo at the Hamnøy Bridge. Yes, the one you've seen a thousand times on Instagram. The vantage point on the bridge offers a perfect view of the rorbuers with the mountains in the background. From there, it's not far to Reine, another village worth discovering and often a stop before tackling the climb to Reinebringen: a challenging climb that leads to a peak offering one of the most breathtaking views of the fjords.

From October to March, the chances of spotting the Northern Lights are very high: just hop on a boat and see them reflected in the sea is an experience you will never forget.

Where it is and how to get there

Hamnøy is located in the Lofoten Islands , more precisely on the island of Moskenesøya , connected to the rest of the archipelago by the scenic E10 road. Even just getting there is an unforgettable experience: gentle curves, breathtaking cliffs, and that Arctic light that transforms everything into poetry.

You can get there by flying to Leknes or Svolvær, two regional airports served by Oslo via intermediate stops. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Hamnøy, or take the ferry from Bodø, disembarking at Moskenes, and then continuing by car for about 10 minutes.