Visiting Bunes Beach is high up on my list of recommendations for things to do in Lofoten. If you have the time, consider adding this trip!
It is a secluded, pristine stretch of sand located on the northern coast of Moskenesøya, one of the Lofoten Islands in Norway. The white sand is surrounded by dramatic, towering cliffs, creating a striking contrast between the rugged landscape and the shoreline.
You can only access the beach by ferry, followed by a relatively short hike. Due to its remote location, there is a sense of tranquility that is hard to find in the rest of the Lofoten region. Bunes beach in Lofoten has become popular among tourists, and in the summer months you will find many other people preparing to camp overnight. However, in comparison to other places, it is still very quiet.
There are a few things you should know for visiting Bunes beach, which I will outline below.
However, I just want to quickly note that even if you are short for time and do not wish to hike to / camp at Bunes beach, you should consider taking the ferry ride regardless, if you have good weather.
Most cruises along the fjords / water in Norway are pricey. However, the ferries are cheap and it’s a great way to see a destination from the water. On the way to Bunes beach, we had the most magical conditions / reflections on the water, that the ferry ride alone already made my trip! On the way back, it was raining, but we were greeted by a number of vibrant rainbows. If the water is calm and the weather is good, take the ferry!
Buy a return ticket and simply don’t get off until you arrive back in Reine. It takes a total of 1.5 hours return trip.
Visiting Bunes Beach
Now, onto the reason you’re here – visiting bunes beach for hiking and/or camping is a great experience but there are things you should know before you set off:
Parking in Reine
In Reine, there are a couple of parking options close to the ferry terminal (Reine Ytre Havn). You can in fact park where the ferry leaves, charging 50NOK per hour (total of around 1,200 NOK /24h). If you plan to stay overnight, the better option would be to park at the Tourist information centre in Reine. They offer a 24-hour deal for 300 NOK, making this option way cheaper. From this parking, it takes only around 3-4 minutes to walk to the ferry.
Taking the Ferry to Bunes Beach
From Reine, you’ll take the Reinefjorden ferry to Vindstad, the departure point for your hike to Bunes Beach. The ferry, at least in off-season when I went in September, cost 94 NOK return (approx. 8 euros). In the summer months, this price will most likely be higher.
You don’t need to purchase tickets in advance as you can buy them directly on the boat. However, in summer months it may be best to reserve ahead as the boat is small and it gets busy. You can book online via the “Reis Nordland” app.
Ferry timings vary by season:
- In summer, ferries run multiple times a day, with typical departures around 10:00 and 14:15 on weekdays. Weekend schedules differ, with no departures on Saturdays and limited service on Sundays.
- In winter, ferries run less frequently, with morning and afternoon departures during weekdays.
Make sure to arrive at the pier at least 20 minutes early to guarantee boarding, especially if you pre-booked tickets.
Hiking to Bunes Beach
Once you arrive at Vindstad, the hike to Bunes Beach is relatively easy and family friendly. It’s a 3-kilometer walk that takes about 45 minutes. If you are carrying your camping gear, and also have heavy photography equipment like I did, the uphill part is a little challenging. However, it is do-able for the majority, especially because it is short! The trail passes through scenic terrain, a small village of houses, and has stunning views over the fjord.
Once you past the village, you will see a sign pointing to Bunes beach, veering off to the left-hand side. At the top of this hill, if you look back you can see a beautiful view of the fjord / Reine.
When you arrive to the beach, you’ll see that it is sheltered by dramatic cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean. The beach is way bigger than it looks too. We set off walking to the other end (near the red hut) to see the beach from above as shown in the picture below and it took almost 25 minutes to cross!
The colour of the ocean in contrast to that of the mountains is breathtaking. I can see why people say Bunes beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Norway.
Camping at Bunes Beach
Camping at Bunes Beach is a unique experience. The remote location ensures tranquility, with a few other campers around, even during the high season. When we visited now in September, we were the only ones on the beach camping. As mentioned, the beach is huge, so there is a lot of space to set up camp. There are no facilities at the beach, so you’ll need to bring everything you need, including water and food. Respect the natural environment by practicing Leave No Trace camping and be mindful of the weather, which can change quickly.
Speaking of the weather, we were hit by an unexpected storm. Luckily our tents were very strong / sturdy, but we did not sleep the entire night. We even had to move our tents to a more secure spot around 05:30AM because the winds were so fierce!
What to pack when visiting Bunes beach
Make sure to bring layers with you. The temperature at night tends to plummet and it gets cold. You will need a decent tent, and a good sleeping bag to ensure you do not get cold. Merino wool is very popular in Norway and is one of the best materials for keeping the body warm. If you can get your hands on some merino wool clothing for your trip to Norway, you’ll be more equipped to handle their crazy weather conditions!
You need to bring enough food and water to survive your overnight camping trip as there is nowhere on the island to get either. There are a few waterfalls so if it came to it, you’d probably be able to re-fill your water bottle there. I don’t know how clean it is, so it’s best to bring your own.
Swimming is possible in the summer months, but even then, the water is quite chilly. You may wish to pack a swimming suit and towel as it’sa beautiful place to brave the water! Also, how many times in your life will you have the opportunity to swim in the artic ocean!?
Visiting Bunes beach
During the long summer days when the midnight sun illuminates the sky, or even in winter, when the Northern Lights might dance overhead, visiting Bunes beach is a great idea in my opinion. We were lucky and got to witness one of the most magical shows of northern lights I’ve ever seen. There is practically no light pollution in this location, making it ideal for seeing the lights!
The combination of a short ferry ride, a gentle hike, and the opportunity to camp at one of Lofoten’s most spectacular beaches makes this trip ideal for adventurers seeking solitude in the heart of nature!
If you are looking for other things to do in Lofoten, check out my favourite hike in the region here!
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