A Norwegian hamlet has recently been acknowledged as one of the most stunningly picturesque locations globally.
Nestled 300 km north of the Arctic Circle, the picturesque village of Reine in Norway's Lofoten archipelago offers a captivating blend of raw natural beauty and rich fishing heritage. Forbes magazine recognised Reine as one of the 50 most beautiful villages in the world in 2025, and it's easy to see why.
The village, home to approximately 300 people, is a secret gem of the Lofoten Islands. Its landscape, characterised by a fjord and granite peaks, provides a breathtaking backdrop to the traditional red-painted cabins, known as rorbu, that dot the shore and reflect in the water.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Reine is the emblematic ascent to Reinebringen. After a steep climb, you are rewarded with a wide view over the village of Reine and the surrounding jagged mountains. The panorama from Reinebringen is among the most spectacular in Norway, offering a breathtaking view over the entire bay, the jagged peaks of the Lofoten, and the lake of Reinevatnet.
Photographers wait for the moment when Arctic light sets the red cabins in Reine ablaze, revealing the poetry of a place where man seems small beside nature. Fishermen hang their nets to dry on the quays in Reine, and baskets of Arctic berries recall summer pickings.
At low tide, racks for drying cod stand tall, a testament to the centuries-old tradition of drying cod, known as the "white gold" of the North. Visitors often stop at Bringen Kaffebar, the village bakery in Reine, where the scent of kanelboller (cardamom buns) and dark rye bread can be found. The rustic flavours at Bringen Kaffebar extend the experience of a journey where the landscape is savoured as much with the eyes as with the taste buds, inheriting from a long Nordic tradition.
Reine experiences extreme oscillations between day and night due to its Arctic location. In summer, the village enjoys endless daylight, while in winter, it experiences a polar night punctuated by auroras. The boat named Nordlys, meaning "aurora borealis", rocks with the tides in the small port of Reine, symbolising the resilience of the inhabitants in the face of harsh winters.
Kayakers and fishermen share the ever-changing reflections of the fjord in Reine, sometimes spotting a seal, a sea eagle, or a school of cod. The salty air, jagged mountains, and wooden cabins in Reine are reminders of the constant confrontation with the elements. A visit to Reine promises an unforgettable experience of rugged beauty and timeless traditions.
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