Hiking Mannen in Lofoten: Views of Haukland and Uttakleiv Beaches

Part of: Lofoten — From Å to Svolvær → [Full series]

The climb up Mannen felt like a natural continuation — higher ground, wider views, and a chance to see Lofoten from a different angle.

I had decided to stay in Leknes for two nights, and with the May 17th celebrations behind me, it was time for a proper day hike. As Norwegians, we tend to trust our own instincts more than foreign recommendations—but being a small country, we’re easily flattered when international travel guides suddenly discover what we’ve known all along.

The hike itself stretches for several kilometers, but that hardly matters when you’re surrounded by turquoise water and snow-covered peaks. My first destination was Haukland Beach, voted Europe’s best beach by Lonely Planet. Fair enough.

Climbing the 400 meters up to Mannen, I found myself stopping more often than necessary—not because it was steep, but because it was almost too beautiful to take in all at once. Imagine having something like this in the Oslo Fjord. It’s no surprise that finding parking here in summer is nearly a sport of its own.

Two beaches in one view

From the top, you first look down on Haukland and Vik beaches. Then you turn around—and there’s Uttakleiv. According to The Times, it’s considered the most romantic beach in Europe

The village itself is what really stays with you. No trees, just open land and houses that look as if they’ve been tossed into the landscape and left exactly where they landed.

I followed the old cart track down the mountain toward the village. I had read somewhere that only 22 people live here—and more than ten times as many sheep. It feels believable. Several houses seem abandoned, likely used as summer homes now.

One detail stood out: a small grey house where someone had painted a window, complete with the illusion of warm light inside. A quiet attempt to make an empty house feel lived in.

Taking the long way back

To avoid crossing the mountain again, you can either take the tunnel straight through Mannen—or follow the old road that winds around the coastline. I chose the latter.

Along the way, I ran into a few sheep, which, in a place like this, somehow feels like part of the deal rather than a coincidence.

Passing an old milk stand brought back a quiet sense of nostalgia—one of those small details that doesn’t mean much to everyone, but somehow adds weight to the day.

By the time I made it back, it felt like one of those rare hikes where everything lines up — the landscape, the weather, the small encounters along the way.

The kind of day that reminds you why you started walking in the first place.