MoskenesøyaMoskenesøya at a Glance
About Moskenesøya
Moskenesøya is one of the main islands in the Lofoten archipelago in Nordland county, Norway, and contains several well-known fishing villages.
The island is characterised by steep coastal mountains, sheltered fjord harbours, and traditional fishing infrastructure including red rorbuer. Scenic villages such as Reine and Å are focal points for photography, boat trips and hiking.
The island forms part of the historical Lofoten cod-fishing region and retains strong cultural ties to the seasonal fishery. Outdoor activities include hiking, sea-based excursions and birdwatching.
Moskenesøya lies in the southern part of Lofoten and is connected to neighbouring islands and the mainland by the E10 road and regional ferry links.
- Access by E10 road: Moskenesøya is served by the E10 coastal road, which connects the island to the rest of the Lofoten archipelago and is a primary route for visitors.
What to See#
- Reine and Å: The fishing villages of Reine and Å are located on the island and are noted for traditional rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins) and scenic mountain-backdrop harbours.
- Hamnøy and coastal settlements: Hamnøy and other small settlements provide access points to hiking, fishing and scenic drives along the E10 road through the Lofoten archipelago.
Nearby Attractions to Moskenesøya
Best Time to Visit Moskenesøya
Best visited June-September for hiking and boat services; shoulder seasons offer quieter conditions but cooler weather.
Weather & Climate near Moskenesøya
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -3°C to 13°C. Heavy rainfall (2024 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 1° | -8° | 228 mm | overcast | 79% | 9.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.8h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 0° | -9° | 190 mm | overcast | 79% | 9.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
| March | Poor | -3° - 0° | -8° | 167 mm | overcast | 78% | 8.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.4h |
| April | Poor | -1° - 3° | -4° | 126 mm | overcast | 80% | 6.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 15.4h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 7° | 1° | 93 mm | overcast | 82% | 6.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 19.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 6° - 10° | 5° | 83 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 23.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 100 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 21.6h |
| August | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 136 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.8h |
| September | Poor | 6° - 9° | 4° | 199 mm | overcast | 83% | 6.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 12.9h |
| October | Poor | 3° - 6° | -1° | 248 mm | overcast | 81% | 7.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 3° | -4° | 211 mm | overcast | 80% | 8.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.7h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 1° | -7° | 243 mm | overcast | 79% | 9.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 0.3h |
How to Get to Moskenesøya
Moskenesøya is reached by driving the E10 road through Lofoten; ferries connect to Bodø (Moskenes ferry) and there are regional flights to Leknes followed by road travel.
Tips for Visiting Moskenesøya
- Drive the E10 and follow local signage for Moskenesøya; parking in Moskenes and Reine can fill quickly in high season.
- Hike Reinebringen early in the morning for the famous postcard view and to avoid the midday crowd; the trail can be steep and rocky.
- Ferry connections to Moskenes (Moskenes-Bodø or Moskenes-Værøy routes) operate seasonally; check schedules for vehicle ferries.