Hiking in Delp and Matmora, Lofoten Islands

In the event you’re on the lookout for Lofoten hikes that don’t get tremendous busy, Delp and Matmora in Lofoten may very well be a very good choice for you.

These two hikes are barely off-the-beaten tracks that most individuals go to after they’re in Lofoten. Situated on the northern tip of Austvågøya, Matmora is without doubt one of the most scenic mountains in japanese Lofoten and Delp presents a few of the views for lots much less effort.

The hike is often achieved as a thru-hike from one trailhead to the opposite, however can simply be achieved as an out-and-back or loop path by strolling alongside the highway on the finish of the hike.

We hiked to Delp and again as we visited Lofoten in winter with only a few hours of daylight. Nevertheless, we may see Matmora forward and it seemed like it will make a fantastic summer season hike in Lofoten!

Learn extra: Prime suggestions in your Lofoten journey

Tips on how to get to the Delp hike and Matmora trailhead

The Delp Matmora hike is commonly achieved in its entirety as an out-and-back path the place hikers begin at one finish and end on the different.

Often, this entails you having two automobiles so you will get picked up at whichever finish you end at.

Nevertheless, it’s also possible to hike out to Matmora from both trailhead after which hike again down the identical method. Or hike alongside the highway to whichever finish you left your automotive at.

An alternative choice (which is what we did since we visited Lofoten in winter with few hours of daylight) is to simply hike to Delp and again for a simple hike in Lofoten.

For each choices, the trailhead is on Midnattsolveian.

For the hike straight to Matmora with out stopping at Delp, you’ll need this trailhead (68.36036626012135, 14.482175755101022). For the hike to Delp after which onto Matmora, it’s this trailhead (68.4016375486971, 14.502466594386462).

Each trailheads are marked on Google maps as ‘Matmora path head’ and are signposted from the highway.

Issues to know earlier than climbing in Lofoten Islands

AllTrails is my go-to climbing app for locating, planning and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+, you will be assured you’re nonetheless heading in the right direction, even with out cell sign.

Earlier than you go on a hike within the Lofoten Islands, be sure to take note of the next:

• At all times observe go away no hint ethics. Undecided what these are? Get a refresher here.
• Bear in mind to respect the terrain, setting, and different customers if you are having fun with the paths.
• Observe the three Ts—journey planning, coaching, and taking the necessities.
• Don’t go away house with out your 10 necessities. They might save your life!
• Don’t stroll off the path – this damages the setting which could be very fragile and results in path closures being put in place.
• Learn up on the Lofoten Code of Conduct to minimise your influence.

Mountaineering Delp and Matmora Lofoten

We began from the trailhead previous Lauvika and made our method as much as Delp.

The path will get steep in a short time and also you’ll have to navigate your method over rocks and tree roots generally utilizing your arms to tug your self up or regular your self.

Learn extra: Mountaineering Eltofttuva close to Leknes

This steep climb goes on for concerning the first 1.5km of the hike however there are a couple of areas the place the land flattens out and you may get pleasure from a view of the seashores and sea behind you, in addition to over to the city of Laukvik.

After 40 minutes to an hour, you’ll come out to a plateau the place you possibly can see a ridgeline stretching in entrance of you and Matmora off barely to the precise.

There are a lot of worn-down trails at this level. We caught in the direction of the left the place there was a big rock, a hiker visitor guide and a cairn.

Then we continued strolling alongside the ridge line, admiring the attractive color of the water down beneath.

There are a number of viewpoints alongside the way in which and it truly is extremely stunning.

After we hiked this in mid-November there have been everlasting dawn colors within the sky which simply made it much more spectacular.

In the event you’re ending your hike right here, merely go down the way in which you got here. In the event you’re persevering with on to Matmora, learn on!

Learn extra: Mountaineering Reinebringen in Lofoten

Matmora hike

From the plateau ridgeline of Delpsheia, you possibly can stick with it in the direction of Matmora which you’ll be able to see within the distance.

On the far finish of the plateau is a ridgeline that leads you up in the direction of Matmora.

Right here, you even have two choices.

One, select the trail that’s extra uncovered alongside the ridge line or, two, select the decrease down path that’s a lot much less uncovered.

Decide any of the paths as head south then make a slight proper flip to move to the primary excessive level within the distance which is marked with a cairn.

There’s a path to the left of the ridge right here and also you’ll descend barely.

The descent doesn’t final lengthy although earlier than you’re actually climbing uphill!

You’ll come out to a small go and the principle ridge of Matmora will likely be clearly seen in entrance of you.

Observe the obvious path which stays alongside the ridge line.

As you come nearer to the summit, the ridge will get flatter and you then’ll be capable of see the summit cairn!

Benefit from the attractive views of Jap Lofoten on the summit and, while you’re prepared to move again down you might have a selection.

To return to the opposite trailhead from the place you began, proceed following the path that goes the alternative solution to the way in which you got here. This drops you again down onto the highway close to Rangeldalen. In the event you’re strolling again to your automotive from right here it’s 6km of simple strolling alongside the highway.

In the event you’re heading again the way in which you got here, simply observe the identical path you took as much as Matmora.

Whichever path you select, I strongly advocate stopping off at Kafe Naust in Laukvik for some meals and a drink! It’s such a stunning cafe.

Learn extra: The very best seashores within the Lofoten Islands

Particulars for the Delp and Matmora hike

For the entire Delp to Matmora hike as an out and again ending and beginning at totally different locations, these are the main points:

• Distance: 9.8 km
• Elevation: 842 m
• Length: 4-6 hours
• Issue: Average

In the event you’re simply going as much as Delp, then the main points are:

• Distance: 5.4 km
• Elevation: 465 m
• Length: 1.5-3 hours
• Issue: Straightforward-Average

Learn extra: The Eggum to Unstad hike on the coastal path

What to pack for climbing Delp and Matmora in Lofoten?

What to pack for this hike is determined by what season you’re climbing in.

• Try my day hike packing listing right here.
• In the event you’re climbing in summer season it is best to pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to every part within the 10 necessities for climbing listing.
• Right here is what to put on climbing in sizzling climate
• Try this put up on the perfect leggings for climbing or what to put on climbing in summer season for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
• In the event you’re climbing in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there’s loads of snow you’ll most likely want snowshoes.
• You must also take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally essential in addition to a good backpack to maintain every part in.
• You must also pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for climbing!
• Planning a climbing date? Try what to put on on a climbing date however nonetheless look cool.

Are you able to camp on Matmora?

The summit of Matmora is extraordinarily rocky and wouldn’t make for a cushty night time’s sleep. Nevertheless, you could possibly camp alongside the plateau of Delp, or simply down from the Matmora summit.

There aren’t any rivers up right here so that you’ll have to take all of the water you propose to drink and cook dinner with.

Try this put up to study extra about the perfect tenting in Lofoten.

Are you able to hike Matmora in winter?

Whereas I wouldn’t essentially advocate climbing all the way in which to Matmora in winter.

Mountaineering to Delp in winter could make a fantastic Lofoten winter hike.

The steep part is correct at first and with climbing poles and spikes or snowshoes as applicable, it is best to be capable of make it as much as the plateau.