Today we went to Bunes Beach, and whilst waiting for the 3pm boat from Reine explored some more of Reine. We filled up water in a local restaurant (Mike even tried to speak some Norwegian!) and talked to the owner of Reine Adventure, who gave us some great tips for camping in Bunes and Horseid.
We had a tea (25 NOK) in a lovely cafe, of which I highly recommend! Friendly staff who speak English and a quirky interior, it feels cosy and yet very chic!
Cafe in Reine, highly recommend!
We also visited a jewellery shop opposite the cafe, complete with its own forge!
Jewellery making shop in Reine
The boat to Bunes is easy to find and signposted - you walk past it on the way to the cafe from the camping spot. The boat only had around 10 passengers when we boarded, but in the height of Summer it may be busier so ensure you get there in plenty of time. A single to Vinstad cost 50 NOK, and takes around 15 minutes. You either pay on the boat, or they will take payment from you as you get on.
The views from the boat are spectacular, as you would expect! But, if the wind is too cold, there is seating inside.
Traditional Lofoten Rorbuer lining the Reinefjord
Stunning scenery from the boat over Reinefjord
When you arrive at Vinstad, the path to Bunes is very clear. There is also a cafe and free toiler by the port! Follow the track for approximately 20 minutes, then take the path on the left, which leads you straight to the beach. It is a popular beach by locals and tourists alike, so during the day it may be busy, although the evenings are much quieter.
Me walking down the track towards Bunes Beach, located just over the ridge ahead
The beach is huge with golden sand and turquoise sea, and although it may be tempting to camp on the grassy section of land at the back of the beach, we were told the ridge is less windy and far better place to camp, which we can happily confirm! There is also a supply of water available on the left side of the beach from a stream running down the ridge, which is easy to get to and see.
Our camping spot above the beach, sheltered by rocks
Me looking out over Bunes Beach
Mike collecting water from the stream - the best water we've ever tasted!
Bunes is a beautiful sandy beach, and well worth a visit. The only negative is the amount of litter washed up from the sea, which included some broken glass bottles so be careful of those. Otherwise, its a truly stunning beach and we were treated to the best sunset of the trip here!
Mike looking out over the sea, which was so turquoise in colour!
The incredible sunset over Bunes Beach
Day 6 - Horseid Beach
We decided to go to Horseid Beach straight after Bunes Beach - mainly to save money on boat trips! Make sure you fill up water at Bunes or Vinstad, as we couldn't find anywhere to get water from at Horseid (although we're sure there is a waterfall somewhere).
Before you get any of the boats, make sure you check out the timetable! And if you're still unsure, ask the staff on the boat - they are really friendly and speak good English.
Boat coming into Vinstad. It looks busy but most people get off for Bunes Beach and return later in the day
Horseid beach is located on Kjerkfjorden, a short boat ride from Vinstad. Once again the path to the beach is clear - walk along the track for 10 minutes out of the port, and on the left you will see the path leading over the ridge to Horseid. The path is rocky, and fairly steep. It took us around 1 1/2 hours to reach the top.
Kjerkfjorden from the climb up to Horseid Beach
We were advised once again not to camp on the beach, where it is very windy. Instead, we camped on the top of the ridge, which is flat and sheltered. In addition, this saves you walking down, and back up, the other side of the ridge (which is really steep and rocky) with bags!
Our camping spot at Horseid Beach on top of the ridge
Me looking out over Horseid Beach, near our camping spot
We then walked down to the beach, which is in itself a long hike! The path down the ridge is more of a scramble down the rocks, although they are not too difficult to climb. Once down, the path around the lake and across the grass was particularly boggy and muddy, and considering the dry weather recently we concluded it is probably always boggy! The walk down to the sea took around an hour from the top of the ridge.
The long walk to the beach is definitely worthwhile, though! The sand is golden and the beach is huge! The sea is crystal clear and turquoise, too. It was, however, the coldest we have been over the whole trip! It was freezing cold down on the beach, even though the sun was shining!
Mike walking on the golden sand at Horseid Beach
The view of the mountains behind Horseid Beach. The lowest point in the middle is the ridge you climb down
Due to the cold, we didn't spend much time on the beach, but the walk back took around 1 1/2 hours. Later that evening, we had another beautiful sunset. Due to the slow movement of the sun so far North, we could sit and watch it for ages!
Sunset over Horseid Beach
hi there! My wife and I are thinking of doing a very similar trip. I just had a quick question, in your hikes and camps through the week, were twigs/wood lying around easy to find? We only have a biomass burning stove.
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