Hamnoy is located in the southern Lofoten Islands and is one of the most iconic photo spots in the Lofoten. Here you’ll find the typical red wooden houses (rorbuer) right by the water, with an impressive mountain backdrop behind them. We visited in August 2022 and now reveal where the best viewpoints are, where you can park in Hamnoy, and whether the village itself is worth a longer stop beyond the photos.
Last updated: August 2026.
Best time for photos: sunrise/sunset
Access: directly off the E10
Best view: east side of the bridge
Parking: free, by the road
Classic Hamnøy viewpoint
Hamnøy Bridge
Festhæltinden in the background
Eliassen Rorbuer
Is Hamnoy in the Lofoten Islands Worth a Visit?
Hamnoy is located in the Lofoten Islands on Moskenesøya and is a tiny village with only a few residents, but a picture-book setting unlike almost anywhere else in the Lofoten. You simply have to stop here to take one, or better, several photos. The typical red rorbuer wooden huts are found here and sit extremely picturesquely against a stunning mountain backdrop.
Does the village have anything to offer beyond that? We don’t think so. In our opinion, it’s not really worth strolling through the very small village. There isn’t much to discover here (apart from more photo opportunities). The village mostly consists of a holiday resort (Eliassen Rorbuer*), where you can stay in the typical red houses (which is of course lovely), but this also takes away some of the village’s authentic flair.
Our tip is therefore: stop here on your Lofoten road trip for the obligatory photos, and feel free to wander a little through the small village to find nice compositions, but don’t expect a lively village beyond the photo spots.
The Best Tours in the Lofoten Islands
| Aktivitäten | Preis p.P. | Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Epische Trollfjord Katamaran Tour bei der Seeadler bestaunt werden können | ab 85 € | Ticket buchen* |
| Südliche Lofoten - Foto-Tour bei der die einzigartige, wilde Natur mit einem professionellen Fotografie Guide entdeckt wird | ab 115 € | Ticket buchen* |
| Schneeschuh-Wanderung im Winter durch die atemberaubende Wildnis | ab 110 € | Ticket buchen* |
The Best Hamnøy Viewpoint in the Lofoten Islands
The best way to find your own photo spot is to walk along the small harbour into the village. There are plenty of compositions here.
But if you want the classic Hamnøy viewpoint, you should park at the parking lot described below and then walk up the road a little until you reach the bridge. You’ll find the Hamnøy viewpoint on Google Maps here.
From there you get the classic, beautiful view of the red wooden houses with the mountains behind them. Unfortunately, we only found out about this viewpoint too late, so we didn’t get a photo from here ourselves. Still, we think we got plenty of nice shots elsewhere in the village.
The Hamnøy Bridge
The famous viewpoint is right on the bridge that connects Hamnoy with the small island of Lille Toppøya across the Breisundet strait. From here you get an unobstructed view of the red rorbuer, the deep blue water, and Festhæltinden (389m) in the background – the mountain massif that appears in almost every Hamnoy photo.
The best, unobstructed view is from the east side of the bridge. There’s no parking directly at the bridge – you’ll need to park off the E10 (see below) and walk the last stretch on foot.
Tip: For the best photos, come at sunrise or sunset. A wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod are recommended – it’s often very windy on the bridge. Winter is also a great time to visit: snow on the mountains and far fewer tourists than in summer.
Parking in Hamnoy
There’s a small parking lot right by the road where you can park your camper or motorhome easily and for free, and from there walk into the village and to the viewpoint mentioned above.
You can find the parking lot here on Google Maps.
Where to Stay in Hamnoy
Right in Hamnoy you’ll find the typical red wooden houses standing directly by the sea, looking exactly how you’d picture wooden houses in the Lofoten. Staying here also costs a lot less than comparable cabins in nearby Reine. You can find the wooden cabins on Booking.com*.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamnoy
Where is the best Hamnøy viewpoint?
On the bridge between Hamnoy and Lille Toppøya, ideally from the east side.
Where can you park for free in Hamnoy?
At a small parking lot right by the road, just a few minutes’ walk from the bridge.
Is it worth spending more time in Hamnoy?
Beyond the photo spots there isn’t much to discover in the village itself – a short stop for photos is usually enough.
What’s the name of the mountain behind Hamnoy in photos?
Festhæltinden, around 389 metres high.