Mannen (400 m a.s.l.)

Mannen

Mannen is one of the more popular peaks in Lofoten, primarily because it's relatively easy and pleasant to climb, while the views from the summit are truly breathtaking. By the way, if you decide to do the loop (which we recommend), you'll visit two beautiful sandy beaches and vast sheep pastures. The peak is located on Vestvågøy island and has an elevation of 400 m above sea level. Right next to it rises the neighboring Veggen (489 m above sea level), higher but already much more demanding. Mannen is surrounded by two extraordinary beaches: Hauklandstranda and Uttakleivstranda. From the summit you can also spot a third beach Vik, along which campers often park. Around Veggen runs a wide, comfortable path along the sea, connecting Haukland with Uttakleiv. This is a great way to combine mountain trekking with a coastal walk and create a truly diverse trip. Mannen is an excellent choice for starting your adventure with Lofoten peaks, as the trail is neither long nor very demanding, and the final effect is truly spectacular.

Trail variants

Haukland beach

Uttakleiv beach

Loop through two beaches and Mannen

We'll present you with the loop variant, because in our opinion it's worth visiting both beaches and taking a walk around Veggen along the coast.

Trail length: 9.9 km
Duration: 3:00 h
Elevation gain: 370 m
Difficulty level: easy

Parking

There are two options depending on which trail variant you choose and which beach you want to start from. At Haukland beach there's a fairly spacious paid parking (via Easy Park app) 68.199373, 13.532745. Next to it is a café and free toilets. The second option is to park on the other side of Mannen, i.e., at Uttakleiv beach 68.209594, 13.504978. Here the fee is charged through the car's license plate number. A camera reads the vehicle upon entry and exit and depending on the parking time calculates the fee, which later needs to be settled on the YouPark website. There's also a camping site at the parking.

Parking at Haukland beach

Trail description

We started the trail from Haukland beach. Right from the parking you pass through a special gate that's meant to prevent sheep from escaping, and immediately the ascent begins. The trail is not marked at any stage, so you should follow the worn paths. The asphalt ends very quickly, and the further path leads steeply, sometimes slaloming uphill. After a short time we reach a fork, where the path to the right leads to Uttakleiv beach, while we turn in the opposite direction towards the summit. From this moment the route consistently climbs uphill. Sometimes the ascent is steeper, but doesn't require any climbing skills. Throughout the journey we're accompanied by views of the turquoise Hauklandstranda beach and the surrounding peaks. Along the way you can often meet flocks of sheep peacefully grazing on steep slopes. The route is completely exposed, so it can be quite windy at the summit.

View of Haukland beach

Path to Mannen summit

From Mannen summit spreads a spectacular panorama of Lofoten peaks rising from the water and stretching deep into the archipelago, as well as wonderful cream-colored beaches. Depending on the time of day and season, the views present themselves in different magnificent forms. During our ascent clouds had gathered, but during the descent the sky cleared again.

View from Mannen

We started the descent on the same route we climbed, until the fork, where this time we turned left towards Uttakleiv. The path leads between two peaks, and after a moment the view of the beach we're heading towards emerges. Already from above you can see wide, green pastures covered with dozens of sheep. The descent is gentle and pleasant, leading all the way to a gate, beyond which the grazing area ends. From there you exit onto a road that leads straight to the beach parking. You can go down to the beach itself or continue walking along the coast on the path connecting Uttakleiv with Haukland. This section is about 4 km and is almost completely flat, making it quick and very pleasant to walk (well, unless you stop at a wild little beach or for photos along the way, which we recommend). Finally, the familiar view of the white Haukland beach and blue sea in the background emerges again.

Uttakleiv beach

Uttakleiv beach

Area around Uttakleiv beach

Pastures before Uttakleiv

Path around Veggen

Small beach along the path

Seasonality

Mannen is considered a year-round peak. The best conditions for climbing it will be in the period from May to September, especially during peak season, i.e., from June to July, when the days are longest and you can admire the setting sun from it without fear of descending in the dark. However, during the winter period the ascent is possible if weather conditions allow. It's worth then ensuring appropriate equipment, as the trail can be slippery and icy.