The southern tip of Vestågøya in the Lofoten Islands is home to the Nonstinden and Ballstadheia hiking group – offering stunning views of Ballstad and the Vestfjord. Go on a seven-kilometre hike and include the rugged, scenic coastal walk around Brurstolen.
Nonstinden is the highest point on the trek from which you are supposed to see the jagged peaks of Skottinden – although all we saw at the top was mist. However, we enjoyed enough of the views early and late in the trip to make it a very worthwhile outing.
The Nonstinden trek is very popular among locals, but virtually unknown to people visiting from afar. If you include the hike around Brurstolen, this will probably be the most peaceful hike you do in the Lofoten Islands.
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Nonstinden Height Summary
distance: 7 km walking loop including Ballstadheia
Height gain: 459 m or 1506 ft
Time needed: 3.5 – 4.5 hours one way.
Difficulty level: Easy if you're a casual hiker, moderate otherwise. The track is rougher around Brurstolen.
Parking place: Parking is available next to Restaurant Kræmmarvika Havn and Restaurant Kræmmarvika Rorbuer. The trail heads from there.
Highlights: Beautiful views of Balstad – a working fishing village.
Good to know: The trail is bumpy around Brurstolen
Do not forget: to bear 10 essentials for hiking Although it is an easy journey and please practice Leave no trace principles.
Dogs: Allowed but keep them on a leash and pick them up after them.
is reading: The Lofoten Islands are busy. Be kind and respectful to the locals. Read the Lofoten calling code.
Find the head of the Nonstinden path
Make your way to Ballstad. Find Highway 818 also called Ballstadlandet and follow it south past Lofoten Hostel Ballstad.
Turn right onto Kraemmervikveien and follow it for about 400 meters to reach the car park near Kræmmarvika Rorbuer. You will see trail signs from the road.
Description of the Nonstinden and Ballstadheia hiking group
The hike starts on a good track across the road from the parking area next to the fish drying racks. Head uphill, almost steeply from the start, and enjoy excellent views immediately. There is one rest area early in the trip, located next to a large rock and out of the wind.
After climbing 200 meters you will reach a large green plateau extending towards Nonsteenden called Balstadhea. There is a network of trails through Ballstadheia. You'll want to take the path to the right and follow it along the eastern side of the plateau from where you'll see stunning views down to Ballstad and across the fjord. It's also great to see all the snow walls above the city.
Hike towards Nonstinden, above Fløya – where the views should be stunning. The fog had rolled in thickly by the time we made the final drive towards Nonstenden, so we focused on staying on the road.
Nonstinden Peak is the highest point on a narrow mountain ridge. There are said to be great views of Unstad Beach from here.
Hike from Nonstinden and around Brurstolen
To continue the hike, descend the steep path on the western side of Ballstadheia. Look for a path winding down a steep grassy slope towards the sea. This is the one you want. Once down to the sea, the path becomes more rocky and bumpy. Pay attention to your feet.
Follow the rocky path along the coast as it heads around Brurstolen and eventually returns to your starting point. Along the trail, you'll have to bend and hike through some small caves – which adds a bit of variety to your hike.
The coastal part of the trail around Brurstolen seems far from civilisation. We only saw one person, a far cry from the usual crowded trails on the Lofoten Islands.
The Nonstinden trek with Ballstadheia and Burstolen offers a lot of variety over just 7 km. I highly recommend this off the beaten track.
Where to stay in and around Balstad?
We stayed in Download your phone In Ballstad and enjoyed a cabin right on the water. I highly recommend it – and the place is well located for many other nearby excursions including Nonstinden and Skottind.
Other options in Ballstad include Hemmingoden Lodge – Excellent rating Solsiden Brgy Robur – A well-priced apartment with a living room and a kitchen, with a great rating.
Interested in more great trips in the Lofoten Islands?
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