Guide to hiking Delp and Matmora Lofoten Islands

If you’re looking for Lofoten hikes that don’t get super busy, Delp and Matmora in Lofoten could be a good option for you.

These two hikes are slightly off-the-beaten tracks that most people visit when they’re in Lofoten. Located on the northern tip of Austvågøya, Matmora is one of the most scenic mountains in eastern Lofoten and Delp offers some of the views for a lot less effort.

The hike is usually done as a thru-hike from one trailhead to the other, but can easily be done as an out-and-back or loop trail by walking along the road at the end of the hike.

We hiked to Delp and back as we visited Lofoten in winter with very few hours of sunlight. However, we could see Matmora ahead and it looked like it would make a great summer hike in Lofoten!

Read more: Top tips for your Lofoten trip

How to get to the Delp hike and Matmora trailhead

The Delp Matmora hike is often done in its entirety as an out-and-back trail where hikers start at one end and finish at the other.

Usually, this involves you having two cars so you can get picked up at whichever end you finish at.

However, you can also hike out to Matmora from either trailhead and then hike back down the same way. Or hike along the road to whichever end you left your car at.

Another option (which is what we did since we visited Lofoten in winter with few hours of daylight) is to just hike to Delp and back for an easy hike in Lofoten.

For both options, the trailhead is on Midnattsolveian.

For the hike straight to Matmora without stopping at Delp, you’ll want this trailhead (68.36036626012135, 14.482175755101022). For the hike to Delp and then onto Matmora, it’s this trailhead (68.4016375486971, 14.502466594386462).

Both trailheads are marked on Google maps as ‘Matmora trail head’ and are signposted from the road.

Things to know before hiking in Lofoten Islands

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

Before you go on a hike in the Lofoten Islands, make sure you pay attention to the following:

• Always practice leave no trace ethics. Not sure what those are? Get a refresher here.
• Remember to respect the terrain, environment, and other users while you are enjoying the trails.
• Follow the three Ts—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials.
• Don’t leave home without your 10 essentials. They could save your life!
• Do not walk off the trail – this damages the environment which is very fragile and leads to trail closures being put in place.
• Read up on the Lofoten Code of Conduct to minimise your impact.

Hiking Delp and Matmora Lofoten

We started from the trailhead past Lauvika and made our way up to Delp.

The trail gets steep very quickly and you’ll need to navigate your way over rocks and tree roots sometimes using your hands to pull yourself up or steady yourself.

Read more: Hiking Eltofttuva near Leknes

This steep climb goes on for about the first 1.5km of the hike but there are a few areas where the land flattens out and you can enjoy a view of the beaches and sea behind you, as well as over to the town of Laukvik Lofoten.

After 40 minutes to an hour, you’ll come out to a plateau where you can see a ridgeline stretching in front of you and Matmora off slightly to the right.

There are many worn-down trails at this point. We stuck towards the left where there was a large rock, a hiker guest book and a cairn.

Then we continued walking along the ridge line, admiring the beautiful colour of the water down below.

There are several viewpoints along the way and it really is incredibly beautiful.

When we hiked this in mid-November there were permanent sunrise colours in the sky which just made it even more spectacular.

If you’re ending your hike here, simply go down the way you came. If you’re continuing on to Matmora, read on!

Read more: Hiking Reinebringen in Lofoten

Matmora hike

From the plateau ridgeline of Delpsheia, you can carry on towards Matmora which you can see in the distance.

At the far end of the plateau is a ridgeline that leads you up towards Matmora.

Here, you actually have two options.

One, choose the path that’s more exposed along the ridge line or, two, choose the lower down path that’s much less exposed.

Pick any of the trails as head south then make a slight right turn to head to the first high point in the distance which is marked with a cairn.

There’s a trail to the left of the ridge here and you’ll descend slightly.

The descent doesn’t last long though before you’re really hiking uphill!

You’ll come out to a small pass and the main ridge of Matmora will be clearly visible in front of you.

Follow the most obvious trail which stays along the ridge line.

As you come closer to the summit, the ridge gets flatter and then you’ll be able to see the summit cairn!

Enjoy the gorgeous views of Eastern Lofoten at the summit and, when you’re ready to head back down you have a choice.

To return to the other trailhead from where you started, continue following the trail that goes the opposite way to the way you came. This drops you back down onto the road near Rangeldalen. If you’re walking back to your car from here it’s 6km of easy walking along the road.

If you’re heading back the way you came, just follow the same trail you took up to Matmora.

Whichever path you choose, I strongly recommend stopping off at Kafe Naust in Laukvik for some food and a drink! It’s such a lovely cafe.

Details for the Delp and Matmora hike

For the whole Delp to Matmora hike as an out and back finishing and starting at different places, these are the details:

• Distance: 9.8 km
• Elevation: 842 m
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

If you’re just going up to Delp, then the details are:

• Distance: 5.4 km
• Elevation: 465 m
• Duration: 1.5-3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Read more: The Eggum to Unstad hike on the coastal path

What to pack for hiking Delp and Matmora in Lofoten?

The Delpsheia hike in Norway, like many Scandinavian hikes, requires proper preparation due to the varying weather conditions and challenging terrain.

You can learn more about what to pack for hiking in my packing guides and familiarise yourself with the 10 essentials.

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying top and bottom. Ideally, choose merino wool or synthetic materials.
• Insulating layer: Fleece jacket or a lightweight down jacket.
• Waterproof and Windproof Layer: A breathable rain jacket and rain pants.
• Hiking pants: Quick-drying and stretchy.
• Hiking socks: Preferably woolen or synthetic, bring multiple pairs.
• Hiking boots or hiking shoes
• Hat: Both for sun protection and warmth (beanie).
• Gloves: Waterproof and insulating.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: Essential for high-altitude UV protection.
• Buff or neck gaiter: Versatile for warmth and wind protection.
• Hiking backpack: 20-30L capacity with a rain cover.
• First-aid kit: Include blister treatment.
• Multi-tool or knife: Useful for repairs and food prep.
• Headlamp: With extra batteries.
• Hydration: Water bottles or hydration bladder. Consider a water filter or purification tablets.
• Nutrition: Trail mix, energy bars, and packed meals.

FAQs onthe Delp Lofoten Hike

Final thoughts on Delpsheia Lofoten

This guide to the Delp and Matmora hiking trail has included everything you need to know about one of the best hikes in Lofoten Norway. From the Matmora hike, Lofoten has you can go all the way to Matmora, or shorten the trail and go only as far as Delp Norway.

You’ll get beautiful views out over the ocean, bridges, nearby islands, and the towns below you as is fairly typical of most Lofoten hikes.

If you’re planning to do the Delpsheia hike, then be sure to check weather and trail conditions before you go, and always carry plenty of layers including those that are waterproof and windproof as the weather in Lofoten can be very unreliable.

If you’re staying in Lofoten, be sure to check out these guides to where to camp in Lofoten, as well as this best Lofoten beaches guide. I’ve also got guides on the best things to do in Henningsvaer too. And, if you’re visiting Lofoten in winter like us, be sure to check out this guide to how to see the Lofoten Northern Lights!

If you want more Norway hiking guides like the Matmora Delp hike, I’ve plenty from our few months spent exploring the north. I’ve also got guides to hiking in Senja, and Tromso hiking guides.

Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Hannah