Towering above the centre of Svolvær in Lofoten, with the well-known rock formation Svolværgeita in front, lies Fløya, a real stately mountain. This is a hike where you pass the Devil’s Gate (Djevelporten), a large rock wedged in a gorge. And not only that, there is a Sherpa staircase leading up, which goes by the name “Devil’s Staircase” (Djeveltrappa) – an attraction in itself.

Tour description

The trail leads from the parking lot and up the hillside. After a short distance, you’ll reach a sherpa staircase – or “Devil’s Staircase”. The staircase construction began in 2019 and now extends all the way up to the Devil’s Gate (Djevelporten).

These stairs make it easier to reach a higher altitude, as long as your thigh muscles allow it. Luckily, there are several nice benches along the way, where you can relax and enjoy the view.  

Fløya is Svolvær’s local mountain, and it has become even more popular with the Sherpa stairs going almost all the way up the mountain side. If you walk up to Fløya, you get a fantastic view over the city. Svolvær has 4700 inhabitants, and this is the area with the biggest population in the archipelago. Svolvær has a small airport and it is the port of call for both Hurtigruten, ferries and the express boat. In this small, big city you find a large selection of restaurants, galleries, shops and accommodation. The tourist information is at the central square, and they have plenty of tips about everything that Lofoten has to offer. What about kayaking in the harbour of Svolvær or a boat trip to the Trollfjord? You find more information about Svolvær on Wikipedia.

Parking

The hike starts right outside the centre of Svolvær. There is a parking area to the northwest of the church yard, just where the Blåtindveien makes a narrow curve. But this parking fills up quickly and it may be easier to park in the city centre.

Chose the right path 

When you come to the part where the terrain flattens out, the path splits in two directions. One direction goes to the right towards Svolværgeita, which is where you go to climb the famous mountain. If this is what you would like to do, you can find out about available mountains guides from the tourist information. 

If you are going to Fløya you follow the path that goes straight ahead. After a while the path turns eastwards and then it goes through a wide valley, which ends in a gorge between the Frosken and Fløya mountains. There is a footbridge across the marsh. The terrain upwards is quite steep and craggy.

Steep and exposed

When you reach the top of the gorge, you’ll see Devil’s Gate (Djevelporten) right in front of you, a massive boulder wedged between two mountain sides. This area is extremely steep and exposed, but the sherpa staircase takes you all the way up to Devil’s Gate. Regardless, exercise great caution on this section of the trail.

The path towards Fløya continues upwards in an arc shape along the mountain side. The path is good, but it goes through exposed terrain on the very edge of a cliff. When you arrive at the top you will have a magnificent view of the Vestfjord and Svolvær under your feet! On top of this mountain you will have plenty of space to enjoy a break. It is not possible to go down from the mountain in front of Svolværgeita – with a view towards the city. Follow the same path down or a path marked Lofoten High5 in blue and white.

If you want to reach the very highest point, you need your hands and feet to climb up a steep and challenging 2–3 metre long passage. After that, you can walk the last few metres to the top, which is marked with a cairn.

Please be aware that the steep passage can be even more demanding when you are going back down, especially in wet weather!

More useful advice

• If you require an experienced tour guide to accompany you on a hike, you may book hikes in many beautiful Lofoten mountains 
• Take care of Lofoten when you visit – read more about how to be a responsible guest

Frequently asked questions: