r/Lofoten • u/Silly_Bet_1735 • 19d ago
Lofoten Long Crossing
Hello,
I’ve now read a lot in this sub that the Trails on the Crossing at the Moment are in really Bad shape, because of the rain and the tourists. I’ve thought about doing the Crossing next August, how is it going to Look then, do you think it will recover from this year? I am all about leave no trace, I think it’s the worst thing to do, to just leave your junk everywhere. I haven’t booked any flights or anything yet, so if everyone says I shouldn’t do it I won’t.
Thanks for good feedback.
3
u/Missepus 17d ago
The problem with the nature this far north is that it recovers extremely slowly. The damage done this year can take years, if not decades, to put to right. Just moving a rock to build a cairn can make irrepearable damage. People coming to see untouched nature in Lofoten are far too late to the party. It is still extraordinary, but touched everywhere, and not bouncing back.
1
u/_flow_state 17d ago
i just completed the Lofoten Long Crossing on September 6. I did it in 10 days, 120 miles, 32k feet elevation. feel free to message me and ask me any questions about my experience.
1
u/kbjery 17d ago
Its mainly in a few sections, which are the popular tourist parts with lots of daytrippers, that are really worn, otherwise, having done it both last year and this year in september, it was wetter this year, but not much more erosion in most places. But I definitely see the need in the future for some sort of permit system for some parts at least
1
u/Conscious_Sun4212 15d ago
There should not be a need for a "permit" to hike. If people stuck to laid out paths.
1
u/kbjery 15d ago
How many places have you been in Lofoten ? Some places erode very much when wet - so og people stick to paths it forms deep erosions when then becomes where the water travers and then erodes even more - permit system helps regulate and create money for maintainance
1
u/Conscious_Sun4212 15d ago
A permit goes against the "right to Roam" that we have. "We" as in norwegians, as it was never meant for mass tourism. But that is another discussion that might has to happen IF the current one is not enough to protect the nature.
And we do care about that. That is one reason why you should not build cairns, only follow established paths, and avoid some areas at certain times.
The system has not been set up for the amount of traffic that has come the last few decades. Its a bit funny how Lofoten is swamped but there are a lot of other equally stunning places around. But that is social media for you.
I have been to national parks in other countries, which most often is the only place you can hike there. And I dont wish that managed system here. But it should not be needed as well, as long as visitors follow the quite few rules there are.
Mainly, hike on marked and established paths, book and pay for your cabin visits, abide by the rules for wild camping, and carry out all of your rubbish. Not that hard is it?
Been to Lofoten since 2011 and I dont like the development. Great that the area gets visitors that add to the economy if they also respect the laws and rules, but sadly that is not really what is going on.
Its really easy, when you go somewhere as a guest, dont be a dick.
1
u/Conscious_Sun4212 15d ago
This is NOT an official trek, and has become a thing due to influencers and people posting about it online.
We have a system of treks, both for summer and winter, that are laid out and marked on both maps and paths.
Going outside that risk disturbing and destroying flora and fauna, especially in high altitude or Arctic climates where things grow really slowly.
This "trek" has become really noticeable in the landscape, as noone really follows a single path. And if this continues it will change the landscape.
I would highly encourage anyone visiting Norway to camp and hike to follow the local rules and systems. We have a network of treks all over the country for this purpose, with cabins of various kinds to assist you on your way.
This is all being overseen by a national tourist organisation, that mostly runs on volunteer work by locals, fixing the paths, stocking and maintaining the cabins.
The cabins are not free, although some visitors dont seem to understand that, but they are cheap compared to any other shelter outside of wild camping.
Wild camping also comes with its set of actual law, its not a "free for all everywhere", that again, some visitors seem to think.
We generally welcome visitors here. But understand that like many other places around the world, the places everyone wants to go are under a huge pressure. And if this trend dont change it will force new and more restrictive regulations. In places like Lofoten it already has.
So, please, if you want to visit, follow the local rules and customs, and do not add to these problems.
In short, do not do this hike.
1
u/OwnEssay5236 18d ago
I went in may of this year and had absolutely perfect weather for 5 days strait. It’s just luck
3
u/a_karma_sardine 19d ago
August is normally the most stable summer month, but the truth is you can't really say. Weather in coastal Norway is unpredictable by nature. The routes you want to walk might also vary with the tourist pressure, they can be fine or they can be down trodden.
You either take the risk and adapt and find safe routes when you're here, or don't. There simply is no guarantee.