Discover Digermulen

Digermulen brings together hiking destinations and cultural and historical landmarks in an open fjord landscape. The hike to Keiservarden, viewpoints and possible trail extensions are the focus for hikers; the church, memorial markers and canal reflect local architecture and history.

Hiking to Keiservarden

The trail to Digermulkollen and Keiservarden starts at the old ferry landing in Digermulen. It is steep in places, well maintained and secured with ropes in some sections. Allow three hours for the full hike to Keiservarden, including breaks and stops at viewpoints. The actual duration depends on conditions and your walking pace. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.

Beyond Digermulvatnet, the hike can be extended to Osen along a clearly visible trail. From the plateau behind Digermulkollen, for example, the route can continue to Snøtinden, at 637 m. On warm summer days, nearby Søndre Rødsandvatnet/Digermulvatnet is suitable for swimming; water and access conditions may vary.

Landscape and orientation

Digermulen lies at the southwestern end of Hinnøya; the ferry landing is at the southern end of Raftsundet. Trollfjorden lies in Raftsundet, between Austvågøy and Hinnøya, with Digermulen on the opposite side. Digermulen’s coastal area is an open fjord landscape with infrastructure. The island, strait and fjord provide distinct geographical reference points for orientation.

History and architecture

Keiservarden was built during an emperor’s visit to Digermulen; two stone cairns with plaques at the summit commemorate the visit. Digermulen Church is an octagonal stone church dating from 1951. It was designed by Andreas Melchior Wiel Nygaard in collaboration with Torstein Schyberg. It is considered a regionally significant cultural heritage site.

The area around the church, as well as the areas west and east of Digermulsveien and Kvitsanden, form a popular local recreation area. On Årstein, there is a stone-lined canal dating from 1887, considered a unique water-engineering structure. The church, recreation area and canal each offer a distinct point of interest alongside the hiking destinations.

More perspectives in the wider Vågan destination

The wider Vågan destination offers other distinct landscape and cultural attractions. On Gimsøya, the walk up Hoven is considered easy; from Hoven, there are 360-degree panoramic views of the Lofoten Islands’ varied mountains and the open sea to the north. Above Svolvær, a hike via the Djeveltrappa Sherpa Steps leads to Djevelporten. Henningsvær is one of Norway’s 13 protected cultural landscapes. In Kabelvåg, the Lofoten Cathedral dates from 1898; it is Northern Norway’s largest church. Skrova is known for SOPS (Skrova Outdoor Photo Spot), with permanent outdoor photo exhibitions. Check its current status if you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gimsøysand, Laukvik, Svolvær, Henningsvær, Eide, Laupstad, Kabelvåg, Skrova.

To the wider travel overview: Vågan.