Circular Brurstolen, Ballstad, Vestvågøya, Lofoten

Departure from the small car park at Ballstadlandet.

(S/E) Take Kræmmervikveien opposite and join the dyke where the road turns left towards the small port island of Gjermesøya.

(1) Just before this, turn right onto the path. Walk past the large cod drying racks to reach the coastal path, which is stony, tiring, unmarked, and winds around larger rocks, alternating between small ascents and descents. Walk for about 2 km to reach the tip of Brurstolen.

(2) The path climbs steadily around the tip of Brurstolen, offering a new view of the sea passage with Flakstadøya Island.

(3) Continue along the trail and begin the steep 235 m climb, with more or less large zigzags, to the pass. Follow the path through the short grass and enjoy the 360° views from this sloping plateau to its northern end.

(4) Continue along the path heading south, overlooking Ballstad, to reach the staircase made of 384 slabs, built by Nepalese workers.

(5) Take this staircase and continue along a more traditional path to reach Ballstad harbour. Once at the bottom, turn left onto Kræmmervikveien Street and follow it to the end (S/E).

Although the automatic duration indicates 3 hours and 5 minutes, allow for 5 hours instead... and bring water.