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Discover Lyngen: Active adventures in stunning Arctic nature

Marie Peyre
Marie Peyre - [email protected]
Discover Lyngen: Active adventures in stunning Arctic nature
Photo: Anna Riebelova/Visit Lyngenfjord

Never heard of Lyngen? Well, let's rectify that. A short drive from Tromsø in Arctic Norway, Lyngen, with its soaring peaks and deep fjords, has much to offer visitors. Our travel editor Marie Peyre picks out the best bits.

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Lyngen in summer
 
Hiking opportunities abound in Lyngen, and walking in the midnight sun (from 20 May to 22 July) is a really special experience. Make for one of the many summits in the area: Dalberget, Svarteberget, Bollmansveien and Storhaugennames are all good choices for panoramic views. Or opt for a gentle walk along the seashore such as the one to picturesque Lyngstuva. More seasoned mountaineers might want to join a glacier hike - guides are available locally. More info on hiking here.
 

Lyngstuva. Photo: Hanneke Luijting
 
Mountain biking is another activity enjoying increased popularity in Lyngen, and Skibothn now even has its own MTB festival, Skibotnstifestival, held in August every year (17-20 August 2017). For experienced riders, the Lavkarittet (also held in August) is an annual race over the mountain between Hatteng and Skibotndalen. It is 68km long. 
 

Photo: Visit Lyngenfjord
 
Want something to really get the adrenaline kicking? Try bungee jumping from the Gorsa Bridge, which spans a 153m deep canyon in Kåfjord. The jumping site itself is very scenic (it is Europe's narrowest bungee site), as is the hike through the forest leading to it. 
 
Photo: Lyngenfjord Bungee
 
Riddu Riddu, Norway's largest international indigenous festival, takes place in Kåfjord every summer, attracting artists from around the world, but also showcasing local talents. Interested in Sami culture? The Centre for Northern People in Manndalen is worth a visit too. 
 
 
Riddu Riddu festival. Photo: Ørjan Bertelsen
 
Lyngen in winter
 
The Lyngen Alps are a world-class destination for ski-touring: here you will find great snow and fantastic fjord views. The season starts in March and continues well into spring, with April being peak time. For winter visitors not into skiing, there are plenty of other options too, like dog-sledding, reindeer-sledging, ice climbing and snowmobiling. 
 

Ski touring in Lyngen. Photo: Simon Vunelli/Visit Lyngenfjord
 
Lyngen is also a great base to join a whale-watching tour in winter - big humpback whales and orcas (killer whales) usually arrive in October, hunting for herring, and typically remain in the area until the end of January. Witnessing these giants during a feeding frenzy is quite a spectacle. 
 
Did you know?

Recently opened in Årøybukt, half-way between Lyngseidet and Koppangen, Aurora Spirit is the world's northernmost whisky distillery. There are tours daily in winter, and on weekdays from early July to the end of November.


Photo: Jem Burrow/Nightscape Photography

Eat
 
Both Lyngen prawns and lamb are hailed as among the best in Norway. Fish here is excellent too, as you would expect, straight from the cold, pristine waters of the Lyngenfjord. Why not catch your own? Book a fishing trip to catch halibut, cod, haddock, sea wolf or coalfish, or try ice fishing in winter.

Sleep

Strandbu Campsite in Skibotn (the base for the Skibotnstifestival), Lyngen Lodge in Olderdalen, Sørheim Brygge in Lyngseidet and Lyngen Havfiske in Nord-Lenangen are all good options.
 
Alternatively, and for maximum flexibility, rent a camper van. Take Me Away, based in nearby Tromsø, will help you make the most of your trip. 

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