Lyngen Alps, a place of wonders
Lyngen alps, one of the true gems in Northern Norway. A stunning landscape, with high peaks soaring towards the sky, the tallest Jiehkkevárri reaching 1834 meters tall. A landscape similar to that of Lofoten, but with taller more unforgiving mountains. A place to create big memories.
Not the biggest peninsula in terms of size, but its mountains speaks for themself. When entering its domain a sense of respect should be present. Many lives has been lost in these mountains. Avalanches being a big contributor to those numbers.
How to travel to the Lyngen Alps
How to get there is pretty easy, there are three main ways to enter its domain. If arriving in Tromsø by plane, and renting a car, the shortest way is through Breivikeidet and ferry over to Svensby. This gives you access to the northern part, but also the southern part if you travel by car past Lyngseidet, a small town laying in the connection of the two parts. If travelling from the south, you can either take the road on the east side up from Nordkjosbotn, taking you up to Lyngseidet and beyond. Or you can take the western road from Laksvåg, this road stops where the narrow fjord cuts in at the center of the peninsula. All these roads will take you to stunning nature. You can purchase hiking and backcountry guide books that will give you good directions for what you want to visit.
Lyngen being what it is, If you are not travelling with someone familiar to the area especially in the winter. I would really recommend hiring a local guide. There are plenty of options to choose from doing organized trips in the summer and winter, located in Tromsø and in Lyngen. This way you can maximize your potential of making the most of your trip.
Summer or winter
Lyngen is probably most popular to visit during the winter. Its landscape is quite naked, and the mountainsides are valley floors are covered in moraine and rock debris. The south part of Lyngen has better flora than the northern part. Since moraine is harder to travel through, visiting in the summer can give some challenges. But there are many sights to visit during the summer that is very much worth it.
Summer hikes
A very popular place to visit during the summer months is Blåisvannet. A small lake formed in the moraine, with crystal clear blue glacier water.
Shortest route if travelling from Tromsø is with the Breivikeidet-Svensby ferry. Taking the road north towards Sør Lenangen. Here there is a large parkingspot. A good spot to camp if you are staying more than a day. Can be a busy place during the summer months.
The hike up to the lake is not long or hard. But you are travelling through a moraine bed, so good shoes are recommended. For more peace and quiet you can cross the river about 2/3 up, here it is not so deep and crossing is easy. Coming up to the lake, you are now away from the tourists and its also a good place to camp. Firewood is quite scares up there so bring a burner of some sorts if you want to camp.
From Furuflaten on the eastern side, just south of Lyngseidet, you can hike up Lyngsdalen. This takes you to the eastern side of the Jiehkkevárri massive. The hike is about 6 km ut to the Lyngsdalcabin, a good starting point for smaller hikes, if you are staying longer. The cabin is available to rent, check visit-lyngenfjord.com for more information. Here you can witness a beautiful river system carved out from the glacier rivers. There are good trails leading up the valley. The river can run heavy on hot summerdays, and after heavy rainfalls. Be careful if crossing. When you get up to the valley floor you can see three glaciers and Lyngen tallest peak. A stunning place, not to hard to get to.
Winter activities
In the winter, Lyngen becomes a paradise for the avid backcountry skier or snowboarder. Here you can test your skills in big mountain terrain.
Riding in any backcountry terrain, requires skills other than in a resort. If you are new to backcountry skiing, Lyngen is maybe not for you. Lyngen is not for the faint of heart, and you better be ready. Yes there are lines easier than others, but in general this is big mountain terrain with often complex winter snow conditions.
Lyngen and the Troms region is very prone for avalance danger and there are casualties each year. Being a humid but cold region, winter snow can last long into spring time. Spring slush snow is often not seen well into April-May. Take your precautions, bring the correct gear and rent a guide. These guides travel the mountains on a daily basis and know
how the snow is evolving. For tips and trips, you can buy the book "The Lyngen Alps". It contains both backcountry skiing trips and winter iceclimbing routes. The book is available in most book shops and sports shops in Tromsø.
Travelling to the Lyngen Alps in Northern Norway is an unforgettable experience that offers stunning landscapes, incredible outdoor activities, and a chance to see the Northern Lights. From hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter, there's something for everyone in this magical mountain range. With a range of accommodations available, including luxury lodges and cozy cabins, visitors can experience the beauty of the Lyngen Alps in comfort and style. Visit-lyngenfjord.com is a good place to start for planning your trip to the place of wonders.
Happy travelling,
T.
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