Lyngen: Fjords, Mountains and Culture
Accommodation in Lyngen
Lyngen covers the northern part of the peninsula between Ullsfjord and Lyngenfjord. Here, the Lyngen Alps rise from the fjord, with peaks reaching more than 1,000 metres. Alongside the mountains, you’ll find hiking destinations, historic farm buildings and cultural sites that tell the story of settlement over many generations. This gives you a range of ways to shape your stay around your interests – from mountain scenery and excursions to regional history and whisky.
Mountains and fjord define the landscape
The Lyngen Alps are characterised by the difference in elevation between the fjord and the mountains. Their highest point is Jiehkkevárri, at 1,834 metres. For those interested in the landscape, this provides a specific point of reference: the mountain is the highest point in the Lyngen Alps, whose peaks rise more than 1,000 metres overall. This mountain landscape offers a different focus from the peninsula’s cultural history or a visit centred on food and drink.
Lyngstuva also offers a view of the region’s natural surroundings. From there, panoramic views extend across the surrounding fjords and islands. The round trip is about 6 km; allow approximately two hours for the entire route. These details give you a specific reference point when planning an excursion to Lyngstuva during your holiday.
Hikes with varied scenery
At Blåisvatnet in Sør-Lenangen, the focus is a lake with an intense blue colour. Its blue contrasts strongly with the steep mountain slopes in the background. The round trip to the lake is approximately 8 km, and the hike is considered suitable for the whole family. Compared with the approximately 6 km route to Lyngstuva, this is the longer walk; the destinations also differ in the scenery described: here, a lake and steep mountain slopes; there, panoramic views of fjords and islands.
A 14 km glacier hike in the heart of the Lyngen Alps is another option for active days out. It complements the shorter routes to Blåisvatnet and Lyngstuva, offering another choice depending on the distance you’d like to cover.
Farm history and cultural sites
Gamslett, a traditional fishing farm, is located in Svensby, in the municipality of Lyngen on Lyngenfjord. The farmstead and its collection offer insight into how fishing farmers adapted their way of life to local conditions. The site includes several historic farm buildings, as well as a garden with traditional plants and trees from the region. This offers a different way to experience Lyngen than the hikes: the focus is on farm life, buildings and the traditional use of regional plants.
Sámi, Kven and Norwegian cultural sites are located in the area between Russelv and Lyngstuva. They bear witness to settlement over many generations. If you’d like to discover the region’s diverse cultural heritage as well as its landscapes, these sites offer a distinct focus. The Gamslett farmstead and the cultural sites represent different aspects of local history: the traditional way of life of fishing farmers on the one hand, and the heritage of several cultures in the area between Russelv and Lyngstuva on the other.
Whisky and a specific location
The Aurora Spirit Distillery, the world’s northernmost whisky distillery, is located in Årøybukt in Lyngen. Aurora Spirit offers tours and tastings. The Arctic Whisky Experience includes three complimentary tastings from a small selection of carefully chosen in-house spirits. This food and drink experience adds another option to the natural and cultural attractions to consider when planning your trip.
When choosing a holiday apartment, you can first decide which of these interests you’d like to shape your stay around. Svensby is the specific location for Gamslett, while Årøybukt is the location of the Aurora Spirit Distillery. To explore more places in Lyngen, find the local pages here for Lyngen, Lyngseidet, Nord-Lenangen, Svensby and Kvalvik.
For the broader travel overview: Troms.
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