Lyngseidet between the Lyngen Alps and the fjord

Lyngseidet lies on the shore of the Lyngenfjord and is surrounded by the Lyngen Alps. The mountains and fjord shape the character of the place; at the same time, fascinating questions about the landscape meet a complex local history here. If you are looking for a holiday home in Lyngseidet, you can consider whether hiking and mountain views or the history of the place and region should be the defining feature of your holiday.

Between the fjord, the Alps and protected landscapes

Near Lyngseidet, the Ullsfjord practically divides the Lyngen Peninsula in two. This geographical location makes the village an interesting starting point for experiencing the fjord and alpine landscapes of the area. In the wider region, the Lyngen Alps Landscape Protection Area, established in 2004, encompasses glaciers, moraines, valleys and geological deposits. Those interested in how mountain landscapes form and in their diversity will find a different focus here than on a holiday centred primarily on local history.

The trails also offer different perspectives. The Lyngentrappa leads from the fjord up through the mountains to Verdens ende. From there, you can enjoy views of the Lyngenfjord and the Kåfjord Alps. A longer hike runs from Lyngseidet via Lyngentrappa and Verdens ende to Rundtinden. It is 5.2 kilometres long, with a stated walking time of four to five hours. This distance and time estimate help you plan your day accordingly, but do not imply a walking time for other routes.

Hiking destinations and activity ideas

Skihytta is located just above Lyngseidet and offers beautiful views of the Lyngenfjord. It serves as a resting place before you continue into the mountains and has firewood and cooking equipment. The trail to Skihytta is marked from the car park beside the ski hut on Sommarsetveien. For a trip focused on mountain scenery and hiking, the hut and the described route to Rundtinden offer different options.

In the centre of Lyngseidet, Elektro-Sport rents out ski equipment, e-bikes and mountain bikes. A guided kayaking tour starts nearby at Solhov. A guided fat-bike tour also starts at Solhov and takes you through and around the Lyngen Alps. When choosing a focus for your trip, you can distinguish between a hike, a guided tour and an activity using a rental bike, rather than treating these offerings as a single circular route.

Local history and regional culture

Lyngseidet was a privileged trading post and received town rights in 1789. The town’s history also includes its first church, which had just one room: it was built in 1731 in Karnes and moved to Lyngseidet a few years later. Lyngen Church is located in the town centre. Trade, town rights and the relocated church illustrate different stages in the town’s history.

Other historic buildings include Giævergården and its garden, designated a protected historic site in 1995, as well as the old bakery. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the town and was listed for protection in 1982. Across the wider Lyngen Alps area, numerous cultural heritage sites illustrate Sámi, Kven and Norwegian culture and history. If you would like to include cultural topics alongside nature in your holiday plans, you can distinguish between local history and the regional perspective offered by these cultural heritage sites.

Getting around and travelling to the area

Centrally located Prestelvparken is considered the green heart of Lyngseidet. Opposite the ferry terminal stands Gollis, a nine-metre-high plastic Santa Claus. This unusual figure is a distinctive feature of the townscape. An activity area called Treasure Island was also planned for Prestelvparken: it was to be located on a park island accessible via a suspension bridge. This plan should be distinguished from the hiking and cultural activities already described.

For travel to the area, ferry route 190 connects Lyngseidet with Olderdalen. If travelling from Tromsø by bus or car, you cross the Ullsfjord by ferry between Breivikeidet and Svensby. Bus route 150 also runs from Tromsø or Alta to Lyngseidet. Together, the ferry route and bus route 150 connect Lyngseidet with places and starting points in the region. Lyngseidet may be a particularly suitable choice when looking for a holiday home if you want to combine fjord and alpine scenery, hiking destinations and local history in one stay.

More destinations: Nord-Lenangen, Svensby, Lyngen, Kvalvik.

Return to the main travel overview: Lyngen.