Travelling to Tromsø and Lyngen with ski luggage

Travelling to the Lyngen Alps is much easier today than it was just a few years ago.

Because my girlfriend lives in Lyngen, I travel regularly between southern Austria and Northern Norway throughout the year. Flying to Tromsø has become almost routine for me. Over the years, I've learned which flight connections work well, how to avoid unnecessary stress with ski baggage and what to look out for when changing planes in Oslo.

In this guide, I'll share the same practical tips I give all my guests before they travel to the Lyngen Alps for the first time.

Flying to Tromsø

Almost every ski touring holiday in the Lyngen Alps starts at Tromsø Airport (TOS), the gateway to Northern Norway.

Today, reaching Tromsø is easier than ever.

During winter, Austrian Airlines usually offers direct weekend flights from Vienna, while Lufthansa operates seasonal direct flights from Munich. Since the 2025/26 winter season, Norwegian has also introduced direct flights from Munich twice a week, giving travellers even more flexibility.

Whenever possible, I recommend choosing a direct flight. It makes travelling with skis much easier and avoids the additional stress of changing planes. That's also one of the reasons why I schedule my guided ski touring weeks around these direct weekend connections whenever possible.

For travellers from southern Austria or Slovenia, Ljubljana Airport can also be an excellent alternative. Parking is often less expensive than in Vienna or Munich, and convenient connections via Zurich or Frankfurt make the journey to Tromsø surprisingly easy.

Connecting Through Oslo

If a direct flight isn't available, your journey will most likely take you via Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL).

This is where many first-time visitors run into problems.

Unlike many international transfers, passengers arriving in Oslo normally have to:

• collect their checked baggage
• pass through customs
• check the luggage in again
• go through security before boarding the domestic flight to Tromsø

When travelling with ski bags, this process often takes longer than expected.

My recommendation is simple: never book a connection shorter than 90 minutes. Personally, I prefer around two hours. It makes the journey far more relaxed and significantly reduces the risk of missing your onward flight.

Travelling with Ski Equipment

Travelling with ski equipment is usually straightforward if you know your airline's baggage rules.

Most airlines allow two people to share one ski bag, provided it stays within the permitted weight limit. Two pairs of skis and poles normally fit without any problems, and there is often enough room for avalanche safety equipment as well.

One thing I always recommend is carrying your ski boots in your hand luggage.

If your ski bag is delayed, skis can easily be rented in Lyngen. Finding ski boots that fit perfectly, however, is much more difficult. Having your own boots means you'll rarely miss valuable ski days because of delayed baggage.

Travelling with an Avalanche Airbag Backpack

If you use an avalanche airbag backpack, it's important to check your airline's regulations before travelling. While most airlines follow the international IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, individual procedures can vary.

In general:

• One avalanche airbag backpack is permitted per passenger.
• The airbag must be packed to prevent accidental activation.
• Spare gas cartridges and spare pyrotechnic trigger mechanisms are generally not permitted.
• Some airlines require advance approval before departure.

Canister Systems

Compressed gas systems such as Mammut, Ortovox Avabag, ABS and Alpride are usually accepted, but often require airline approval before travelling.

Electronic Systems

Battery-powered systems such as the Black Diamond JetForce avoid many of the restrictions associated with gas cartridges. However, because they contain lithium batteries, they must comply with the airline's battery regulations.

To avoid unnecessary discussions at check-in, I recommend checking your airline's current policy a few days before departure and carrying a copy of the manufacturer's documentation if required.

Do I Need a Rental Car?

This is one of the questions I'm asked most often.

The answer depends on how you're travelling.

If you're visiting Lyngen independently, the journey from Tromsø Airport is surprisingly easy. The Svipper bus connects Tromsø with the ferry to Lyngseidet, making it perfectly possible to reach the village without a rental car. You just need to take the bus from the airport to the city and then connect to the bus that goes to the direction of Alta. All in all it takes 2 hours to get there.

If you're joining one of my guided ski touring weeks, however, you won't need a rental car at all.

I personally meet all guests at Tromsø Airport on arrival. From that moment onwards, all transfers are included. Every day we drive together to the ski touring area offering the best combination of weather, snow conditions and avalanche safety, so you can simply relax and enjoy your holiday.

My Personal Travel Tips

After many years of travelling between Austria and Lyngen, these are the recommendations I give every guest:

• Choose a direct flight whenever possible.
• If changing planes in Oslo, allow at least 90 minutes—two hours is even better.
• Carry your ski boots in your hand luggage.
• Check your airline's regulations if you're travelling with an avalanche airbag backpack.
• If you're travelling independently, the Svipper airport bus provides an easy connection from Tromsø Airport to Lyngseidet.
• If you're joining one of my guided weeks, simply meet me at Tromsø Airport and let me take care of the rest.

A little preparation before your trip will make your journey much more relaxed.

See You in the Lyngen Alps

Once you've landed in Tromsø, the hardest part is already behind you.

I'll meet you at the airport, we'll load the skis into the van and within a couple of hours we'll be standing on the shores of the Lyngenfjord, surrounded by some of the world's finest ski touring terrain.

From that moment on, all you have to do is enjoy the week ahead.

If you're looking for an unforgettable ski touring holiday in Northern Norway, I'd be delighted to welcome you on one of my guided ski touring weeks in the Lyngen Alps.. I look forward to sharing this remarkable mountain range with you.