Hiking in the Lyngen Alps

We meet at Tromsø Airport and travel together to Lyngseidet. At the Magic Mountain Lodge, we check into our rooms and get to know each other over dinner. We discuss the plan for the week and take a first look at the weather forecast for the days ahead.

Rønestinden – A Scenic Hike Above the Lyngenfjord

This full-day hike from Lyngseidet leads to Rønestinden, a quiet and spectacular summit with breathtaking views of fjords, glaciers and the Arctic Ocean. The trail starts right in the village, climbing through birch forest and moss-covered slopes before emerging above the treeline into the wide-open mountain landscape of the Lyngen Alps.

The route is unmarked and follows natural terrain, adding to its wild and authentic character. Step by step, the hike climbs through rocky ground, always accompanied by stunning views of the deep-blue Lyngenfjord. From the summit, you'll enjoy a magnificent 360-degree panorama stretching across the peaks of the Lyngen Alps and the islands of the Norwegian coast.

This is a moderately challenging hike, ideal for experienced hikers looking to discover the true spirit of Northern Norway—peace, vast landscapes and untouched Arctic wilderness.

Duration: approx. 5–6 hours
Ascent: approx. 800 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Unmarked trail, rocky sections and remote mountain terrain – a true highlight for nature lovers.

Lyngstuva – Hiking to the Northern Tip of the Lyngen Peninsula

At the northernmost point of the Lyngen Peninsula lies a truly special place: Lyngstuva, where the land ends and the Arctic Ocean begins. This easy to moderate hike takes you through wide-open coastal landscapes, across soft moss, past small streams and weather-shaped rock formations, with constant views of the open sea.

The trail starts in Russelv and follows a gentle climb towards the north. With every step, the horizon opens a little more—the Arctic Ocean stretches out ahead, while the rugged peaks of the Lyngen Alps rise behind you. At the end of the trail stands the small lighthouse at Lyngstuva, proudly overlooking the sea. Here, you'll experience the true spirit of the Arctic: fresh sea air, the sound of the wind and a remarkable sense of peace.

From the cliffs, you'll enjoy sweeping views across the Norwegian Sea, surrounding fjords and the glacier-covered mountains to the south. It's the perfect place to pause, take in the scenery and simply enjoy the moment.

Duration: approx. 3–4 hours
Ascent: approx. 250 m
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Coastal trail with gentle climbs, remote landscapes and spectacular panoramic views.

Steindalen – Hiking to the Steindalsbreen Glacier

Steindalen is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Lyngen Alps—a place where you can feel the power of nature with every step. The hike begins at the end of the valley, crossing a small bridge before following a gentle trail through open birch forest. Before long, the landscape opens up to reveal snow-covered peaks, glacial moraines and crystal-clear streams.

The trail follows the path once carved by the glacier itself, through a landscape shaped by ice over thousands of years. Crossing soft moss-covered ground and small mountain streams, we gradually approach Steindalsbreen, one of the most impressive glaciers in Northern Norway.

The glacier terminates in a small turquoise lake, where towering walls of ice rise above the water. On quiet days, you can hear the glacier creaking and the meltwater rushing beneath the ice—an unforgettable Arctic experience. Here, we take time to rest, enjoy the scenery and capture the spectacular surroundings.

Duration: approx. 4–5 hours
Ascent: approx. 300 m
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Well-maintained hiking trail with gentle gradients and spectacular glacier scenery.

Storhaugen – Panoramic Views Across the Lyngen Alps

In the morning, we take the ferry from Lyngseidet to Olderdalen. Even the crossing is part of the adventure, as the rugged peaks of the Lyngen Peninsula rise directly from the fjord, creating one of Northern Norway's most iconic landscapes.

From Olderdalen, we continue by car towards Djupvik before starting our hike. The trail climbs gently through birch forest and soft moss-covered terrain. As we gain altitude, the first panoramic views over the deep-blue Lyngenfjord begin to unfold. Higher up, the scenery becomes even more spectacular, with glaciers, towering peaks and the Arctic coastline stretching into the distance.

At the summit of Storhaugen (1,142 m), we're rewarded with one of the finest viewpoints in the region. The entire Lyngenfjord lies below us, the dramatic peaks of the Lyngen Alps dominate the western horizon, and to the east the landscape gradually opens towards the vast wilderness of Finnmark. Few summits offer such an impressive perspective of the wildest and most glaciated part of the Lyngen Alps.

We return along the same trail, enjoying ever-changing views of the fjord, the mountains and the Arctic light. Back in Olderdalen, there's time for a well-earned coffee before taking the ferry back to Lyngseidet—a perfect day of hiking in Northern Norway.

Duration: approx. 5–6 hours
Ascent: approx. 1,000 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Well-maintained mountain trail with spectacular panoramic views over the Lyngenfjord and the Lyngen Alps.

Jægervatnet to Fastdalen – A Remote Crossing Through the Lyngen Alps

Our hike begins on the peaceful shores of Jægervatnet, where the lake reflects the surrounding peaks of the Lyngen Alps. After just a few steps, we leave the tranquil shoreline behind and enter the wild mountain landscape of Northern Norway.

Crossing clear streams, rocky slopes and wide stretches of soft moss, we make our way through the remote Russedalen valley. The route follows natural terrain over gentle passes and ancient glacial moraines, surrounded by rugged peaks and untouched wilderness. It's a place of remarkable solitude, where nature still feels completely unspoilt.

At the highest point of the crossing, spectacular views open up across the valley lakes and all the way to the sea. From there, we descend into Fastdalen, passing crystal-clear streams and lush moss-covered slopes. After hours immersed in the silence of the mountains, we reach Fastdalshytta, where we stop for a well-deserved break before continuing back towards civilisation—a fitting end to a day spent in the heart of the Lyngen Alps.

Duration: approx. 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Terrain: Mostly off-trail through remote mountain terrain
Highlights: Untouched wilderness, a beautiful mountain pass and spectacular panoramic views.

Furuflaten to Kvalvikdalen – Across the Wild Heart of the Lyngen Alps

Our hike begins in the small village of Furuflaten, at the entrance to the broad Lyngsdalen Valley. Following the river, surrounded by steep peaks and lush green slopes, we experience one of the classic landscapes of the Lyngen Alps. The route starts gently along the valley floor, passing ancient birch trees, clear streams and soft carpets of Arctic moss.

Gradually, we leave the valley behind and climb onto wide-open mountain plateaus. The landscape becomes more rugged, quieter and increasingly remote. Crossing rolling hills and passing small mountain lakes, we continue north through untouched terrain. There are no marked trails here—only the natural contours of the landscape and the wind sweeping across the high plateau.

Beyond a gentle saddle, we begin our descent into Kvalvikdalen, a secluded valley surrounded by dark cliffs and crossed by crystal-clear streams. Here, the mountains close in once again, and the wilderness reveals its peaceful, untamed character.

This hike offers a true experience of the Lyngen Alps: vast open landscapes, complete solitude and the raw beauty of Arctic nature that can only be discovered on foot.

Duration: approx. 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Terrain: Mostly off-trail with occasional faint paths; suitable for experienced mountain hikers with good navigation skills.
Highlights: A spectacular transition from valley to mountain plateau, views of glaciers and fjords, and remote valleys in the heart of the Lyngen Alps.

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the lodge and your mountain guide accompanies you back to Tromsø or the airport.

The best time for hiking in the Lyngen Alps is from mid-June to the end of September. During the height of summer, you'll enjoy the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun, while from late August onwards the mountains begin to glow with the vibrant colours of Arctic autumn. With a little luck, the first Northern Lights may already appear from September, adding another unforgettable highlight to your hiking adventure in Northern Norway.

The Lyngen Alps are among Norway's most spectacular hiking destinations. Few places combine rugged mountain peaks, deep fjords and the open sea in such a dramatic setting. The landscape is diverse, unspoilt and rewards every hike with breathtaking panoramic views.

Thanks to their remote location in the far north, the Lyngen Alps remain far less crowded than many of Norway's better-known hiking regions. Even on the most popular routes, it's common to meet only a handful of other hikers, allowing you to experience the silence, solitude and untouched beauty of Arctic nature in a way that has become increasingly rare in Europe.

During our hiking weeks in the height of summer, the Midnight Sun is the main attraction. With daylight around the clock, the sky never becomes dark enough to see the Northern Lights.

From late August onwards, as the nights gradually become darker, the Aurora Borealis returns. That's why I adapt the hiking programme in late summer and autumn to the shorter daylight hours. We spend our days exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Lyngen Alps, while the evenings and nights offer excellent opportunities to experience the Northern Lights in Norway.

If you'd like to combine hiking with the chance to see the Aurora Borealis, you'll find more information about my guided Northern Lights hiking weeks in the Lyngen Alps here.

The Lyngen Alps are located around 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, giving them exceptionally long summer days. From mid-May until the end of July, the sun barely sets, allowing us to experience the magical Midnight Sun and enjoy outdoor activities around the clock. Even in August, daylight lasts well into the evening.

• Mid-June to mid-July: 24 hours of daylight (Midnight Sun)
• Early August: around 19–20 hours of daylight
• Late August: around 16–17 hours of daylight
• Mid-September: around 13 hours of daylight

These long days give us maximum flexibility. We can adapt our hikes to the weather and conditions without feeling rushed, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Lyngen Alps. From late August onwards, the nights also become dark enough for a chance to see the first Northern Lights of the season.

I've been spending several months each year in the Lyngen Alps for many years, and the region has become my second home. This allows me to know not only the area's most popular hikes, but also many hidden viewpoints and quiet places far from the usual trails. With this local knowledge, I can adapt our hiking programme each day to the weather and conditions, ensuring we experience the very best of the Lyngen Alps.