Description »
A trek for the adventurous in the far north of Norway
In a country with no shortage of stunning scenery, the Lyngen Alps region is justly famous as one of the "jewels in the crown". Offering world-class ski touring in wintertime, Lyngen is also a paradise for hiking - a fairytale landscape of mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, sweeping valleys and rivers gushing with melt water from the snows above.
This is a demanding hike suitable for those with previous experience of multi-day hiking with a backpack. Each night you will choose a suitable spot to make camp, cooking dinner together and enjoying the long summer evenings of the Arctic.
From glaciers to valleys to dramatic mountain peaks, Lyngen offers some of Norway's most spectacular scenery. Photo: AWG.
Hike and wild camp the full length of the Lyngen peninsula
Lyngen has a number of short trails popular for day hikes, but a multi-day trek really is the best way to appreciate the wild beauty of this magical region. The tour will immerse you in both the wild nature and more cultural landscapes of the Lyngen area.
Hiking Expedition in the Lyngen Alps will take you on a traverse from south to north along the full length of the Lyngen peninsula, beginning from Nordkjosbotn and ending around 130km later at the Lyngstuva Lighthouse to camp by the fjord on the northernmost tip of the peninsula.
Along the way, you'll be ascending/descending around 5000m in total, reaching around 1000m above sea level at the highest point. For parts of the route you will be utilising the hiking trail network, but will also often be hiking "off-track" through mixed and sometimes difficult terrain.
The freedom to camp wild allows to you experience the true wild beauty of Lyngen far from the beaten track. Photo: AWG.
Camping equipment and provisions included
High quality tents and cooking equipment are provided, as well as a provisions pack (paid locally) for meals. Guests should bring own sleeping bag, mat and liner.
Daily distances are around 15-20km, and you will be carrying all equipment with you for the full duration of the hike (typical pack weight 15-20kg). To lighten the load a little, halfway through the tour you will pass through the village of Lyngseidet, where provisions and cooking gas can be restocked, so it is not necessary to carry all provisions for the week from the start.
With a total height gain of around 5000m, there will be plenty of ups and downs during your tour! Photo: AWG.
Convenient travel connections from Tromsø - the Capital of the Arctic
Despite the remote setting, Lyngen is easily accessible by public transport from the vibrant Arctic town of Tromsø. The start point is just an hour by local bus, and at the end of the tour another 75 minutes by bus brings you back to the city.
Scheduled tours are offered in late July/early August, but groups of minimum three persons can also book tours on other dates by arrangement between July and late September.
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Itinerary »
Daily itinerary and exact route taken will vary depending on weather conditions. Total distance covered over the week will typically be around 130km, with a height difference of total around 5000m.
Day 1: Arrival and hiking
You will need to arrive in Tromsø the day before to overnight independently before your tour begins.
Take the morning bus from Tromsø to arrive at the start point in Nordkjosbotn by midday. Here you will meet your guide for the start of the tour.
You will prepare for your trip and divide the communal equipment (tents, etc) and provisions between the participants. When ready, you set off into the mountains to your first camping spot for the week.
Days 2-7: Hiking through the Lyngen Alps
Your hiking tour will take you through beautiful valleys, across rivers running with glacial melt water, and over dramatic mountain passes.
Typical distance per day around 15-20km, with picnic lunch along the way. You will choose a spot to camp wild each night.
Day 8: Lyngstuva Lighthouse
As you near the end of your tour, you reach the Lyngstuva Lighthouse, at the most northerly point of the Lyngen peninsula. Here you camp by the fjord and enjoy the long daylight hours of the Arctic summer for your final night.
Day 9: Short hike and departure
You will make a very early start today to hike the last few km to the road in time to catch the bus which leaves at 07.46 to Svensby ferry terminal for bus back to Tromsø.
NB: There are normally only two buses daily from Svensby to Tromsø - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. While the intention is to connect with the morning bus, we recommend that you plan for a night in Tromsø after your tour in case of any difficulties or delays with local connections.
Dates & Prices»
Dates 2024
- 21.07-29.07.24
Additional private tours for groups may be possible on other dates by arrangement between July and late September. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Prices 2024
Standard Prices | |
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Per person | GBP |
Provisions package (pay locally)* | NOK |
*Provisions: Food is not included in the basic tour price, but a provisions package is provided and paid locally (card payment is accepted). This will have provisions for breakfast, lunch and dinner (from lunch Day 1 to breakfast Day 9). Participants should bring additional energy snacks, etc, for between meals. Provisions will be largely composed of ingredients dried by your guide (vegetables, beans, meat accompanied by pasta, rice, couscous, etc). Some ready-made expedition provisions may also be used. Breakfast will typically be porridge with milk powder and some extras, and for lunch when hiking you will typically have bread, noodles, couscous, etc. Everyone participates in preparation of meals and washing up. Please let us know any dietary requirements in advance.
What's Included »
Included
- Camping equipment: Tent (shared one per two persons - solo travellers will share tent with other same gender participant or have solo tent if odd-numbered group), cooking stove and fuel, cooking and eating utensils. Tents are typically 2-person Fjällräven or Helsport, weight 2-2.5kg. NB: Sleeping bag, sleeping mat and provisions are not included (provisions are provided but paid locally - see under "Prices").
- Activities: 9 days' hiking as per itinerary.
- Guide: Services of experienced guide. The guide will carry emergency safety and communication equipment (normally InReach communicator and First Aid kit).
Not Included
- Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
- Food. A provisions pack is paid for locally on arrival (see under "Prices") and will provide provisions for breakfast, lunch and dinner (from lunch Day 1 to breakfast Day 9). Participants should also bring own snacks, etc, for additional energy between meals. Please advise in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.
Good To Know »
Required
Health requirements/experience:
Suitable for adults (min. age 18) with high level of fitness and stamina who are used to multi-day hiking with a reasonably heavy backpack (typically 15-20kg/person).
The tour takes place in mountainous and sometimes steep terrain. You will be hiking through mountain passes, valleys and across rivers with a lot of ups and downs. Total distance covered will be around 130km, with an overall height gain of total around 5000m.
In parts the tour utilises the trail network, while at other times you will be hiking without trails. As with any mountain region, weather conditions can be very changeable.
You will be camping wild on all nights during the tour. Participants should have previous experience of camping and be used to living in close proximity with others.
What makes this "Hard"?
The tour is an extended hike in mountainous and sometimes difficult terrain, with wild camping also adding to the level of challenge. You will be carrying all equipment with you for the full duration of the tour, so backpacks will be reasonably heavy.
However, it is not necessary to carry provisions for the full duration of the tour from the start - there is a point to re-supply with food and cooking gas approx. halfway.
Daily distances are between 15-20km with many ascents and descents.
NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.
Equipment/clothes needed:
For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".
A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.
NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.
Preparing for your trip:
For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.
Minimum number:
This experience requires total minimum 4 persons to be confirmed to run. You are of course welcome to book as a solo traveller.
Groups
Max. group size for public tours 8 participants. This experience is also suitable as a private tour for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Eco Info
This provider has a detailed written environmental policy.
Getting There »
Getting There
See below for a summary of travel options. To learn more about how to travel to this experience, please get in touch!
Detailed information on travel will be provided in response to your enquiry. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.
NB: Please ensure that you make a booking with us first and wait for confirmation that your spaces are reserved before making any travel arrangements.
Travel Summary:
By Air:
Fly to Tromsø for local bus (approx. 60 mins) to Nordkjosbotn on arrival and bus from Svensby ferry terminal to Tromsø (approx. 75 mins) on departure.