Lyngen Alps

Located 300 km (186 miles) into the Arctic Circle northeast of the city of Tromsø, the Lyngsalpene (Lyngen Alps) are a 90-km (56-mile) range of untamed mountains stretching from Lyngenfjord in the south and heading north to Ullsfjord almost on the border with Sweden. They form a spectacular landscape of deep gorges, gleaming icy glaciers and wild, boulder-filled rivers, with cliffs rising sharply up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) from the sea.
With the highest mountain of Jiekkevarre reaching 1,833 meters (6,104 feet), in winter the Lyngen Alps are a paradise for experienced climbers and extreme skiers. Their gentle, lower slopes become a snowy haven perfect for dog sledding, snow safaris and spotting the elusive Northern Lights, which dance merrily across the winter skies. In summer the mountains are illuminated by the eerie glow of the midnight sun; sailors flock to the calm, sheltered waters of the fjords; and fishing becomes the most popular sport as the rivers and alpine lakes teem with salmon and trout. There are easy hiking and cycling routes around Svensby and Lake Jægervatn, with the chance to spot birds of prey wheeling in the thermals, reindeer and elk munching on summer grass and even the occasional lynx or wolf.

Practical Info

The Lyngen Alps lie 50 km (30 miles) east of Tromsø; the road trip involves driving the E8 and RV91 to Breivikeidet before catching the ferry to Svensby.