Lyngen
Ski mountaineers, photographers, and aurora chasers seeking dramatic scenery without the crowds
About Lyngen
The Lyngen Alps rise dramatically from the Lyngenfjord in northern Norway, creating one of the most spectacular aurora backdrops in the world. At 69.5°N, this remote peninsula sits firmly inside the auroral oval, offering exceptional northern lights viewing from October through March with polar night blanketing the region from late November. The jagged peaks — some rising to 1,800m — are reflected in the glassy fjord waters, giving photographers an almost impossibly beautiful foreground. Lyngen has long attracted serious ski mountaineers who come to descend powder couloirs directly into the sea, but the growing tourism scene now offers guided aurora tours, fjord cruises, and visits to the local Lyngen Alps Distillery. Smaller and quieter than Tromsø (just 90 minutes north), Lyngen rewards travellers who seek pristine wilderness over urban convenience. Wildlife including sea eagles, reindeer, and occasionally orca can be spotted year-round. An increasingly popular alternative for those who've done Tromsø and want something wilder.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -6°C | 20h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -5°C | 16h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -3°C | 10h | High |
| Apr | +1°C | 4h | Low |
| May | +5°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +10°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep★ Best | +7°C | 6h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | +2°C | 12h | High |
| Nov★ Best | -2°C | 18h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -5°C | 20h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Fly to Tromsø Airport (TOS), then 2h drive south along E6 and E8. Ferry connections across the Lyngen fjord. Bus service available from Tromsø.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Mountain lodges
- ✓Fjord cabins
- ✓Aurora chalets
Location
💎 Hidden Gem
Lyngen is one of PolarTourist's hidden gems — a lesser-known destination that offers an exceptional aurora experience without the crowds.
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $160/day in Lyngen. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Aurora Distillery Cabins
Årøybuktnesset 44, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
hotel
Lyngen North
Spåkenesveien 281, Spåkenesveien 281, 9153 Rotsund, Norway
hotel
Lyngsalpan cruise
Fv312 500, 9068 Storvoll, Norway
lodging
Magic Mountain Lodge
Stigenveien 24, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
hotel
Lyngen Lodge
Lyngenfjordveien 799, 9146 Olderdalen, Norway
hotelViking Cabins at Lyngen
Ørnes, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
hotelXLyngen
Lenangsveien 2344, 9068 Nordlenangen, Norway
hotelSolhov
Solhovlia 10, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
castleSorheim Brygge
Strandveien 30, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
lodgingLyngseidet Gjestegård AS
Kjosveien 14, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Zapffe Cafe
Ullsfjordveien 1064, 9064 Svensby, Norway
cafe
Bøteriet Restaurant
Lenangsveien 2344, 9068 Nord-lenangen, Norway
restaurant
Restaurant Solvind
Spåkenesveien 281, 9153 Rotsund, Norway
restaurant
Lyngen North
Spåkenesveien 281, Spåkenesveien 281, 9153 Rotsund, Norway
hotel
XLyngen
Lenangsveien 2344, 9068 Nordlenangen, Norway
hotelEmmer av Eliassen Matkunst
Sandnesveien 30, 9068 Nordlenangen, Norway
restaurantKoppangenBrygger
Lyngsalpeveien 1515, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
lodgingGo2 Arctic Grill
Strandveien 10, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
restaurantArtic-Lyngen Sjøcamp (Lyngenfjord Camping)
Gambukta 159146, 9146 Olderdalen, Norway
camping cabinLyngseidet Gjestegård AS
Kjosveien 14, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
hotel🎯Things to Do(10)
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Team Lyngen Tours
Karnesveien 216, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
tourist attraction
Kayak Lyngen
69.5591459149399, 20.220204909485652, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
tour agency
Lyngen Husky Safari
Ullsfjordveien 389, 9064 Svensby, Norway
point of interest
Lyngen Outdoor Experiences
Hovedveien 26, 9062 Furuflaten, Norway
point of interest
Rein Tur Ut
Lyngenfjordveien 876, 9060 Lyngseidet, Norway
tourist attractionNorwegian Travel - Aurora Alps
Slettmovegen 173, 9027 Ramfjordbotn, Norway
point of interestLyngen Outdoor Center Uloya
Uløybuktveien 19, 9197 Uløybukta, Norway
ski resortThe Green Adventure
Dramsvegen 72, 9009 Tromsø, Norway
tour agencyLyngen Experience
Lenangsveien 1656, 9068 Nord-lenangen, Norway
lodgingLyngsfjord Adventure
Camp Tamok, 9334 Øverbygd, Norway
travel agencyNearby Destinations
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Jukkasjärvi
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Abisko
Aurora purists who want scientifically the clearest skies on Earth for northern lights viewing
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