Lyngstuva/Iddu
Lyngstuva sits at the very edge of the Lyngen peninsula. Here, you can experience the mountain landscape while getting a fantastic view of the ocean and the islands beyond, including Nordfugløya.
There is a public parking lot in Russelv with information and restrooms. Along the path out to Lyngstuva, there are both Sámi and Norse cultural relics that echo the early settlements in the area. There is information about these cultural relics along the path, and a number of the cultural relics are also marked so that they can be found in the terrain.
The path is easy to walk on and is well-suited for families with children. At Lyngstuva, there is a lighthouse and an old, simple lighthouse cottage that is open to everyone.
Lyngstuva. Photo: Oddrun Skjemstad
The area in Sørlenangsbotn is well suited for hiking with the whole family. Photo: Eivind Rinde
Sørlenangsbotn
At Sørlenangsbotn, there is a public parking lot with restrooms, information, tables, benches and a bonfire spot.
In this area you can, in addition to the protected landscape area, experience Sørlenangsbotn nature reserve and Stormyra Nature Reserve.
Sørlenangsbotn Nature Reserve has one of the most untouched beach meadows in Troms. This is an area where you can see a great number of wetlands birds during the spring and fall migration, but it is also a nesting and growing area for many species. There is also a beach fen and extremely rich fens with many interesting species. The area is of international botanical and national ornithological value.
Stormyra Nature Reserve is a fen complex and wetlands area that serves as highly important nesting and feeding grounds for birds.
One of the most visited attractions in the area can be found in the protected landscape area, namely Blåisvatnet, which has been named the world’s bluest lake. Blåisvatnet sits approx. 4 km from the parking space in Botn and you go through spectacular landscape with many marks left by geological processes. Here you can find locally deposited frontal moraines and a fossil rock glacier. In this area, you can also find a concentration of terminal moraines spanning over a longer time period than in any other place in Norway.
An alternative trip in the area takes you to Aspevatnet. Aspevatnet sits just 1 km from the parking lot and features a gapahuk (lean-to), outdoor restroom, benches and bonfire spot. Aspevatnet also has the characteristic blue colour indicating that there is a lot of meltwater from the glaciers in the lake.
Botnelva is also a protected watercourse.
Blåisvatnet. Photo: Jim Are Skogheim
In Lyngsdalen. Photo: Oddrun Skjemstad
Lyngsdalen/Vuošvággi
This is the access point for the highest mountain groups in Lyngsalpan, and one of the access points for the highest mountain in Troms and Finnmark, Jiehkkevárri – 1834 masl. Lyngsdalen is also a starting point for the popular peak Daltinden/Njallavárri (1530 masl.) The valley is easy to walk through and the nature in the valley is magnificent. At Dalbotn, you can see three glaciers at once: Vestbreen, Midtbreen and Sydbreen. From the parking lot at Furustua in Furuflaten, you can go up the valley on both sides of the winding glacial river Lyngsdalselva. There are two bridges over the river, at Njunneroggi and Váraš. You can rent cottages sitting in the valley, or spend the night in a tent or hammock. From Lyngsdalen, you can take the trip over to Steindalen, Kvalvikdalen, or head in to Veidalen and over to Goverdalen on the west side of Lyngsalpan. Note that there may be a major landslide hazard in Lyngsdalen, and that the glacial rivers may be dangerous to cross.
The valley has been used by many Norwegians, Kveni and Sámi people for hundreds of years, and so there are many stories and legends associated with the valley.
Steindalen/Gievdanvággi
Steindalen features a parking lot and restroom, tables, benches and information. The Steindalsbreen glacier can be found at the heart of Steindalen. This is the easiest glacier to walk to in Lyngsalpan. It is approx. 6 km from the parking lot to the glacier. A clear path takes you all the way to the glacier. It is possible to walk on the glacier ridge, but do not go up onto the glacier on your own if you do not have experience walking on glaciers. You must bring safety equipment if you are glacier hiking.
Along the path, there are signs with information telling you about flora, fauna, local place names and myths. The area also features a lot of exciting geology, and there are also information signs at many of the geological formations showing and explaining what you are seeing. Up at the glacier, you can follow the glacier’s path as there are many signs showing where the glacier was a few years ago.
On the trip to the glacier, you pass Steindalshytta. This local association cottage can be rented. The cottage sits at the tree line where the green, lush valley reveals itself.
Steindalen. Photo: Oddrun Skjemstad
Coffee bonfire in Goverdalen. Photo: Rune Benoninsen
Goverdalen
This is the easiest way to the highest peak, Jiehkkevárri, at 1834 masl.
Goverdalen is a starting point for summit skiing trips to Jiehkkevárri, Bálggesvárri or up to the peaks around Steindalsbreen. You can also reach the easternmost peaks in Lakselvtindan via Goverdalen.
Parking options, signage and other facilities are still a little lacking in this area, but there is a small parking lot by the bridge over the Goverelva river. Here, you first follow a tractor path. This is replaced with a good, marked path as you move on. Just at the border of the landscape conservation area, there is a gapahuk (lean-to), where you can enjoy the view of Goverelva, Dalbotn and the massif around you.
Goverdalen is a U-shaped valley with moraines, terraces and glaciers
Elvevoll
The trip up Elvevolldalen or Langdalen is well-suited for the whole family. There are several alternative hiking options in this area, which were named the best hiking trails in Troms in 2019.
You can park your car at Vestersidasentret. At the parking lot, you can also find information about the area in Elvevolldalen. The first section of the trail is on a wonderful forest path. At Skáidi, there is a gapahuk (lean-to) and restroom. It is also possible to cross the river over a lovely bridge in this area. The marked trail can be taken as a round trip, or you can choose to turn around and go down the same way you went up. The trail is also prepared with bridges and footbridges.
Elvevoll is also the starting point for an ascent to the peak of Stalloborri (692 masl), or the more demanding trail to Østre Guhkkesgaisi/Langdalstind (1308 masl). It is also possible to make a trip through Langdalen to Djupen in Lakselvbukt, known as “friarstien” (“the suitor’s trail”). This is an old trail through the massif, and many have found their lifelong partners on the other side of the mountain.
In this area, you can experience forests, valleys, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and high mountains.
The waterfall between Øvervatnet and Nervatnet in Elvevolldalen. Photo: Marie Angelsen