Lyngen - The Norwegian Alps
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In the northern part of the Scandinavian lands rise a 90 km mountain range of beautiful white landscape, which, not for nothing, is named after the famous iconic European ridge. The Lyngen Alps are a unique landscape and a tremendous alpine climbing playground, containing around 140 glaciers with summits up to 1833 meters.
The Lyngen Alps offer a very special combination of steep Alpine mountains and coastal scenery.
In summer, this Alpine landscape attracts mountaineers and hikers from all over the world. In winter, the Lyngen Alps are known as Norway’s finest destination for summit skiing trips. It is home to Jiehkkevárri (1834 meters), exciting mountain flora and a rich birdlife. The Lyngen Alps have protected status in order to preserve this characteristic mountain area, which has more than 140 glaciers. The area has a special geology, as well as cultural relics that tell the story of Sámi, Norwegian and Kven history.
Glaciers and mountain summits
With its glaciers, moraines, valleys and other geological phenomena, the area is one of Norway’s most distinctive mountain regions. In many places, the mountain massif has deep valleys that cross the peninsula. The gabbro in the former soafloor that now makes up the mountain range (an example of what is termed an ophiolite) is one of the most extensive examples in Scandinavia. The central Alpine part of the Alps is made up of gabbro and other hard rock types that do not easily erode and weather. The lower-lying areas of the peninsula consist of a number of less resistant rock types, including mica schist, phyllite, dolomite and quartzite.
The meeting of the three tribes
The population of the peninsula has largely been moulded by the ‘Meeting of the Three Tribes’, with its Norwegian, Sámi and Kven culture.
Several of the small bays on the peninsula have been permanently inhabited since Neolithic times. The permanent population has lived on a combination of fjord fishing, agriculture and hunting. Because of its proximity to Finland and Sweden, the area has been a border and a meeting place for cultures, people, trade, religion end major powers. Reindeer husbandry has been practiced on the Lyngen peninsula since the 18th century. The Sámi and Kven cultural heritage is evident from the place names and legends throughout the peninsula.
A world of adventure for mountain pioneers
The population of the peninsula has largely been moulded by the ‘Meeting of the Three Tribes’, with its Norwegian, Sámi and Kven culture.
Several of the small bays on the peninsula have been permanently inhabited since Neolithic times. The permanent population has lived on a combination of fjord fishing, agriculture and hunting. Because of its proximity to Finland and Sweden, the area has been a border and a meeting place for cultures, people, trade, religion end major powers. Reindeer husbandry has been practiced on the Lyngen peninsula since the 18th century. The Sámi and Kven cultural heritage is evident from the place names and legends throughout the peninsula.
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