At the northernmost tip of Lyngen peninsula in Norway, hides a little red cottage, Lyngstuva. On a summer hiking trip to Lyngstuva Lighthouse, you can admire coastal walks and landscapes, discover the historic site, and experience the incredible midnight sun and blazing sunset.
Lyngstuva has served as a strategical landmark between East and West. The area has been an important base for fishermen and seal hunters. Around Lyngstuva, there have been turf hut settlements already in the Late Stone Age.
At the tip of the Lyngen peninsula, you can walk casually along the windy coast and have adventures on the exciting cliffs. Lyngstuva dayhike is perfect for a rest day, if you are on a trip to hike and summit the high mountains.
Lyngen Peninsula
The Lyngen Peninsula or the "Lyngen Alps" are located in Northern Norway between Tromsø and Alta. The alpine landscape includes unique rugged and sharp mountains and sparkling turquoise fjords and coastal landscapes between the mountain ranges. It’s a short drive from Northern Finland's Kilpisjärvi to Norway's Lyngen region.
On the Lyngen peninsula, you can find lots of great hiking routes and camping sites, from short and easy day trips to more challenging and long hikes to glaciers and mountains. A road trip is the easiest way to get the most out of Northern Norway's landscapes and hiking trails.
In addition to Lýngstuva, other destinations worth visiting that are suitable for a day trip include e.g. Blåisvatnet and Aspevatnet, Dalberget and Storhaugen, Hengen waterfall, Barheia, Steindalsbreen and Raikebakti. However, I went to Raikebakti in the summer of 2022, when there was a landslide warning in the area. Already at the beginning of the journey, several signs warned of landslides, and the terrain looked so scary with fallen trees and boulders that I didn’t hike the trail.
Arrival at Lyngstuva
If you come by car from Tromsø, you can cross the fjord with the Breivikeidet - Svensby ferry. You should be queuing for the ferry well in advance. From Svensby, the road turns north towards Lyngstuva. There is also a wonderful Blåisvatnet hiking trail along the way.
At Fagervoll, the road turns towards the Storvollen bridge. The village has a Joker grocery store (where you can get delicious buns!) and a gas station. You can drive road 314 past Nord-Lenangen until the end of the road.










Camping and parking at Lyngstuva
The road to Lyngstuva roughly ends at the River Russelva. There is a small parking lot at the end of the asphalt road. The rest of the road is a bumpy dirt road. You can park your car in the meadow on the side of the road. There is also a dry toilet in the area.
There is flat grass along the shoreline where you can pitch your tent. In Norway, wild camping is allowed as long as you camp at least 150 meters (492 ft) away from buildings and there are no other instructions about staying overnight in the area.
On the beach strip of Russelva, one of Lyngen's finest sea views opens up from your camp towards the sunset. At least in good weather, you should be prepared for the fact that the beach is full of tents.
Lyngstuva - hiking trail
The winding six-kilometer (3.7 miles) route runs on relatively flat terrain and the trail is clearly marked. An easy hike of a few hours is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
The Lyngstuva trail starts as a wide dirt road near the beach and gradually narrows into a path. Right at the beginning of the route, there is a large information board, where you can also find an accurate map of the Lyngstuva area and the hiking route.
The board provides you with information about the old oil production in the pits. During the hike, you can also notice signs of an ancient Sámi settlement, as long as you look around carefully.
The stony trail curves to the right and up the slope. There is a higher mountain on the right side of the path, and a low hill on the left.
The gentle slope is quickly climbed. From the plateau in the direction of the arrival, you can see the tent village in the bay and the fine snow-capped mountains in the horizon. Lyngstuva Lighthouse is located behind the smaller hill.
If you want to go directly to the Lyngstuva cabin, continue from the platform to the left on the path leading over the rocks. The path to the right and down leads to the shipwreck. Rusty parts of the ship lie along the shore cliffs. You can peek inside the wreck through the large hole in the bottom.
The last stretch to Lyngstuva winds along the slopes of the beach cliff. The trail is graveled in places. The little red cottage stands out against the blue sea from afar on top of the cliffs.










The lighthouse of Lyngstuva was built in 1921. The small cabin next to the lighthouse functioned as an oil warehouse where the oil was stored in the winter. The red cabin can be visited all year round, the door is not locked. You can also stay overnight in Lyngstuvan cottage, you can use a ladder to reach the loft.
From Lyngstuva, the tip of the Lyngen peninsula, wonderful panoramic views open to the sea, the fjords and the islands of Reinøya, Karlsøya, Vannøya, Arnøya and Skerjvøya, among others. Outside the summer season, Lyngstuva is a great place to watch the northern lights.
The coastal rocks invite you to a relaxing picnic. You can hear seagulls screaming, while the wind ruffles your hair. It’s a moment to remember during the cold winter days!
You can also go back to Russelva via the beach. A clear path can be seen on the beach. First, you descend to the sandy beach, from where the path continues up to the rocks. At one point you have to climb in a fairly airy spot, and it may not be easy for a short person.
If you don't want to climb or are afraid of high places, don't take the beach route. In any case, you can get variety on the way back by taking a different trail than on the way up - there are several paths crossing the slopes.
- Hiking tip: Both Blåisvatnet and Lyngstuva are easy and they are located close to each other. You can hike one route in the morning and another route in the afternoon in one day!