When you’re mountain biking in the Lyngenfjord region, you don’t have to worry about the lifts not working – as there are no lifts. To ride the mostly natural trails here, you’ll have to cycle, push, and carry your bike uphill. The total freedom you’ll feel, and the fantastic views you’ll get of fjords, mountains, and glaciers, are so worth it, though.
A wide variety of trails lead from the sea and into the mountains, and the most sustainable and suitable ones are listed in the Mountain biking guide – selected trails in the Lyngenfjord region. Note that hikers also use the trails, and remember that the farmers and reindeer herders were here long before the mountain bikers. Be considerate and polite.
Get into the zone in Lyngen
Go biking on the natural and scenic trail in Nord-Lenangen, or ride the most developed routes in the area from Lyngseidet, a short ferry trip from Olderdalen. Guides can show you the best trails, and you can rent full-suspension bikes and fat bikes.
Be social in Storfjord
The famous mountain biking destination Skibotn has a dense network of trails where it is easy to meet other bikers. But you can also venture into the wilderness here in Storfjord, with or without a guide. In August every year, you can participate in the singletrack festival Skibotn stifestival, which has been arranged since 2013. No competitions, but lots of fun!
Mountain biking in Lyngenfjord.
Photo: Rene Wilhelm
Attack the trails in Kåfjord
In the Kåfjorddalen valley behind Birtavarre, you’ll find some really exiting trails. This is also the only place in the Lyngenfjord region where you can take your bike on a shuttle, up to 700 metres above sea level. If you want to take it easy, enjoy the scenic views of the mountains from Olderdalen. Guiding available.
From Kåfjord, you can also take a ferry over to the Lyngseidet trails.
Rad riding in Nordreisa
From Storslett, the largest village in the region, you can get into Reisa, one of Norway’s lesser-known national parks. Here you can bike on all-natural trails as you enjoy the round-shaped mountains of Nordreisa. Guides can tell you about both the terrain and the local Sami culture.
Go long-distance biking in Lavkaløypa
The 68-kilometre-long mountain bike trail Lavkaløypa starts in Hatteng in Storfjord and runs through the Kitdal valley up to about 800 metres above sea level. It then descends into the Skibotndal valley and ends up in Skibotn. The trail follows the same route as the mountain biking race Lavkarittet.
Fun at all altitudes
The Lyngenfjord region with the Lyngsalpene mountain range, the Reisa national park, and the island around Skjervøy is also known for sustainable outdoor activities based on pure fun. Enjoy a hike under the midnight sun or watch the northern lights dancing, go fishing or bungee jumping or join a fjord safari or a riverboat tour into Reisa. In-between all this, you get to eat delicious local food.
The trail code
Manners and common sense on the trail
Having great trails to ride on is not a right, but a privilege. The Norwegian organization for mountain biking (NOTS) urges everyone to be considerate of the trails. Here are the most important guidelines for summer trail wit.
1. Be considerate and give way for pedestrians.
2. Limit your speed, don’t be a danger or nuisance to others.
3. Don’t make new trails.
4. Don’t ride on vulnerable trails right after heavy rainfalls.
5. Don’t make the trail wider.
6. Carry your bike through marshlands to prevent deep grooves.
7. Don’t lock the rear wheel when you ride down steep hills.
8. The biker riding uphill has the right of way.
Quick facts
Season
The season runs from late June to late September.
Lift
None, but there is a shuttle service in the Kåfjorddalen valley.
Trail grading
Green, blue, red, black, double black.
Natural trails …
… come with natural obstacles. You may encounter fallen trees, water erosion, landslides, and other hazards. Many of the trails in the region also require good mountain biking technique and both map reading and wilderness skills.
Bike rental
You can rent bikes several places in the Lyngenfjord region.
Courses and guiding
Professional guides offer lessons and tours at all mountain biking destinations in the region.
Take nothing, leave nothing
Lyngenfjord is a certified sustainable destination. Respect the clean and vulnerable Arctic nature. Don’t use an e-bike in the nature reserve, and only ride on trails that are marked in the trail map.
Plan your trip to the Lyngenfjord region
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