Cast way up in the Arctic Circle, Lyngen Experience is among the world’s most northerly hotels. And what an experience it is. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sleep beneath aurora-lit skies, get up close to whales, dog sled across snowy tundra, and ascend the great peaks of the Lyngen Alps. Few places on the planet are so remote, so beautiful, and so otherworldly.
The lodge perches on the banks of Ullsjfjord near Tromsø, gazing out over the deep blue towards jagged mountains. It's a breathtaking setting. The restaurant, decked terrace, sauna, hot tub, and some bedrooms all face that mighty view, which gets even more spectacular as nights draw in: sunsets are magical, twilights are mystical, and the Northern Lights are mesmerising as they begin their night-time dance across the winter sky. With just nine compact but comfy bedrooms, this is a cosy retreat. You’ll enjoy intimate dinners at the restaurant, where just-caught fish features heavily – some claim it’s the best they’ve ever tasted. And then by day, you’ll be out in the great wilderness: snowsports, aurora-chasing, whale watching in winter; watersports, hiking, midnight sun excursions in summer - all with fantastic, English-speaking guides. Get set for adventure at the edge of the world.
Highs
- From dog-sledding to kayaking, there's a vast array of activities on offer - to suit almost all appetites and fitness levels
- The setting and that view across the fjord really takes your breath away
- A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Northern Lights in all their glory
- We hear great things about the fresh and tasty food at the restaurant (all meals are included)
- Prebook activities and transfers from Tromsø airport, and everything will be sorted: you won't even need to hire a car
Lows
- A trip of a lifetime doesn't come cheap!
- Rooms are simple in design, but you’re here for the great outdoors so you’re not likely to be in them much
- The lodge - and the activities - are only suitable for kids aged 12+
- You’re a long way from anything here, so don’t expect much in the way of local amenities
Best time to go
The lodge is open year-round, but activities vary according to the month you visit. Come in September-March for the Northern Lights, November–February for whale watching, December-April for dog sledding or snowmobiling, February-May for skiing, June-September for summer activities like kayaking, cycling, sailing, hiking.
Our top tips
For a truly magical Northern Lights experience, book a night in their Aurora Hut, a futuristic, all-glass glamping dome set at the water's edge, with a double bed that gazes up at the night sky.
You can also join tours led by the brilliant Kjetil Skogli, who guided both Joanna Lumley and Professor Brian Cox to the Northern Lights when they filmed their BBC documentaries. He uses his extensive meteorological research and local knowledge to maximise the chances of a sighting, and has been known to predict the timings to within 10 minutes!
It’s worth downloading a special Northern Lights photo-taking app beforehand. These capture the night sky far better than your phone camera will because they use a long exposure time.
You can also join tours led by the brilliant Kjetil Skogli, who guided both Joanna Lumley and Professor Brian Cox to the Northern Lights when they filmed their BBC documentaries. He uses his extensive meteorological research and local knowledge to maximise the chances of a sighting, and has been known to predict the timings to within 10 minutes!
It’s worth downloading a special Northern Lights photo-taking app beforehand. These capture the night sky far better than your phone camera will because they use a long exposure time.