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.
- Adventure Lodge
- 9 rooms
- Full Board
- Over 12s welcome
- Closed: 1 Mar 2025 - 31 May 2025
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Electric car charger
Rooms
The lodge houses nine rooms, which are all similar in size, look and layout. Some rooms face the fjord, others face the mountain; you’ll pay more for the sea view, but it’s not significant, so worth the stretch in our opinion.
The look is smart but understated, with hues of dusty pink, sage green and emerald flowing throughout. Beds can be set up as doubles or twins, and they come with thick bedspreads for keeping toasty on chilly nights. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and simple white tiling – some might find them a tad clinical in design.
If you're coming with older children, there's a Quadruple Moutain View room with two extra beds - a bit of a squeeze for four people perhaps, certainly fine for three.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- WiFi
Eating
Standard rates include all meals during your stay - and the food is reportedly excellent.
Dinners are taken in the triple-aspect restaurant, which gazes out over the fjord and looks wonderfully romantic at sunset, as the sun dips beneath the mountains and a rouge band spills across the sky. Lunches are taken either here or (if you book an activity) at a scenic spot in the form of a packed lunch or picnic.
The food showcases local products, such as smoked salmon from a neighbouring smokehouse or local shrimps caught just off the coast. Dinner might be fresh fish from the fjord or lamb from the surrounding mountains, and we hear the wine list is fab (though note that alcoholic drinks are not included in the full-board price). Come breakfast time, expect freshly baked rolls and hearty fare to keep you fuelled for the day’s activities. There's afternoon tea with biscuits and cakes, too; you won't go hungry here.
Features include:
- All meals included
- Bar
- Restaurant
Activities
- WINTER:
- The Northern Lights Experience (Sep-Mar) takes you to a secluded tent in the woods, where you’ll set up camp for a few hours to watch the show
- The Lyngen Alps are fantastic for skiing, and there are special ski packages which include all transport and expeditions with local guides
- You’re in one of the best places in the world for whale watching (Nov-Feb). Boat safaris depart from Nord-Lenangen, and you might spot sperm whales, humpbacks or orcas
- Speed across the snow on a dog sled, reindeer sled or snowmobile
- Learn about nomadic Sami culture on a guided tour to meet the locals
- Warm up at the lodge – dip in the hot tub, or admire the view from the sauna
> More details on Winter Activities
SUMMER:
- Go kayaking on Jaegervatnet Lake (20 mins from the lodge), which is surrounded by stunning mountains
- Go sailing through the fjords and then dock at Havness on Uloya Island, Norway’s northernmost trading post, where you can go for a wander and learn about the history
- Go cycling around Lyngen - trails lead straight from the lodge
- Take a 3km Midnight Sun Hike to Lyngstuva Light House, where there’s a panoramic view of the islands, the surrounding fjords and the Fugloysundet strait
- Or explore topaz-blue Blåisvatnet Lake hidden amid Alpine peaks, but a very manageable 4km hike from the lodge
- Go on a fishing excursion around the fjords and try your hand at catching cod, coalfish, haddock or mackerel
- Taste the whisky at Aurora Spirit Distillery, the northernmost distillery in the world
> More details on Summer Activities
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Dog sledding
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Kayaking
- Private guided tours
- Skiing
- Traditional cultures
- Trekking
- Well being
- Whale watching
- Whisky tasting
- Wildlife
Kids
Over 12s are welcome here, but bear in mind that some activities are quite strenuous, while others start early or finish late (better for 16+). But some of the stunning summer excursions - the Fjord Sailing trips, the hike to Blåisvatnet Lake, the Riverboat Experience, local kayaking and cycling trips - would be unforgettable for outdoorsy teens aged 13+. There's not much to do in the evenings apart from spectacular star-gazing - or Northern Lights chasing in winter - plus of course instagramming the day's adventures, and plotting the next one!
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
There's a quadruple room, but it's a tight squeeze so you're probably better off booking two rooms if coming with more than one child.
Kids Activities on site:
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Lyngen Experience is located on the coast in Nord-Lenangen, just under 90km north of Tromsø.
By Air:
Fly to Tromsø. From the UK, this may require a connection in Oslo.
From Tromsø airport:
It's a journey of about 2 hours, by road and ferry, to reach Lyngen. We'd recommend booking one of the hotel transfers - either via minibus, private boat, car or helicopter. Alternatively you can self-drive - first to Breivikeidet (45 mins), then ferry to Svensby, then on to the lodge (30 mins) - but you won't use the car much during your stay at Lyngen.
If hiring a car, see our rental recommendations. EV charging is available.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Tromso Lagnes 90.0 km TOS
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 8.0 km