Summer turns in the Lyngen Alps of Norway

With a certain virus traveling around the world borders have been shut down. When spring arrived I found myself isolated in Finland and unable to head North on my seasonal migration. Once the borders finally officially opened I was one of the first cars traveling across the border to get my Summer turns in the Lyngen Alps of Norway.

Making my way Through Customs

The day the border opened coincided with the day the mosquitoes arrived in Northern Finland so it was time to leave. I was one of the first cars driving to the border. On the Finnish side it was an easy crossing as the customs officer just wanted to see a Finnish I.D. After that we chatted in Finnish about Kilpisjarvi and he was blown away that I could even speak in Finnish.

The Norwegian customs was even more astounded that I could speak Finnish. It started with “what are you doing here?” to which I responded “Hanging out with friends, snowboarding and some biking” after that it was friendly chats. “How can you speak that crazy language?” so I taught him a few swear words and was on my way.

As soon as I made my way to Lyngen Fjord I was blown away by how green it was. I’d been here many times but it was always with snow. Like Finnish Lapland there are two main seasons (Summer and Winter) with 15 smaller seasons within them.

After a night of rest my friend Samppa and I came up with a plan to get some Summer turns. Since we were at the height of the midnight sun we would start late in the afternoon. It was decided to head for Rundfjellet a peak I had toured during my first season in Lyngnen.

There were two options, we could take the trail on one side of the river or the other side. With everything melted we knew a river crossing could be impossible so we went for the harder trail. For the next few hours we were sidehilling on steep terrain and clawing our way to the alpine.

Making it to the main upper basin we were finally on the snow. It was time to take the boards off our backs and start skinning.

We kept skinning upward trying to make it into the sunlight. It wasn’t cold but we kept chatting that we would take a small break once in the sun.

Making it to the sunlight we skinned up our intended line. The weather was looking good and there was no race against the sunset. It was a relaxing day getting Mid June Summer turns in the Lyngen Alps.

Once on the last flats of the summit plateau we were looking upon the Lyngen Alps. Each mountain could keep someone busy throughout a season.

Summer Turns in the Lyngen Alps

At the summit we sat around for a bit taking in the views and eating some food. Soon it was time to start riding our 1000 meter fall line run down to the valley before hiking back out.

It’s weird how the sun affects snow. The upper flat areas were still firm but once we got to the steeper areas it was much softer. It’s crazy how much the direct angle of the sun on snow changes its consistency.

On the main headwall we were aware of causing wet slides going one at a time. Samppa traversed to a nice section causing a slide but being far above it. Then he let loose having beautiful style with every turn making his way down.

Making our way down the lower slopes it was still nice and soft snow as we charged towards the valley below.

We rode all the way to the creek and after a few seconds of looking for an easy creek crossing we decided to head back the way we came. Our boards were back on the packs and we made our way down. Sometimes we found the trail and sometimes we lost the trail loosing elevation steadily.

For the next few hours we made our way towards our car at the end of the valley. It was a great trip all together and we found some fun summer turns in the Lyngen Alps.

Heading to Kågen for Summer Turns

I was in bed around 4 in the morning sleeping through the early day before getting up. Around noon I was moving around and packing my bags. My friends David, Samppa and I decided to head out to Kågen. The idea was to check out Store Kågtinden and have a camping spot on the sea.

Once on Kågen we found a spot to camp and packed our backpacks. Skinning up to the main lake where the glacier fed it we couldn’t find a safe spot across the lake. We came up with an alternative plan to climb the next peak to the north then traverse over to the upper slopes.

Making our way to the traverse point we kept watching a massive cornice at the top of our line of interest. By now the sun was cooking the slopes and we knew the cornice could break at any time. We chatted back and forth for 15 minutes of what to do before deciding to turn back. It would have been too dangerous to take the chance climbing below said cornice.

Turning around we would take the same route back. All around us was open sea with mountains rising straight from the shores.

Riding down the upper section we had a small bit of steeps before hitting the flats. Both Samppa and David were on skis so they could easily make it up to the last col. Being a snowboarder I boot packed next to them and got my gear together for a run back down to camp.

Riding down towards the sea is always a wild experience. We found great turns on the steep headwall before riding down to the snowline. Soon we were hiking back towards camp and happy with our decision.

At camp we took in the views and chatted over the next day. My main reason in Norway was to hang out with friends and that is what we did. Snowboarding just happened to be a bonus.

Biking on Mannfjellaksla

I was a bit reluctant on going biking as the locals of Lyngseidet have been working on world class trails and I was a beginner. Patrik who is the owner of Magic Mountain Lodge and Samppa wanted to check out Mannfjellaksla and were kind enough to loan me a dual suspension bike for the day.

While it was a beautiful day the trails were way above my minimal skills. While Patrik and Samppa rode fluidly I was hanging onto the brakes. By the time we got to the cars my legs were shaking but I was happy my collar bone was still in tact.

Last Night in Northern Norway

After arriving in the car park and putting the bikes away it was time to say goodbye to Patrik and Samppa. It was time to make my way towards Finland as I had planned a two week bike ride and needed to get ready.

Driving through Lyngen Fjord I found a trail head and short trail which would provide a scenic camping spot. I quickly threw food and overnight gear in my backpack and made my way up to Ráigebákti before setting up camp.

During WW2 when the Germans had occupied this area they set up a super canon at this location. It had a clear view of the surrounding area and built a road up which is now the trail. From my spot I took in the afternoon sun enjoyed my last night in Norway.

Although brief it was a great time hanging out with friends and getting Summer turns in the Lyngen Alps. Every valley surrounding this fjord is a lifetime of adventures and is all around a special place.