Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Places to Visit in Norway in 2016
Photo: Kjetil M. Samuelsen
Experience Lyngenfjord by bike When thinking of the Lyngen Alps, your thoughts might wander off to snow-decked mountains and the aurora borealis. But while there is no doubt that the Lyngenfjord and its surrounding area is a winter paradise, the midnight sun makes it an attractive destination even during the summer months. By Andrea Bærland | Photos: Visit Lyngenfjord
“Actually, Skibotn by the Lyngenfjord has established itself as one of Norway’s top destinations for mountain biking,” says Georg Sichelschmidt, CEO at Visit Lyngenfjord. He explains that one of the reasons is that weather-wise, Skibotn is actually the fifth-driest place in Norway, and due to its fairly mild climate the cycling season begins as early as the beginning of May, when many other destinations in northern Norway still have snow. One of the most famous routes in Skibotn’s surrounding area is Lavkaløypa, which is 68 kilometres long and takes the riders both high and low, from Kitdalen and all the way up to 800 metres above sea level, through the Lavkadalen and down again to the Skibotndalen. “Parts 82 | Issue 88 | May 2016
of the route resemble a mountain trek, but the route is very clearly marked and suitable for most. But it is definitely a day trip,” Sichelschmidt says of the scenic route, where sights of the famously majestic Lyngen Alps will be on the horizon. Lavkaløypa is also home to northern Norway’s largest mountain bike race, held in mid-August each year. It is a race that attracts professionals from all over Scandinavia, as well as eager amateur cyclists that are up for a challenge. In contrast to Lavkarittet, Skibotn and Strandbu Camping host the downhill festival Stifestivalen the following weekend. Stifestivalen is a much more laidback affair, Sichelschmidt explains. “It is
a weekend for cyclists who appreciate a good hill and a good time. It’s not a race, it’s a festival.” Guided trips along some of the most scenic single trails along the Lyngenfjord are essential components of this festival, combined with rocking up a good party with cycling buddies. Strandbu Camping, which serves as the festival area for Stifestivalen, offers cabins for rent as well as tenting lots and parking for caravans for visitors throughout the year. Whether you are looking to test your limits in an epic race, attend the festival or just take in the majestic views of the Lyngen Alps at your own pace, Skibotn and its surrounding area has plenty of good mountain biking trails to explore during the glorious months of midnight sun.
For more information about what Lyngenfjord has to offer, please visit: www.visit-lyngenfjord.com