Introducing Senja Island in Northern Norway

Discover Norway's second largest island. Senja is an Arctic vacation destination with hiking opportunities galore, picturesque villages, coastal drives and much more.

Sandwiched between Tromsø and the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, Senja is often overlooked by international travellers yet it’s an enduring favourite of Norwegian tourists. That’s because Senja is Arctic Norway at its natural best.

There’s plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities for the active. But if you want to take it easy, a drive around the island is an enjoyable way to spend some time on a tour of the north.

How to get to Senja

The most convenient way to reach Senja for many visitors is by ferry from Tromsø to either Finnsnes or Lysnes. It’s also possible to drive directly onto the island via the bridge from Finnsnes.

Once on Senja, head to the north of the island for the signed tourist route, which covers 63 miles mostly along route 862.

Drive the Senja national scenic route

Senja’s northern coastal road is one of Norway’s 18 designated national scenic routes, roads specifically developed and maintained as attractions by the state.

That investment keeps the roads in good driving condition and has provided restroom facilities, architectural points of interest and lookout points along all the routes. Many of Senja's most famous views and other points of interest are along the route.

Let's look at each of them. Driving from east to west, here are some of Senja’s must-see sights.

Husøy

The picturesque fishing village Husøy is a short detour from the start of the route at Botnhamn. Crammed on to a small island in the Øyfjord, the village is surrounded by mountains and looks fantastic at any time of the year.

Given its remote location, you might expect this small island village would be a living museum, yet it remains an active fishing community with a few hundred permanent residents.

For many years the island was only accessible by boat. Today, a 300-metre long causeway links Husøy to the rest of Senja.

Mefjordvær

Another small fishing village with a surprising amount of life, Mefjordvær is worth the short detour along the edge of the Mefjord.

The breakwater is an ideal place for a stroll to break up the journey. Although there are restrooms here, most other services can be found in nearby Senjahopen.

Ersfjordstranda

Northern Norway hides a surprising amount of sandy beaches among its fjords and islands. Ersfjordstranda is a perfect example of an Arctic beach, sandy and surrounded by spectacular scenery, yet with bone-chilling water.

Even if you’re not brave enough for a dip, Ersfjordstranda is a popular spot for a walking or photography break approximately halfway along the route. The gold-plated angular restroom building is a sight in itself.

Tungeneset

For many the highlight of Senja, the Tungeneset rest area is best known for its view of the jagged Oksen peaks across the Ersfjord. Known as the Devil’s Jaw, these mountains make quite the impression—especially in poor weather.

A purpose-built wooden walkway leads visitors from the parking area closer to the ocean for a better view of the open sea and the mountains.

You’ll often find photographers spending the day here waiting for the variable lighting conditions to give the perfect shot.

Bergsbotn

As the road increases in elevation towards its western end, the views take on a new perspective. The 144-feet-long viewing platform at Bergsbotn offers two different views of the fjord and valley.

The road is narrow along this stretch so keep a look out for cyclists. The route forms part of European cycle route 1, which hugs much of the Norwegian coastline.

Gryllefjord

Following a less dramatic but no less enjoyable coastal stretch, the route ends at the fishing village Gryllefjord.

During the summer, a car ferry links Gryllefjord with Andenes at the northernmost tip of the Vesterålen archipelago, a crucial link for those planning a more extensive tour of Northern Norway. Another one of the 18 scenic drives starts in Andenes.

Hiking in Senja

Challenging hikes with rewarding views are commonplace on an island with so many mountains.

Sukkertoppen mountain is much-loved among Norwegian hikers, although the full 3-4 hour route ends in a steep section that makes the overall hike quite challenging.

Husfjellet offers an alternative, gentler hike, with fantastic views of both the Ersfjord and Bergsfjord and the famous Oksen peaks.

Ånderdalen National Park

The 134-square-kilometre Ånderdalen National Park was established to preserve the primeval forest and Northern Norwegian coastal landscape. There is a permanent population of moose, semi-domesticated reindeer and red fox, among other wildlife.

Living in Senja

The island is located within Senja municipality, which was established in January 2020. Around 7,864 people live here, mostly along the eastern coast of the island.

Silsand is the largest urban area on the island, connected to the municipal capital Finnsnes by the Gisund bridge.

Fishing and agriculture remain important industries within the municipality. Tourism jobs are also available, although many of these tend to be seasonal.

Practical matters

Senja has just 8,000 residents so shops are few and not always well-stocked, especially along the scenic route.

Service stations are available at both ends of the route in Botnhamn/Husøy and Gryllefjord. For the budget conscious, Ersfjord beach is a popular place to camp.