Despite its northerly location, Senja is often referred to as Norway in a nutshell; the steep mountains and deep fjords with turquoise water and white sand beaches tempt you to explore both on land and at sea. It is a true paradise for anyone seeking activity and adventure, as well as for those just looking for a leisurely pace to soak up the amazing scenery.
The island of Senja is 300km north of the Arctic Circle and pinned between the city of Tromso and the famous Lofoten Islands. Although the scenery is comparable to the fjords in the south and the majestic mountains of the Lofoten, Senja is surprisingly little explored.
The wild and mountainous side facing the Atlantic Ocean protects the inner part of the island where vegetation is lush and green from wild flowers to primeval forest with trees, some of which are over 600 years old.
The colourful fishing villages are scattered around the coast and reached by scenic roads offering stunning panoramic views.
With an excellent road network, driving here is a pleasure and with well-marked hiking paths, the stunning nature is easy to explore. Explore some of the classic Senja hiking trails to magnificent viewing points at Sukkertoppen, Segla or Hesten to name a few or take an easy but equally as rewarding hike along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Anderdalen National Park has several trails for exploring the untouched nature including pine and birch forests, as well as marshes. Around 90 nesting bird species have been recorded here. Whether you are looking for an energetic hike to a peak or a more gentle walk along the beach or lowlands, Senja has plenty to offer. Other activities include kayaking, fishing, cycling, paddle boarding, body rafting and guided mountain hikes.
From mid-May to the end of July you can enjoy the midnight sun and as it never gets dark, you can start early or end the day late, whatever suits you best! From the end of August, the northern lights begin to make their appearance and with daylight hours still very long, you get the best of both worlds. The hiking conditions are normally at their best from mid-June to mid-October.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Tromso, collect your rental car. Take a leisurely scenic drive to the Island of Senja and to Hotel Hamn i Senja for 3 nights. (210km, approx 3 hours)
Hamn i Senja, Senja
Time at leisure, take part in some of the great activities offered by the hotel or choose one of the many hiking opportunities. There are easy hikes along well-marked pathways or opt for a more challenging high peak trek with a qualified mountain guide. Both hotels also have a sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Drive along the National Scenic Route to the southern part of the island. Leave your rental vehicle and take a boat transfer to an island retreat for an overnight stay. Here at the old vicarage farm time has stopped still and you can truly relax in this beautiful environment. Enjoy hiking, ocean swimming, fishing, paddle boarding or kayaking (previous experience necessary). Visit the museum in the old rectory and the ‘haunted’ blue room, soak in the atmosphere in the 250 year old wooden church and see the Viking-age graves and boathouse ruins. The kitchen here serves local food and the traditional Norwegian waffles with your afternoon tea.
Tranoya, Senja
Drive along the south coast to Senja Fjord Hotel, perhaps stopping at Ånderdalen National Park for a 12km hike to the Åndervatnet Lake. This medium level hike takes you in to the heart of Senja’s only national park with untouched birch and pine forests. This hike is suitable for all the family as the elevation is just of 200 metres and the 12 km round trip takes around 4-5 hours. In the evening take time to relax in the sauna and bathe in the ocean.
A day at leisure, take the relatively easy hike to Lonketid for amazing views of Senja and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean or take one of the many beach walks of the area, go bird watching or fishing out to the sea. Perhaps try some sea kayaking or explore by bicycle.
Drive back to Tromso for an overnight stay. Visit the wealth of excellent restaurants, cafes and bars, plenty of shopping opportunities and city attractions.
Drive to Tromso Airport and drop off vehicle before your flight back home.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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7 nights accommodation in rooms with private facilities
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All breakfasts
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Car rental throughout
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Comprehensive free Destination Guide and Hiking app for Senja Island
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £986 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
Jun-Sep
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Eric
10
Visits to Iceland
6
Faroese Islands explored
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
