Senja & Central Troms

From sea to summit

Home to both green and gentle inland landscapes and a wild and exposed coastline, Norway's second-biggest island, Senja, is located in Northern Norway.

Senja and Central Troms are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts! This area offers a wide range of activities, such as hiking, cycling, skiing, fishing, dog sledding, and wildlife safaris.

In the summer you can enjoy the midnight sun, and in the winter you might even see the northern lights!

Explore idyllic islands just off the coast of Senja, and stay in a traditional fisherman's cabin, known as a rorbu.

A boat out fishing in the turquoise waters in Senja

Kids playing beachvolleyball at Ersfjordstranda in Senja

It's a paradise for outdoor recreation.

Here are ten reasons why:

1. Hiking

The majestic mountains are a great place to pause and reflect.

There are numerous trails in Senja and the surrounding islands. The most iconic mountains are Husfjellet (pictured), Hesten, and Segla.

2. Fishing

You suddenly feel a tug on your line and look excitedly over at your fishing buddy. In Senja, you have one of the world’s richest fishing waters at your doorstep.

The turquoise water is mesmerising ...

Makes you want to jump in, right?

Spend a day at the beach with friends at Ersfjordstranda or Bøstranda.

It’s hard to believe you are in the Arctic when you're sinking your toes into the fine, powdery sand.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

Målselv Mountain Village
Far north of the Arctic Circle, but still easy to get to!
Skaland
3 hours fjord expedition outer Senja (half day tour)
Join us on an exciting boat-trip in one of Senjas most spectacular fjords; Bergfjorden.
Vangsvik
Senja Husky Adventure
Senja Husky Adventure is a family run dog sled kennel located on Norway’s second largest island, above the arctic circle. From our camp we offer exciting activities with our friendly Siberian Huskies all year round.
Senjahopen
Winter activities
Freeski, snowboard, spotting northern lights and other activities
Vangsvik
Guided cultural walk on Tranøya Island
Tranøya is a small island on the southern coast of Senja. The island has no vehicle traffic and can only be reached by a short boatride or kayak. In fact, the only motorised vehicle on the entire island is the tractor on the farm. This is the place to enjoy peace and quietness. We pick you up by boat on request.
Skaland
Guidet snowshoe hike soft adventure
Join our guided snowshoe hike in easy terrain

A woman standing at the top of a mountain in Senja in Northern Norway during winter

People sitting at some benches outside in Målselv Mountain Village

3. Skiing

Excitement and freedom!

Skiing off-piste in Senja is really something else. The breathtaking contrasts between the jagged peaks and the sea below are quite unique.

Always go with a local guide, both for your own safety and to get the best skiing!

Senja also has an alpine skiing centre with slopes for every level of difficulty.

The Målselv Mountain Village resort is a wonderful place to spend a family holiday.

The resort is located close to Bardufoss Airport and is a two-hour drive from Tromsø.

The whole family can enjoy the downhill slopes, before spending some quality time together with a hot chocolate in one of Målselv Mountain Village's modern apartments or cosy cabins.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

Vangsvik
Norwegian Wild
Skaland
Hamn i Senja
Gryllefjord
Welcome to Kaikanten and Gryllefjord
Finnsnes
Finsnes Gaard
Skaland
Camp Steinfjord
Skaland
The Posthuset Expedition Lodge - Basecamp Senja
Botnhamn
Camp Fjordbotn
Botnhamn
Cafè & grill Fjordbotn
Tennevoll
Lapphaugen Turiststasjon Cafe and Catering
Øverbygd
Tromsø Ice Domes Snow Park, Wilderness Experience & Snow Carving - Excluding Transport
Brøstadbotn
Attme Have
Stonglandseidet
Guidet kayaking in the beautiful fjords near Ånderdalen National Park
Bardu
Polar Park
Torsken
Ski touring on Senja - 3 days
Moen
Arctic cross country skiing adventure for beginners
Sjøvegan
Salangsverket
Skatvik
Skatvik Camping
Vangsvik
Norwegian Wild Camping
Skaland
Deluxe Aurora room Hamn i Senja
Vangsvik
Cafè Hyttekroa
Skaland
The Fat Cod
Brøstadbotn
World Sea Explorers - the yacht charter experience
Moen
Sledding and bonfire - Perfect spot for the Northern Lights
Tennevoll
War Historical Landscape and Monuments of War Narvik 1940
Tennevoll
Brasseriet Naustet
Gratangen
Storfossen Hostel
Stonglandseidet
Family friendly hikes under the midnight sun
Stonglandseidet
Senja Roasters Café
Øverbygd
Snowmobiling Midday - Excluding Transport
Stonglandseidet
Camping Senja Arctic Lodge

People cycling under the midnight sun in Senja

A woman standing at Bergsbotn viewing point

Northern lights over The Lighthouse in Senja

4. Wildlife

Nice to meet you, wolf!

About an hour's drive from the Målselv Mountain Resort, you will find Polar Park, the world’s northernmost zoo. See the 'Scandinavian big four': wolf, wolverine, bear, and lynx.

And just 30 minutes away, you can make a big splash at Polarbadet, an indoor aquatic centre with water slides, spa pools, and saunas.

5. Cycling

Strain uphill and coast downhill.

Senja is ideal for cycling. With some peaceful pedalling, you can enjoy the most stunning surroundings.

Join an evening electric bike tour of the island.

6. Midnight sun

Experience the midnight sun.

Take a break at the rest area by Tungeneset and enjoy views of the Northern Sea bathed in the yellow, orange, and red hues of the late-night sunset.

Tungeneset is part of Norwegian Scenic Route Senja. There are a number of beautiful places to stop along the way.

Such as this viewing point at Bergsbotn, where you’ll definitely get an Insta-worthy picture.

7. Northern lights

Senja and Central Troms are located far above the Arctic circle. If you are visiting between September and April, and if you're lucky, the northern lights will put on a spectacular show for you.

Combine your northern lights hunt with a dog sledding tour and camping in the pristine wilderness, or staying in a lighthouse at Norwegian Wild.

Northern Light activities

Tromsø
Private Northern Light chase in a small group
This tour is conducted by Laukvik Senja with local guide and driver who brings you in search of the amazing Northern Light in a small private exclusive group.
Skaland
5 days New Year expedition with whale-safari, dogsledding and northern lights on Senja island
This tour is conducted by Basecamp Senja. Welcome to the ultimate New Years expedition at the fairytale island of Senja. Five days and four nights from 29th December to 2nd January 2023.
Senjahopen
Winter activities
Freeski, snowboard, spotting northern lights and other activities
Skaland
Magical winter Senja 3 nights
This tour is conducted by Hamn i Senja.
Skaland
5 days Christmas expedition with whale-safari, dogsledding and northern lights on Senja island
This tour is conducted by Basecamp Senja. Welcome to the ultimate Christmas expedition with everything included at the fairytale island of Senja from 22nd December to 26nd December 2022.
Skaland
Northern Lights snowshoe hike with guide
Experience the Arctic landscape while hunting the Northern Lights

A group of people relaxing in the hot tubs in Hamn in Senja

Tiny village of Husøy and winding roads in Senja

Amazing view at the top of Barden in Senja

8. Relaxation

Imagine relaxing with your best friends under the midnight sun in a jacuzzi, outside in the crisp Arctic air.

Hamn is Senja's biggest resort, with a relaxing atmosphere. It's also a haven for adventurers, offering a variety of activities all year round.

9. Hidden gems

Although Senja itself might be a new destination for many travellers, there is an even lesser-known gem in the area.

Senja's little sister, Dyrøya island,lies just south of the big island of Senja.

Sheltered from rough weather, this lush green island is the perfect place for outdoor relaxation.

Another place that's well worth a visit is tiny Husøy island.

Fun fact: The islanders still practice the siesta, an early afternoon rest or nap. Legend has it that Spanish sailors first introduced the Mediterranean tradition to the area hundreds of years ago.

Visit quaint fishing communities, like Mefjordvær, Bøvær, Frovåg, and Gryllefjord.

10. Nature at your doorstep

You don't have to go very far to get away from it all.

Travelling to Senja is easy, and there are lots of ways to get there.

In summer, there’s a ferry from Andenes in Vesterålen to Gryllefjord. You may even spot whales during the crossing!

There is also a year-round ferry service between Brensholmen (a one-hour drive from Tromsø) and Botnhamn (in Senja).

That was just a small taste of what you can experience in Senja and Central Troms!

Senja has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.

Visitsenja.no

Getting here and around

Plan your trip and buy tickets for public transportation with Entur, Norway's national travel planner.

By bus
There are bus connections from Finnsnes to most of the western villages in Senja. However, travelling between villages on the western side is difficult by public transportation, and good planning is essential.
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By boat
Fast, comfortable high-speed ferries link Tromsø and Harstad, calling at Finnsnes and smaller ports along the way.
An hour's drive from Tromsø, the car ferry between Brensholmen and Botnhamn is a year-round service.
In summer, there is a ferry connection from Andenes in Vesterålen to Gryllefjord.
The Norwegian Coastal Voyage Hurtigruten calls at Finnsnes twice a day.
Ad: Hurtigruten – the world’s most beautiful sea voyage
By car
The island has good roads.
National Tourist Route Senja is a magnificent route that runs between the ocean and the mountains.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
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By plane
The nearest airport is Bardufoss Airport, which offers several daily connections to Oslo.
You can also fly to Tromsø Airport or Harstad airport and go by boat to Senja.
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By train
The train stops in Fauske, from where you can take a bus to Senja via Narvik.
If you are coming from Sweden, the Swedish SJ railway company operates a service to Narvik, from where frequent buses go to Senja and Central Troms.

Discover more

People standing at the Stegastein viewpoint along the Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet

Norwegian Scenic Routes

Northern Norway

Tromsø

Northern lights
Midnight sun
Hurtigruten – the coastal highway to the north

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

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