Senja and Central Troms, Norway

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Go kayaking and hiking in the midnight sun, or skiing and dog sledding under the northern lights. Or simply kick back and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery Norway has to offer.

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Senja is in the process of being certified as a Sustainable Destination, a seal of approval given to destinations that work systematically to reduce the negative impact of tourism. In addition to providing visitors with enjoyable experiences, Senja wishes to preserve the local nature, culture and environment, strengthen social values, and be economically viable. The municipality and the travel industry cooperate closely to assure that the destination is a great place both to live in and to visit.

The scenery in Senja and Central Troms is full of contrasts, with the midnight sun and the northern lights, depending on the season. The distance from the coast to “raw” mountain peaks is short and is an ideal combination for those who participate in winter activities.

At Polar Park, the northernmost zoo in the world, you can get an encounter with “the big four”: Wolf, wolverine, bear and lynx – in addition to several other creatures from the northern forests and the treeless tundra.

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In summer you are welcome to pick and choose from a wealth of trails for hiking and biking, whilst one of the world’s best fishing grounds and areas to observe the white-tailed eagle are right on your doorstep. Another option is to paddle between the hundreds of islands the region has to offer, with sandy beaches, bird life, and breathtaking views of mountain peaks, through calm waters offering excellent conditions.

The range of restaurants and eateries in Senja and Central Troms also reflects the region’s scenery and nature. To get a real taste of the region, char from Altevatn lake, cod from Senja, and goat cheese from Balsfjorden, are among the local products to try.

Find more inspiration on Northern Norway's official website.

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nordnorge.com

Berg beach in Senja.
Photo: Hans Arne Paulsen / nordnorge.com

Dog sledding in Bardu.
Photo: Bjørn Klauer / nordnorge.com

Hiking in Lenvik.
Photo: Reiner Schaufler / nordnorge.com

Polar Park in Bardu.
Photo: Roger Johansen / nordnorge.com

Things to do in Senja & Central Troms

Where to stay in Senja & Central Troms

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Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Northern Norway's official website.

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Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

By train

The Norwegian State Railway (NSB) stops in Fauske, and from there you can take buses to Senja via Narvik.

International travellers can use the Swedish SJ railway company to Narvik, from where frequent buses go to Senja and Central Troms.
By boat

Fast, comfortable high-speed ferries link Tromsø and Harstad, calling at Finnsnes and smaller ports along the way.

In the summer, car ferries traffic the stretches Andenes–Gryllefjord and Brensholmen–Botnhamn.

The Norwegian Coastal Voyage Hurtigruten calls at Finnsnes twice a day.

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By bus

There are bus connections from Finnsnes to most of the western villages in Senja. However, getting between the villages on the western side are difficult by public transportation, and good planning is essential.
By car

There are good roads all over the island.

National Tourist Route Senja is a magnificent road between the ocean and the mountains.

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By plane

Bardufoss Airport near Finnsnes offers several daily connections to Oslo.

You can also fly to Tromsø Airport or Harstad airport and go by boat to Senja.

Seasons and climate

Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Senja and Central troms has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska and Siberia.

The coastal climate in Senja and Central Troms makes the winters mild and the summers relatively cool.

January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of 24°F. July and August are warmest with an average temperature of 53°F.

May and June are the driest months, with an average 50 mm of rainfall. October is the wettest month.

Strong winds can occur, especially in late autumn and winter.

Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.

Read more about the northern lights in Senja.

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Senja & Central Troms

Things to do in Senja & Central Troms

Where to stay in Senja & Central Troms

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See it for yourself

Getting here and around

By train

By boat

By bus

By car

By plane

Seasons and climate

Senja & Central Troms also offers ...

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