TheMålselv Mountain Village resort is a wonderful place to spend a family holiday.
The resort is located close to Bardufoss Airport and 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.
Målselv Fjellandsby (Målselv Mountain Village) in Senja
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Photo:
Målselv Fjellandsby AS
Målselv Fjellandsby (Målselv Mountain Village) in Senja
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Photo:
Målselv Fjellandsby AS
4. Wildlife
Nice to meet you, wolf!
About an hour's drive from Målselv Mountain Resort, you will find the Polar Park, the world’s northernmost zoo. See the 'Scandinavian big four': wolf, wolverine, bear, and lynx.
And just 30 minutes away, you will find Polarbadet, an indoor aquatic centre with water slides, spa pools, and saunas.
Bardu, Troms
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Photo:
Roger Johansen / nordnorge.com
Bardu, Troms
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Photo:
Roger Johansen / nordnorge.com
5. Cycling
Strain uphill and coast downhill.
Senja is ideal for cycling. With some peaceful pedalling, you can enjoy the most stunning surroundings.
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 sunset.
Tungeneset in Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
Tungeneset in Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
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.
Bergsbotn viewing point
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
Bergsbotn viewing point
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
7. Northern lights
Senja and Central Troms are located far above the Arctic circle. The northern lights may put on a spectacular show for you, if you are visiting between September and April.
Combine your northern lights hunt with a dog sled tour and camping in the pristine wilderness or staying in a lighthouse at Norwegian Wild.
The Lighthouse in Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
The Lighthouse in Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
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.
Hamn in Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
Hamn in Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
9. Hidden gems
Although Senja itself might be a new destination for many travellers, there is an even more hidden gem to be found in the area.
Senja's little sister Dyrøya island lies just south of the big island of Senja.
Dyrøy in Central Troms
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region / Camp Solbergfjord
Dyrøy in Central Troms
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region / Camp Solbergfjord
Sheltered from rough weather, this lush green island is the perfect place for outdoor relaxation.
Book a room, for example at Mikkelbostad, and spend some time exploring.
Dyrøy outside Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
Dyrøy outside Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
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. Spanish sailors introduced this Mediterranean tradition to the area hundreds of years ago.
Husøy in Senja
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Photo:
Przemyslaw Wala
Husøy in Senja
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Photo:
Przemyslaw Wala
Visit quaint fishing communities, like Mefjordvær, Bøvær, Frovåg, and Gryllefjord.
Mefjordvær in Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
Mefjordvær in Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
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).
Ferry in Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
Ferry in Senja
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Photo:
Visit Senja Region
That was just a sample of what you can experience in Senja and Central Troms!