Norwegian Scenic Route Senja

The village sits at the mouth of the fjord and is the departure point for the ferry to Andenes, which connects to Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya.

Looking for a memorable meal or your next adventure? Begin your trip with a quick detour to the neighbouring village of Torsken, where Senja by Heart offers everything from guided hikes, boat trips, e-bike tours and northern lights experiences, to seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.

Following the main route north, it's worth stopping by Hamn in Senja, an activity hub surrounded by mountains, islands and fjords. From here, you can go kayaking, fishing and on fjord safaris. Or even better, relax in the sauna or go arctic bathing.

Follow the route onward to find the spectacular viewpoint at Bergsbotn, about 40 minutes from Gryllefjord. The 44-metre viewing platform extends out over the mountainside, with sweeping views across the Bergsfjord and the surrounding peaks.

It's also a popular spot for photographing the northern lights during the darker months, starting from late August.

A short detour off the main road leads to Husfjellet, one of Senja’s most popular hikes, offering panoramic views across the surrounding mountains and fjords. For a more relaxing stop, head to nearby Bøstranda, a beautiful white-sand beach that’s especially popular in summer.

Continue on, and you will soon reach Ersfjordstranda, a stunning beach with white sand, clear water and mountains on all sides.

Here you’ll find one of Senja’s most unusual roadside attractions: "Gulldassen". A distinctive triangular toilet building with a gold-plated exterior. The toilet is normally open from early May to early October, check current access before visiting.

Right by "Gulldassen" you will also find Sølvkiosken, a kiosk, toilets, and tourist information all in one! In the area you will also find designated campfire sites and benches.

The Mefjordvær rest stop on the main road is also worth a visit, a well-designed rest area that makes the most of the surrounding landscape.

As you drive towards the next stop on this scenic route it's worth stopping by Fjordgård, the most visited tourist village in Senja. Here you can grab something to eat, relax in a sauna and get your cultural fix at Gallery Dampskipskaia.

However, the main attraction in this village is its guided hiking tours up Segla and Hesten, offering dizzying views of the island. Make sure to bring the right gear if you plan on joining the guides up the mountainside!

Near the end of the Scenic Route you will find Husøy, a small fishing village built on an island just off the coast. The houses are packed tightly together, the harbour is active, and fresh fish is rarely hard to come by.

Despite its small size, there is plenty to experience, including the Storm Hotel and Senja Storm Adventure, which offers scenic hikes, wildlife safaris and fjord boat rides. Don’t miss Joker Husøy, the local meeting place and café, where you can pick up Senja's famous hot-smoked salmon.

Finally, the route comes to an end in Botnhamn. Here, many visitors arrive by ferry from Brensholmen near Tromsø. The village is small and quiet, with a working harbour and enough amenities to stock up before continuing the journey north or exploring more of the island.