Norway Drive and Hike on Senja Island

northern norway senja island husfjellet viewpoint istk

Norway Drive and Hike on Senja Island

from £1018 excluding flights

7 nights
Jun-Sep

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Highlights

norway gisund bridge against mountain backdrop senja astk

Explore the stunning mountain and fjord scenery

Hike through breathtaking landscapes

Explore the ancient landscapes

following hiking trail in mountains istk

Use of Destination Guide and hiking app

Why this trip...

iceland road to lone ingjaldsholl church istk

Off-the-beaten-track

This holiday showcases places and experiences away from the usual tourist routes

Explore at leisure

With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

Tailor made

This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

Overview

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 Hotel Hamn i Senja or Mefjord Brygge for 3 nights. (210km, approx 3 hours)

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/s.

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

This stunning island retreat is a hidden gem of the Island of 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.

Accommodation Options

We have selected properties for this holiday as referenced in the itinerary. However, with a wide choice of accommodation on Senja and in Tromso, we can mix and match different grades and styles to suit your personal preference.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists.

Recommended hikes

Sukkertoppen

This hike is demanding, but you are rewarded with great views. It is recommended to take this hike with a certified mountain guide. Round trip from the start point is 4.1 km, elevation of the hike is 450 metres and it should take approximately 2-4 hours. It is also possible to do a shorter hike to a viewpoint about 1 km along the path. Only attempt this hike in good weather.

Segla

This is Senja’s most popular hike but also demanding. The trail is steep but does not have much exposure. At the top there are stunning views of Mefjord and the surrounding mountains. Round trip is 4 km, elevation of the hike is 590 metres and should take approximately 2-4 hours.

Hesten

Segla’s neighbouring mountain, Hesten offers very photogenic scenery. The hike is of medium difficulty and round trip is 3.7 km, elevation 520 metres and should take approximately 2-3 hours.

Barden

This is a popular hike with the locals and one of the most accessible peaks in Senja. The hike is of medium difficulty and round trip is 6.7 km, elevation 590 metres and should take approximately 3-4 hours.

Husfjellet

Classed as a medium hike, there are stunning and classic views of Senja all along the trail. Round trips is 7.6 km with an elevation of 630 metres, but with a gradual uphill climb. The hike takes approximately 3-4 hours.

norway senja dawn golden hour lone figure

Flatneset

This is a medium hike, suitable for all the family. Hike along the water’s edge and enjoy the superb views. Round trip is 9.8 km long with an elevation of 110 metres and should take around 3-4 hours.

Bergsbotn

This is a 44-metre long platform and viewpoint located on the northwestern edge of the Senja Island. The viewpoint is next to the parking area, so this is more for the stunning views rather than hiking.

norway senja walkway to beach okshornan peaks devils jaw istk

Tungeneset

This is another great viewpoint over the sea and the Okshoman Mountain range. There is a short wooden walkway that ends by the sea and the boulders. Tungeneset is great for an afternoon picnic or watching the sunset.

Prices and Departures

Price from £1018 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £280 per person (with higher fares during peak times). When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

7 nights accommodation in rooms with private facilities
All breakfasts
Car rental throughout
Comprehensive free Destination Guide and Hiking app for Senja Island
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from around £1,018 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, and rental of an intermediate vehicle.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the level of accommodation, size of vehicle, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

* Choice of Vehicles

We would always recommend a 4WD for winter travel, but many clients also prefer the greater security and comfort that a larger vehicle provides year round – upgrade your vehicle from as little as £10 per person per day.

We can offer a wide range of rental vehicles for this holiday – our team will be happy to talk you through the options and provide a quote for the most suitable category based on your individual requirements.

Norway Drive and Hike on Senja Island

Highlights