Norwegian Scenic Route Senja: Hiking Trails and Viewpoints

Senja, Norway’s second largest island, is filled with gorgeous viewpoints, spectacular hikes, and charming villages. Norwegian Scenic Route Senja is 102 kilometers long and travels between Gryllefjord and Botnhamn, with detours to the small settlements of Mefjordvær and Husøy. The route is easily one of Norway’s best road trips for adventurers, and can be combined with the Andøya and Lofoten scenic routes to the south.

Some of Senja’s most enticing adventures are easily accessible along the route. Take a relaxing walk along Ersfjord Beach, trek up mighty Husfjellet, or summit challenging Segla, the island’s most popular peak.

Ferries
The ferry between Kvaløya (Tromsø) and Botnhamn takes 35 minutes. The route operates between late April and early September and runs five to seven times per day. Check departure times on Entur (Brensholmen ferjekai, Tromsø to Botnhamn ferjekai, Lenvik).

The ferry between Andenes on Andøya island and Gryllefjord takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and connects Norwegian Scenic Route Senja with the Andøya scenic route. The route operates two to three times per day from May to September. Arrive at the terminal in Andenes 1–2 hours before departure to secure a place on the ferry. Check departure times on Entur (Andenes fergekai, Andøy to Gryllefjord ferjekai, Torsken).

Tips
• Ersfjord Beach is a popular spot to camp.
• Senja is sparsely populated with only 8,000 inhabitants across the island. Do not expect a lot of choice at the small supermarkets or cafés and restaurants. Still, the local shops appreciate your business and it’s a great way to get a feeling for local life.
• There are few petrol stations on Senja, so plan accordingly. Fill up in Finnsnes if you are coming from the mainland. Along the route, petrol stations can be found in Gryllefjord, Skaland, Senjahopen, Husøy and Botnhamn. You can also find petrol in other parts of Senja, including Silsand, Gibostad and Stonglandseidet.
• Mobile connections can be spotty with all the mountains, so don’t count on having 3G everywhere you travel on Senja.