Senja is Norway’s second largest island, located just north of the more famous Lofoten Islands. Hiking on Senja Island is just as spectacular as Lofoten Islands in my opinion, and far less traveled. We did many hikes on the island and here are the top 3 hikes on Senja we would recommend.

We wanted stunning vistas of fjords, fishing villages and surrounding peaks, but not the crowds. So we chose Senja this summer, and what a great choice it was. It is paradise for mountain hikers. If you are ready for steep climbs and stunning views this is the destination for you.

Table of contents

Husfjellet

The village of Skaland hosts the trailhead to Husfjellet. The hike is considered moderate with its 630 meters elevation gain as the climb is gradual. There are no exposed areas along the trail (before you get to the top) and many families will chose this hike.

Once you clear the tree line you have spectacular views of the fjord the rest of the hike. Husfjellet offers view of mountain peaks of Oksen, Ersfjorden and Steinfjorden.

Trail description Husfjellet

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Distance: 8.1 km
  • Duration: 4 Hours
  • Elevation 666 meters

Park by the church. Walk along the well-marked forest road. Follow the road for about 1 km, before you continue one the marked trail. Slightly steep first hill before you get to Sommerdalen and walk across bog.

When you climb the last hill up to the top of Husfjellet you will have the view of the blue sea. When you get to mailbox at the top, remember to contine on a couple of hundred meters upwards and to get that view in all directions.

Detailed description and map (link will take you to Ut.no):         https://ut.no/turforslag/1112313/husfjellet-632-moh

Accomodation in Skaland

Skaland is a small village with about 200 inhabitants. In the middle of the village and close to Husfjellet trailhead you will find Skagi Senja Hotel & Lodge, a small cozy hotell with 6 room. Another alternative is Basecamp Senja offering small cabins close to the sea. For those travelling with a camper van / RV Skaland Camping also offers parking spaces with electricity, wi-fi and a service house. Tent spaces also available.

Hesten (with view over Segla Mountain)

The famous view of Segla you find all over social media these days is taken from neighbour mountain Hesten. The trail to Hesten is short, but steep. Hiking trailheads for both Segla and Hesten starts in Fjordgård, but slightly different locations.

Once you get to the top it can feel quite exposed, but you can easily stay away from the cliff. You will have an excellent view of Segla and Mefjorden. This hike is likely the most popular on Senja, so don’t expect to be alone.

Trail description Hesten

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Distance: 3.2 km
  • Duration: 1-2 Hours
  • Elevation 670 meters

Go up the road named Segla and continue up the alpine hill. The path is well marked and easy to follow. Eventually you cross a couple of streams. Then it gets steeper and more Rocky. Turn right towards Stavelitippen.

You have to do a bit of scrambling on a few large rocks. Once you clear the tree line there is a nice view in all directions.

Then head in the direction of Hesten. Towards the top it is quite steep and once you reach the top you can walk along the egde in both directions. At the top there are many great places to take exquisite photos, including toward the majestic Segla mountain.

Detailed description and map (link will take you to Ut.no):      https://ut.no/turforslag/112336088/topptur-tl-hesten-og-stavelitippen-i-fjordgard-med-videre-muligheter

Accomodation in Fjordgård

Hiking trailheads for both Segla and Hesten starts in Fjordgård. Accomodation in Fjordgård is limited and I would recommend booking early. Polar Panorama Lodge is a lodge with 4 rooms that opened in 2022. It has stunning views of mountains and ocean. You can rent the entire lodge, or only one of the rooms. Another option is Segla Bed & Go cabins that opened in 2020. The cabins are just next to the local grill and pub and I´d recommend trying their bestselling fish & chips.

Grytetippen and Keipen

Grytetippen is without doubt more demanding than Husfjellet and Segla/Hesten. However among the locals this is one of the favourite hikes. Views are magnificent and you will avoid the crowds.

The hike should be considered demanding as it is fairly steep from start to end. The last section is especially steep and a few sections could be defined as a ‘light scramble’. Once you get to the top you will look down at Fjordgård and Segla. You will also have great views of Ørnfjorden and Husøy. For the ones feeling extra sporty – continue on to Keipen.

Trailhead starts either from the first tunnel towards Fjordgård just before Ørnfjortunnelen. or from Mefjordvatnan lake. First option being described here.

Trail description Grytetippen and Keipen

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Distance: 9.1 km
  • Duration: 5 -7 Hours
  • Elevation 1139 meters (about 900 meters if you choose Grytetippen only)

Park at the first of three tunnels into Fjordgård.

Walk on the marked trail up along the masts. It can be very muddy here. If it is, after approx. 5-600 m, turn right along the mountain for approx. 400 m parallel to the masts. It is dry there and you hit the path to the two peaks much better. After about 1.5 km from the starting point, you will see the good path that winds steeply up the mountainside.

If you take the masts pathway upwards, you will reach the Daven viewpoint. Here there is a mailbox and further marked trail. Turn right and walk backwards a few hundred meters so you can see the path that goes steeply up the mountainside.

The path is easy to follow and eventually you reach a plateau. Follow the path further towards the two mountains you want to climb. Then you come to a steep and long slope between the two mountains. Choose a good path to the left, lefi sideis good to walk on because there is also vegetation and less scrambling. Very steep.

Then you approach the top, keep left to reach Grytetippen. What a fantastic view. Head towards the tip and it gets even better.

When you stand on Grytetippen, you may be somewhat unsure whether you can handle Keipen. But it is much simpler than you might think. It is mostly possible to go zig zag.

On the return it feels more natural to hike down the marked path through the heaps of rocks. Keep a close eye on the marks as it is easy to loose the trail, leading to unnecessary scrambling. On reaching the bottom of the heaps of rocks you follow the same path back to the trailhead as you used hiking up.

Detailed description and map (link will take you to Ut.no):      https://ut.no/turforslag/112352770/topptur-til-grytetippen-og-keipen-ca-1000-moh-i-fjordgard-pa-senja

Accomodation in Mefjordvær

Trailhead for Grytetippen / Keipen is not located at a village like it is for Husfjellet and Segla/Hesten. Measued in airline the closest village is Fjordgård, however the road to Fjordgård is narrow and at some places fairly poor, so I would consider staying in the picturesque fishing village Mefjordvær. In the middle of Mefjordvær you will find Mefjord Brygge, offering apartments and cottages right at the beach. If you like fishing they also offer boat rental and fjord safaris.

Things to do on Senja Island

My favorite thing to do on Senja is hiking, but on a day with low clouds and poor visibility there are lots of other attractions to visit. Check out Driving National Scenic Route on Senja for some recommendations on beautiful locations on Senja you don’t want to miss!

Sunset on Tungeneset on Senja Island

Happy hiking!