One of the best things to do on Senja Island is to drive the National Scenic Route. The route follows outer Senja Island from Gryllefjord to Botnhamn. It is 102 km long and makes an epic Senja road trip.  Make sure to make the detours to Mefjordvær and Husøy.

First part of this post will cover the scenic stops you don’t want to miss along the National Scenic Route. The second part will give you some insider tips for stops worth visiting on inner Senja Island.

Driving National Scenic Route on Senja Island

Hamn

Just north of Gryllefjord you’ll find Hamn, a cozy small island where you can stop for lunch and a nice walk. Hamn is surrounded by many small islands and kayak rental is possible from Hamn. 

Idyllic harbour in Hamn on Senja Island

There is a short hike nearby called ´Utsikten´ giving you an excellent overview of Hamn and surrounding islands. A great spot to catch the sunset.

Panoramic sunset view over Hamn on Senja Island

Viewpoint of Bergsbotn

Next stop after leaving Hamn is the beautiful viewpoint that has been built on the road down to Bergsbotn. It is a must to stop here and grab a photo of one of the idyllic fjords of outer Senja.  

Viewpoint Bergsbotn on Senja Island

Skaland and Husfjellet

Continuing north past Bergsbotn you will reach Skaland, which is known to be the starting point for hiking Husfjellet. From Husfjellet you will have spectacular 360 degrees views, it is well worth the hike. Read more about the hike in my previous blog post ´Best hikes on Senja Island´. 

Hiking Husfjellet Senja Island

For extraordinary photos, hike up to catch the sunset and capture the red glow on the mountain tops as the sun sinks below the horizon.

Midnight Sun Hiking Husfjellet Senja Island

Tungeneset

Tungeneset and the Devils Teeth is likely the most photographed spot on Senja, not without reason. A beautiful location both during daytime and sunset, however those extraordinary photos you´ll catch during sunset. 

Tungeneset on Senja Island

Try to find a day with limited wind and you can make some great reflections in the many water pots.

Sunset on Tungeneset on Senja Island

Ersfjordstranda

Ersfjordstranda is a natural stop to get some fresh air and maybe enjoy your lunch. Many chooses to spend the night here either in a tent or in a camper. Ersfjordstranda also features the famous golden toilet ´Gulldassen´, which was debated quite heavily in local media due to its high cost (almost 4 MNOK).

Ersfjord Beach Senja Island

Mefjordvær

A quick detour and you are in Mefjordvær, another small cozy fishing village. A short hike starts just past the molo (maybe 2-300 meters up a small hill) and gives you a lovely overview of the fishing village and the impressive mountain range behind it. The view includes one of the most popular mountains on Senja, the majestic Segla, which we will cover in the next section. 

Panoramic view of Mefjordvær Senja Island

In case weather is bad you´ll find a modern designed shelter with a nice ocean view at the starting point of the hike.

Mefjordvær Hiking Shelter Senja Island

Fjordgård and Segla

Another detour from route 862 is towards Fjordgård, know to be the starting point for maybe the most popular hike on Senja – hiking Hesten to get an excellent view of Segla and Mefjorden. I have written more about the hike to Hesten and Segla in my previous blog post ´Best hikes on Senja Island´.

Hiking Selga Hesten Senja Island

Husøy

Last stop on the National Scenic Route before you reach Botnhamn is Husøy. It is a small island, still an active fishing community and about 300 individuals have decided to make the island their home. 

Husøy Senja Island

Map of National Scenic Route on Senja Island

Senja National Scenic Route Map

This rounds up the National Scenic Route on Senja. However, if you want to explore some of the sites on inner Senja Island keep reading the next section.

Read more about the National Scenic Route on their official homepage: https://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en/routes/senja

Accomodation on Senja

There is a variety of hotels, cabins and camp sites on Senja Island. Below follows a few recommendations if you are looking for a unique accomodation experience on Senja.

Hamn

Hamn in Senja is a gem of a place. The lodges are located just on the water, many with ocean views. The harbour of Hamn is a must visit, and why not spend the night there as well?

Mefjord Brygge

In Mefjordvær you will find Mefjord Brygge, a cozy hotel in the small fishing harbour. If you like an active holiday the Hotel also offers boat rentals for those wanting to try their fishing luck.

Norwegian Wild

As the heading indicates, accomodation at Norwegian Wild is for those a bit more adventures. At Norwegian Wild you will get up close to nature in a lighthouse, a dome or one of their cozy cabins.

Finsnes Gaard

If you´d rather stay in Finnsnes, which is the city gateway to Senja, you should check out Finsnes Gaard. Despite being almost in the city center it offers a quite and unique atmosphere with is secluded location by the waters.

What to see on Inner Senja Island

Skrolsvik

Skrolsvik is a small village located all the way south-west on inner Senja Island. You will find a small, scenic harbour here where you can stay overnight with your camper. Electricity available for a small fee. The harbour hosts a small museum called Kveitmuseet and cafe named Gammelbutikken where you can get coffee and waffles during summer.

Sunset over Skrolsvik Harbour on Senja Island
Skrolsvik Harbour and Boats Senja Island

Rødsand

Rødsand is another small fishing village and is a detour from the main road. We did not find a lot of action in Rødsand, but the harbour is gorgeous with the surrounding mountains.

Rødsand Harbour Senja Island

Lekangsund and Kvinnekaia

In Lekangsund you will find Kvinnekaia, known as the most romantic spot on Senja. A perfect historical place to stop for lunch, but make sure to bring your own sandwich as there are no shops on this ´off the beaten path´ location. It was built in the 1950´s when the local women mobilised, gathered money and hired 20 men to set it up. It was officially opened in 1957 with arrival of local ship “Dyrøy” celebrating the new connection to mainland.   

Kvinnekaia Lekangsund on Senja Island

Grunnfarnes

Driving through Grunnfarnes as far as the road goes you will reach Kveitholla, where the locals have made a nice seating area and fire place. The area is used for drying fish heads during the winter. There are lots of racks for hanging fish heads and is makes a great spot for photos. Views are beautiful at this location. There is a small hiking trail continuing past Kveitholla for those feeling adventurous.

Grunnfarnes Senja Island

Going past some scenic landscape on the way to Grunnfarnes.

Scenery Road Senja Island

Map of Senja Island

senja map

Hop on / hop off using the Arctic Route Bus

For those who want to explore Senja, but don’t have car or simply want a more environmentally friendly alternative the Arctic Route may be a good option. The Arctic Route offers unlimited use of their buses within a given time period (typically 4 – 10 days). A great way to explore Arctic Norway!

Hope you enjoyed this tour around Senja Island. If you have already been to Senja, what was your favorite location?