
Senja
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Senja is often called "a diamond in the rough". With a landscape taken out of the Lord of the Rings, this big island close to Tromsø is a cod fishing and ski touring paradise.
Imagine that you are far away from civilisation. It’s completely silent, and you are breathing in pure, fresh air. And if you are lucky, above your head the majestic northern lights are dancing across the night sky. When was the last time you experienced complete silence?
If you want to get away from the crowds, Senja, just an hour's scenic boat trip from Tromsø, is the place to go. The coastline around Senja is wild and dramatic. Here, you will see alpine peaks, fjords and white beaches, in every direction.
There are several resorts in Senja, with delicious restaurants, and even some with steaming hot saunas or jacuzzis. Hamn is the biggest village and a haven for adventurers, offering a variety of winter activities from fishing, snowshoeing, body rafting and wildlife safaris, to aurora hunting and ski touring.
The modern Senja Fjordhotell and Mefjord Brygge are both focused on fishing, but are also popular among ski tourers. There are also several other smaller establishments and tour companies that offer cosy accommodation and help to plan your winter adventure.
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and RIB-safaris are other popular activities on the island. A visit to the tiny village of Husøy, or "house island", where they still practice the siesta, a Spanish tradition that came to Senja with Spanish sailors many hundreds of years ago. It's also a must for explorers.
If your aim is to hunt the northern lights in Senja, its local professional guides always know the best spots. The wild nature will make your aurora adventure an eventful trip for both body and soul. And if you are lucky, you might spot moose, eagles, seals, and reindeer along the way.
The best places to see the lights
- At Tungeneset or Bergsbotn viewpoint, both on the National Scenic Route.
- From a hot tub at Hamn in Senja.
- From one of the white sand beaches like Ballesvikstranda, Ersfjordstranda or Bøstranda.
- Snowshoeing in Ånderdalen National Park.
Senja, Wildlife & Auroras
Northern Norway Wildlife Safari, Northern Lights and TromsøCombine a 2-night stay in Tromsø, an express boat tour down the coast of Norway and 3-night staying in an ocean side lodge with prime Northern Lights views. Activities include a wildlife safari and Northern Lights snowshoe walk.