Green northern lights shimmer over the wild island of Senja
🇳🇴Norway💎 Hidden Gem

Senja Island

✦8/10

Adventurous travellers who want Lofoten-quality scenery without the crowds

Aurora Score
8/10 ✦
Daily Budget
$145/day
Access
🛤️ Moderate
Dark Hours (Winter)
20h

About Senja Island

Senja is Norway's second-largest island and an increasingly celebrated off-the-beaten-path alternative to the Lofoten Islands. Known locally as 'Norway in miniature', the island packs dramatic mountain peaks, deep fjords, sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages into a compact area. For aurora chasers, Senja's position at 69°N puts it firmly inside the auroral zone, and being just 90 minutes from Tromsø makes it easy to combine both destinations. The island's rugged coastline — particularly around Mefjordvær and Tungeneset — provides spectacular foreground for aurora photography. Crowds are significantly thinner than Tromsø or Lofoten, making Senja ideal for those who want authentic Arctic solitude. The island has excellent hiking in summer and pristine snowscapes in winter.

Best Time to Visit

OctNovDecJanFebMar

Monthly Weather & Aurora

MonthAvg TempDark HoursAurora Chance
Jan★ Best-3°C20hHigh
Feb★ Best-3°C16hHigh
Mar★ Best0°C10hMed
Apr+3°C3hLow
May+7°CMidnight sun—
Jun+11°CMidnight sun—
Jul+14°CMidnight sun—
Aug+13°CMidnight sun—
Sep+9°C5hMed
Oct★ Best+5°C12hHigh
Nov★ Best+1°C17hHigh
Dec★ Best-1°C20hHigh

Activities

Northern Lights PhotographyHikingFishingWildlife WatchingKayakingSnowshoeingNorthern Lights ToursPhotography ToursFjord CruisesAurora CampCross Country SkiingPuffin WatchingNorthern Lights CruiseSeal WatchingMidnight Sun Viewing

Getting There

1.5h drive from Tromsø airport via bridge. Or take a boat/ferry. Self-drive is the best way to explore.

Accommodation Highlights

  • ✓Remote Cabins
  • ✓Lighthouse Stays
  • ✓Northern Lights Lodges

Location

💎 Hidden Gem

Senja Island is one of PolarTourist's hidden gems — a lesser-known destination that offers an exceptional aurora experience without the crowds.

Budget Estimator

3 nights21 nights
Budget
$761
Typical
$1,015
Comfort
$1,421

Based on avg $145/day in Senja Island. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.

Quick Info

LanguageNorwegian (some English)
Regionarctic
Coordinates69.30°N, 17.56°E

Compare Destinations

See how Senja Island stacks up against other top aurora destinations.

Compare Now →

Plan by Month

OctNovDecJanFebMar

🏨Where to Stay(10)

View all on Google Maps →
Yttersia Base

Yttersia Base

⭐ 5.0

Bergsfjordveien 1787, 9385 Skaland, Norway

hotel
Senja Moments Tranøya

Senja Moments Tranøya

⭐ 5.0

Tranøya 6, 9304 Vangsvik, Norway

lodging
Senja Fjordhotell

Senja Fjordhotell

⭐ 4.6

Dragøyveien 28, 9392 Stonglandseidet, Norway

hotel
Senja Living

Senja Living

⭐ 4.6

Elvevegen 3, 9392 Stonglandseidet, Norway

lodging
Camp Steinfjord

Camp Steinfjord

⭐ 4.6

Steinfjorden 13, 9385 Skaland, Norway

hotel

Storm Hotel Senja

⭐ 4.6

Ytterøya 6, 9389 Husøy i Senja, Norway

hotel

Torsken Brygge / Senja by Heart

⭐ 4.5

Værnesveien 153, 9381 Torsken, Norway

hotel

Hamn i Senja, Senja Reiseliv (Senja Travel)

⭐ 4.4

Hamnveien 1145, 9385 Skaland, Norway

resort hotel

Skoghus Leirsted

⭐ 4.4

Vikaveien 363, 9303 Silsand, Norway

hostel

TorskenSenteret / Senja by Heart

⭐ 3.7

Værnesveien 100, 9381 Torsken, Norway

hotel

🍽️Where to Eat(10)

View all on Google Maps →
Senja By Heart - Restaurant

Senja By Heart - Restaurant

⭐ 4.8

Nedre Ferånna 49, 9381 Torsken, Norway

restaurant
THE FAT COD

THE FAT COD

⭐ 4.8

Steinfjorden 13, 9385 Skaland, Norway

restaurant
Roalden Kafè og Mathus AS

Roalden Kafè og Mathus AS

⭐ 4.8

Mefjordveien 1537, 9386 Senjahopen, Norway

restaurant
Salteriet Restaurant & Bar

Salteriet Restaurant & Bar

⭐ 4.7

Fv252 13, 9386 Senjahopen, Norway

restaurant
Skreien Spiseri

Skreien Spiseri

⭐ 4.7$$

Spiraveien 53, 9380 Gryllefjord, Norway

restaurant

Mefjord Brygge

⭐ 4.6

Mefjordveien 1947, 9386 Senjahopen, Norway

hotel

Senjastua

⭐ 4.5$$

Laukhellaveien 2, 9303 Silsand, Norway

restaurant

Segla Grill & Pub

⭐ 4.5

Fv275 2210, 9388 Fjordgård, Norway

bar and grill

Hamn i Senja, Senja Reiseliv (Senja Travel)

⭐ 4.4

Hamnveien 1145, 9385 Skaland, Norway

resort hotel

Storbrygga Spiseri

⭐ 3.8

Hamnveien 1145, 9385 Skaland, Norway

restaurant

🎯Things to Do(10)

View all on Google Maps →
Senja Experience

Senja Experience

⭐ 5.0

Innerneset, 9300 Finnsnes, Norway

tour agency
Overlanding Senja

Overlanding Senja

⭐ 5.0

Svandalsveien 261, 9303 Silsand, Norway

tour agency
Senja Tour and Adventures AS

Senja Tour and Adventures AS

⭐ 5.0

Nygårdsplatået 11, 9300 Finnsnes, Norway

service
Senja Wild

Senja Wild

⭐ 4.9

Bergsfjordveien 1787, 9385 Skaland, Norway

tour agency
Senja Husky Adventure AS

Senja Husky Adventure AS

⭐ 4.8

Ottemoen 73, 9304 Vangsvik, Norway

point of interest

Senja lodge & Mountainguides - Eilertsen

⭐ 4.8

Fv252 106, 9386 Senjahopen, Norway

point of interest

Visit Senja

⭐ 4.7

johnsgård, 9303 Silsand, Norway

scenic spot

Segla Trail Head

⭐ 4.7

Fjordgård, Norway

hiking area

Nasjonal turistveg Senja - scenic route Senja - start/end

⭐ 4.7

Fylkesvei 862 144, 9373 Botnhamn, Norway

tourist attraction

Norwegian Wild

⭐ 4.5

Tranøyveien 2002, 9304 Vangsvik, Norway

cottage

Nearby Destinations

Norwegian fjord and mountain landscape near Narvik
✦8/10
🇳🇴Norway

Narvik

History enthusiasts and skiers who want genuine Arctic atmosphere without the tourist crowds

OctNovDecJanFeb+1
Northern Lights ToursSkiing+11 more
$150/day🛤️ ModerateExplore →
Multi-colored northern lights over snow-capped mountains in Tromsø, Norway
✦9/10
🇳🇴Norway

Tromsø

First-time aurora hunters wanting easy access, city comforts, and world-class guiding

SepOctNovDecJan+2
Northern Lights ToursHusky Sledding+19 more
$180/day✈️ EasyExplore →
Brilliant aurora display over Abisko National Park, Sweden's aurora capital
✦9/10
💎 Hidden Gem
🇸🇪Sweden

Abisko

Aurora purists who want scientifically the clearest skies on Earth for northern lights viewing

NovDecJanFebMar
Northern Lights ToursAurora Sky Station+15 more
$155/day✈️ EasyExplore →
Northern lights panorama over the Lyngen Alps, Norway
✦8/10
💎 Hidden Gem
🇳🇴Norway

Lyngen

Ski mountaineers, photographers, and aurora chasers seeking dramatic scenery without the crowds

SepOctNovDecJan+2
Northern Lights ToursSkiing+12 more
$160/day🛤️ ModerateExplore →

Related Destinations

Snow-capped mountains rise above the blue Arctic sea in Svalbard
✦10/10
🇳🇴Norway

Svalbard

Bucket-list adventurers wanting the ultimate Arctic experience with maximum aurora intensity

OctNovDecJanFeb+1
Northern Lights ToursPolar Bear Safari+17 more
$280/day🛤️ ModerateExplore →
Spectacular green northern lights over Norwegian wilderness near Alta
✦9/10
🇳🇴Norway

Alta

Clear-sky aurora chasers who want maximum viewing nights and lower prices than Tromsø

OctNovDecJanFeb+1
Northern Lights ToursSnowmobile Safari+15 more
$160/day🛤️ ModerateExplore →
Travelers watching aurora borealis in northern Norway
✦9/10
🇳🇴Norway

Hammerfest

Curious travellers who want genuine Arctic town character and a quirky Polar Bear Society membership

OctNovDecJanFeb+1
Northern Lights ToursWildlife Watching+11 more
$155/day🛤️ ModerateExplore →

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Senja Island?+
The best months for aurora viewing in Senja Island are 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3. Senja Island has an aurora score of 8/10.
How much does a trip to Senja Island cost?+
The average daily budget in Senja Island is around $145 USD, covering accommodation, meals, and activities.
How do I get to Senja Island?+
1.5h drive from Tromsø airport via bridge. Or take a boat/ferry. Self-drive is the best way to explore.
What activities are available in Senja Island?+
Popular activities in Senja Island include Northern Lights Photography, Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Watching, Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Northern Lights Tours, Photography Tours, Fjord Cruises, Aurora Camp, Cross Country Skiing, Puffin Watching, Northern Lights Cruise, Seal Watching, Midnight Sun Viewing.