Northern lights at the Bergsbotn viewpoint.
Bergsbotn. Photo: Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen

Ocean, fjords and mountains

The drive along the west coast of Senja offers a journey through changing landscapes.

The steep mountains plunging straight into the ocean are a breathtaking sight, and the most prominent feature on this route.

The road twists and turns along deep fiords and through villages that cling to the narrow stripe between mountains and sea.

Just as dramatic as the mountain peaks of Okshornan rising up from the sea, just as serene is Senja with its idyllic islets and skerries in Bergsfjord. Detours from the road to the fishing villages of Husøy, Bøvær and Mefjordvær are great experiences.

Travel information

Length
102 km
MASL
0 – 287

Norwegian Scenic Route Senja runs between Botnhamn and Gryllefjord [862] [86], with short detours to Husøy [7886] and Mefjordvær [7868]. Together with Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya it provides an outer alternative to ([E6] and the Hurtigruten coastal express). Since Senja is an island you must cross the bridge from the mainland ([E6] via Finnsnes) or take the ferry between Botnhamn-Brensholmen or Gryllefjord-Andenes (click on the ferry icon for timetable.). 

The ferry from Gryllefjord - Andenes links the Scenic routes Senja and Andøya. The ferry from Botnhamn - Brensholmen can be your route from Senja to Tromsø.

For cyclists: The route may be experienced as relatively hilly, but is absolutely manageable. Norwegian Scenic Route Senja is part of National Cycle Route 1, which runs along the entire coast of Norway. From Bergen to Nordkapp the route also coincides with EuroVelo 1 «Atlantic Coast Route». The route is signposted.

Traffic and road information

Telephone +47 815 48 991

Traffic alerts in map (Norwegian only)
Traffic alerts in telephone app (Norwegian only)

Map information

GPS, Botnhamn:
69.505833, 17.902222
GPS, Gryllefjord:
69.362778, 17.053889
GPS, Husøy:
69.545124, 17.671638

Gpx file download for gps and navigation app.
In this file, the direction of travel is from
Gryllefjord to Botnhamn.  Gpx files for all Scenic Routes. Any alternative driving pattern must be adapted by the users themselves.

Information

Emptying toilets from motorhomes and caravans is not permitted in our toilets. The facility is not designed for such use. The nearest dump stations are at Skaland,  Senjahopen and Mefjordvær.

Experiences

Senja offers great nature experiences and is like a big adventure park for those who enjoy a challenge. The options are many, and for anyone who enjoys fishing, hiking, climbing, kayaking, scuba diving or free-ride skiing down steep mountainsides, Senja is perfect. In addition there are many lovely beaches you can visit.

High mountains and coastal landscapes provide an abundance of hiking options on Senja, and even the easiest walks offer great experiences. Not far from Hamn you will find Sukkertoppen, a challenging mountain hike with stunning views both along the way and from the top. Husfjellet is a far gentler hike that offers great photo opportunities of Mount Oksen with its sharp peaks. The walk to the Russehula cave near Mefjordvær lets you experience closeness to both mountains and sea. 

Useful links

The 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes

Norwegian Scenic Routes are roads that run through unique Norwegian nature. Along the roads you will find artworks, viewpoints and rest areas with innovative architecture in beautiful landscapes.

View all Scenic Routes