Basically, the reason to go to Senja is to see the rugged coastline on the Western side. Largely overseen by most tourists, tourist brochures and tour operators, this is one of the most dramatic parts of Norway, and easily competes with the neighbouring Lofoten. Be warned that the road on the Western coast is both very narrow and windy, and can be challenging for larger vehicles. Make sure to stop at some of the villages and beauty spots, like Husøy, Mefjordvær, Bøvær and Torsken. The inside of Senja is comparatively less dramatic, with forests, lakes and rounded mountains. The à nderdalen National Park is a relatively small national park, but with varied coastal and inland scenery, including a pine forest.
Sights in the traditional sense play second fiddle on Senja, but the following attractions add spice to a Senja visit:
Senjatrollet
in Berg is a theme park with Norwegian fairy tales and a solid dose of northern humour. A must for families, and you can scare your kids to bed with trolls for a long time afterwards.Torsken Church
in Torsken near Gryllefjord is an 18th c. wooden church.Kaperdalen Sami Museum
in Kaperdalen midway between Finnsnes and Sifjord on the west coast is a restored Sami farm built of turf huts.Tranøy Church
on the small island of Tranøy off the south coast of Senja is another 18th c. wooden church.
itineraries
Whatever you do, drive along the rugged west side. Drive to Botnhamn, either from Finnsnes or by ferry from Brensholmen near Tromsø. Then continue along the west coast, making detours to Husøy, Mefjordvær and Bøvær, down to Gryllefjord and Torsken. Then either cross back to Finnsnes or take the ferry across to Andenes.