The Golden Circle Part I

Trip duration: 5-7 days / Available only in summer

If you rent a campervan from our Tromsø rental station in the summer, you should read this tour description. We call it the "Golden Circle". You will visit the popular Lofoten Islands as well as the lesser-known island of Senja. Additionally, you will explore the Whale Safari Eldorado in Andenes and the countryside around Bardufoss.

Leaving Tromsø

After picking up the camper and stocking up your fridge with supplies, head towards the island of Kvaløya. Before leaving "civilization," and especially if you are interested in good food, make a stop at Eide Handel (Guide Link). This grocery store offers a variety of great local and traditional products by Norwegian standards. You can find items such as smoked salmon, dried cod, special lamb meat, and pastries. Eide Handel also sells their own crafted beer and coffee - so don't miss the opportunity to try them out.

Exploring Kvaløya

After your shopping spree, it's time to hit the road - continue driving on the 862 towards Sommarøy. This route will take you through a picturesque valley, a popular spot for skiing in winter, and a favorite hangout for reindeer when there is no snow. This area is also ideal for viewing the Northern Lights, as it is far from the city lights of Tromsø. If you're feeling sleepy or it's getting late, we recommend the Kattfjord wild camp spot (Guide Link). Located directly on the fjord with a fireplace and slightly off the main road, it's the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle of Tromsø city life.

Continuing down the 862, you will reach the Brenesholmen/Sommarøy junction. As you approach, take a moment to gaze down towards the water and admire the bay and its gentle hills. This area has been inhabited since 500 BC, adding to its historical significance. Just before reaching the junction, you will come across a parking area where you can spend the night. While this spot is highly popular among caravans, we have not included it in our guide.

Your next step should be catching the ferry from Brenesholmen to Bothamn (Guide Link). If you have some time before the ferry departs, consider taking a short excursion to Sommarøy. Many of the houses here are summer residences for people from Tromsø. Sommarøy boasts coral beaches and small harbors, offering a picturesque setting for a quick visit.

On the ferry to Senja

If the link from Brenesholm to Bothamn is your first time using a ferry in Norway, do the following:

1. Go to the onboard Cafe, order a Coffee and a Waffle.
2. Somewhere in front of you is a big brown block (Wiki Link), that's kind of a cheese.
3. Slice two pieces off this thing with the slicer, place them both on your waffle.
4. Now take some of the jam that should also stand in front of you and one spoon of the sour cream.
5. Both should find also space on your Waffle.
6. Now take a seat at a window place. Fold the waffle with all its ingredients.
7. Take a bite, have sip of coffee and look outside onto the Fjord.

This might be your most Norwegian moment on your travel :).

Arriving in Senja

When you arrive in Bothamn you have two options, left or right. If you have some time, take the right. Two things we can recommend: First have (another) coffee in the grocery store Joker in Bothamn (Guide Link). While it may not be a fancy coffee bar awaiting you on the second floor, you will surely experience the social life of a small town on an island in Northern Norway. Amidst fishing gear and bad weather clothing, you will sit with locals, engaging in conversations about the weather, fishing, and even knitting.

If you continue the road you come to a dead end called Laukvik. It has a wild camp spot (Guide Link) on a white coral beach with a simple toilet. The place is perfect to follow the midnight sun rising over the Atlantic or catch some fish from the cliffs.

The fishing village fo Husøy

When you come from the ferry (Kvaløya - Senja) and you turn left, the next place you should visit is the fishing village of Husøy (Guide Link). Driving up the mountain pass road towards Husøy will treat you to breathtaking views of the Øyfjord. As you ascend, you will come across the small island occupied by the village of Husøy, aptly named the "House Island." Due to the high risk of avalanches, in 1950, houses were relocated from the Fjord's edges to this safer island location. The island is linked to the mainland by a pier, providing access to a café, shops, and a petrol station. It is best to park your car at the end of the pier for convenience.

Click here to continue reading this tour description "The Golden Circle Part II"

Before you leave this site you can watch some drone footage from Senja: