Tromsø - Senja - Lofoten

The Golden Circle Part II

If you missed the first part of this tour description, click here. ← Golden Circle Part I

Returning from Husøy you follow the 862 towards Senjahopen. If you are into hiking and not afraid of heights, you should consider visiting the top of the iconic mountain Segla. The hike starts in Fjordgård and takes you about 3.5 hours. The view into the Mefjord is impressive and photos taken on the trip up will be guaranteed breathtaking. Check out our guide for the Segla hike here (Blog link) or watch our Top View video giving you an idea of what the top tour will be. If you want to find the start of the hike on our guide, have a look here (Guide Link)

If you skip the hike you can take pictures from the fjord side (Guide Link). 

Beach life in Ersfjord Senja

When you have passed the Geitskartunnelen you'll come to Ersfjord (Guide Link). Depending on how busy this location is, you may want to consider staying overnight. The beach, with its stunning views of the fjord and excellent camping opportunities, makes this place truly unique. If the sun is shining and the weather is warm, you could easily forget that you are above the Arctic Circle. During May and June, numerous waterfalls cascade down the mountains, carrying melted ice to the sea. You can park your camper either by the beach or facing the mountains. Venturing up into the dunes, you will discover ample spots to set up a campfire. Restrooms are available at the parking lot. If this spot is too crowded and you prefer a quieter option, continue driving to the Steinfjord wild camp spot (Guide Link). 

Between those two camp spots is the viewpoint of Tungeneset (guide link), which is spectacular at sunset or in winter with the Aurora Borealis. Tungeneset is part of the National Tourist Way (link). You will find a walkway built out of wood in modern architecture style. It leads you to the view of the razor-sharp Okshornan peaks. The parking is not recommended for camping, since the road is going downward.

Kråkeslottet

After you made it through the Steinfjordtunnelen, consider making a small detour, take the right (Fv251). It ends at the old fishing pier which has been refurbished. It became a cultural gathering place called Kråkeslottet. Watch a short snippet (YouTube) from a concert at Kråkeslottet, also featured by the musician from Senja, Moddi, in memory of Sam Coenegrachts.

If you search around a bit, you also find the small shack which has an old rowing boat as a roof. It has been shown once on one of our favourite blogs "Cabin Porn" (external). It is the perfect place to read some Hemingway bestsellers or in winter to wait for the orcas to show up (YouTube).

By returning to the 862 you are able to refill your supplies at the shop in Skaland if needed. By leaving this fjord you will drive up a switchback road passing the Bergsbotn platform, which is also part of the National Tourist Way (link). If it is not cloudy, the great panorama of the fjord is worth a photo. The platform hangs several metres over a prong.

The secret of Mount Stormoa

Well, you have seen a lot of nice nature so far, now it is time for an Eraserhead (David Lynch) moment. Drive some minutes more up the mountain from the platform. Before you enter the Skaland tunnel, park your camper. On the left side you will find a strange entrance (Guide Link), it looks like it is leading right into the mountain. Take a deep breath and walk into ... the rest stays with you!

Leaving Senja

If you made it out in one piece, take some time to get used to the daylight again. After recovering, continue driving towards Gryllefjord. From here take the ferry to Andenes (Guide Link). The ferry has little capacity; in peak season you might have difficulties finding a spot. Here is what our friend Øyvind, the first mate of the Andenes - Senja ferry, told us: "You should be in line at least 1-2 hours before in Andenes and 3-4 hours before in Gryllefjord if you want to make it on to the ferry!" When you are on the ferry - go on deck and watch out for some whale action. You have good chances to spot them, at least we did almost every time we have been in this region.

... to be continued. The tour description "The Golden Circle Part III" will be online soon!

Meanwhile you can watch what is waiting for you in Andenes: