Senja – Island Auroras
- Details
Details
Senja showcases many of Norway's highlights and this 4-night break is designed to encapsulate them all. You'll look out for an array of marine life during a boat tour and at night, you'll search for the Northern Lights from a hot tub, Aurora Lighthouse and a snowshoe walk. All this with a fantastic mountainous fjord backdrop.
To know Senja is to love Senja (or at least that's the case in our office!). The small hotel of Hamn is set right on the harbour of a sheltered bay which eventually leads out to the vast Norwegian Sea. Regardless of when you visit, it is an idyllic and timeless setting with panoramic views of the harbour, which was used by fishermen for hundreds of years.
The location of the hotel, right on the water's edge and away from almost all artificial light pollution, could not be better for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Sitting right in the heart of the Aurora Zone at a latitude of 69.41 degrees (anything north of 63/64 is normally considered in the zone), sometimes, you need only to walk outside the hotel to see a display if the conditions are right.
During your two daytime activities, your guided walk and wildlife and fjord boat safari, an abundance of incredible animals can be spotted. These include the likes of seals, soaring eagles and other birdlife. If you are travelling from January onwards, there is also the chance that you may spot a whale during your boat trip, but this very much depends on where the vital herring travel. Sightings are not as common as they once were, so please do not expect a whale watching tour.
In contrast to the remote and peaceful setting of Hamn, the final day of your holiday sees you transported to the relative hustle and bustle of one of the world's most northerly cities: Tromsø. You will arrive in style on the Norled Ferry (or similar), before exploring the city at your own pace for the remainder of your stay should ferry timetables allow. Tromsø needs no introduction to Aurora enthusiasts; it is regularly listed as one of the best places in the world as a base to see the Northern Lights.
What we like about Tromsø is that there is so much to see and do during the day. A particular favourite is the cable car. In just four minutes you find yourself at an altitude of 421 metres with views to rival the very best in the world. Where else can you see the urban sweep of Tromsø - 'The Paris of the North' fjords, mountains and dozens and dozens of archipelago islands fading gradually into the ocean from just one vantage point? The word spectacular can very often be used unjustifiably but when it comes to describing the views from the Storsteinen Mountain it is barely adequate.
Another favourite pastime is to visit Mack's Ølbryggeri which is one of the world's most northerly breweries (one opened in Ilulissat, Greenland in 2013 which was a mere 50 metres further north but pride of most northerly place goes to the brewery opened in Svalbard in 2015). We always recommend this place for a friendly welcome, fascinating history, the 72 different beers available and some delicious and reasonably priced food. The brewery runs daily tours at 15.30 midweek and 14:30 on Saturdays for those wishing to enjoy the full beer appreciation experience.
Image credits: Gaute Bruvik, Jason Koo, Dieter Wieninger and Reiner Schaufler. Adobe Stock and Tomasz Wozniak, Adobe Stock and Tomasz Wozniak, Adobe Stock and Lunghammer, Adobe Stock and DK Photography
Important Information
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only. Your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.
Itinerary
You will be met at Bardufoss Airport* and driven to your hotel on the north-west side of the island of Senja. It’s a journey of around 90 minutes and as you watch the islands and fjords glide by, it will become increasingly hard to believe that you were embroiled in the hubbub of a busy airport earlier in the day.
After a warm welcome at the hotel, you will have some free time to check into your rooms and just gaze out the windows (you will see what we mean when you arrive!) before dinner is served in the hotel restaurant.
Our friends at Hamn I Senja came up with the Northern Lights Lighthouse concept. Essentially, it is a traditional northern cabin known as a kota which sits on raised land behind the hotel. From this vantage point, you can enjoy 360° views across the fjords as well as the Arctic sky above. If the Northern Lights are visible then you will almost certainly be able to see them from the lighthouse. There is also hot berry juice to drink and reindeer skins to relax on. All in all, it’s a pretty civilised approach to Northern Lights viewing.
A note on flights: flights are not included in the holiday price so that the best available fares and most appropriate schedules can be found at the time of booking. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a quote and arrange flights on your behalf.
* This holiday is designed to fly into Bardufoss and out of Tromsø. If you would prefer to arrive and depart from the same airport please get in touch and we will help arrange transfers to allow you to do this.
Included Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, you will meet your expert local guide and depart by car along the National Tourist Route on Northern Senja. This is one of only 18 such routes in Norway which have been granted the coveted ‘National Tourist Route’ status to reflect the exquisite nature of the surrounding area. On your journey from the airport yesterday you will have enjoyed a short taste of just why it has been recognised as one of Norway’s most outstanding and, indeed, astounding routes.
You will visit the remote idyllic islets and skerries of Bergsfjord and make other stops at viewpoints and places of interest which may well have just passed you by without your guide’s local knowledge. You will be out exploring for approximately two hours before returning to your hotel for lunch.
This afternoon you will have some free time to relax or take a short walk before your evening meal is served in the hotel restaurant.
Included in the price of your trip is one visit to the hotel’s quirky outdoor hot tub and sauna. The hot tub is set in an old fishing boat located just next to the hotel. The team at Senja are, quite rightly, very proud of what they claim to be “The world’s first outdoor hot tub in a boat!”. Their promise is that this is not only a unique concept but also an unforgettable experience
The hot tub boat is available to book any time up to 23.00 and can hold up to 15 people. It is great fun and also fully licensed so you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer whilst hopefully gazing at the Northern Lights. One of our members of staff, Amy, actually sat out in the hot tub while a blizzard raged around her. Protected by warm bubbling water and a woolly hat, there was no way she was going to abandon her glass of wine for a mere flurry of snow!
Amy strongly recommends it as an unforgettable experience but she does add a note of warning. Getting out of the 38°C hot tub to take those six steps to the sauna took an awful lot of willpower!
Later this evening we have included entry to the Northern Lights Lighthouse. If you were not lucky enough to enjoy an Auroral display last night then this could be your moment. If you did see the Aurora last night, it’s time to relax and enjoy the view because the Northern Lights are ever-changing and no two displays are the same.
If you have an interest in photography is it possible to upgrade your activity this evening to a Northern Lights photography workshop. Suitable for complete beginners (or those with more experience) you will learn some of the really interesting skills and techniques which are required to successfully capture the Aurora.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Superlatives just fail to describe the dramatic scenery of the Arctic Norwegian Coastline. Hamn I Senja is set right in the heart of one of our very favourite parts and today you will be able to discover a different perspective during your wildlife boat safari. Your guide will take you out to some of the completely unspoilt beaches and coves located a short cruise from the hotel where you are most likely to be able to enjoy some of the wonderful birdlife and also seals who call this special part of the world home. You will be out on the water for approximately one and a half hours.
You will return to the hotel in time for lunch and your last afternoon is free to relax and just enjoy the striking land and seascapes.
After dinner, you will try one of the oldest ways of travelling in Arctic Norway: snowshoeing. Walking with snowshoes on for the first time feels like strapping a couple of tennis rackets to your feet. It does take some time to get used to, but once you have found your feet (as it were) there are very few places you cannot go! The guide will provide a full safety briefing and the whole group will travel at a slow and leisurely pace. This activity is designed to allow you to try something new and have some fun along the way, lasting approximately 3 hours. The beauty of using snowshoes is that it does not take much time or effort to head away to a great Aurora vantage point. Then, it is just a case of waiting and hoping that the Northern Lights will appear and reward your efforts.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the port of Finnsnes which is around an hour from the hotel. Once there you will board the Norled Ferry (or similar) to Tromsø. The ferry takes around one hour and fifteen minutes. Keep a lookout for wildlife along the way! (Please note that the best available ferry service on the day based on departure time and duration will be booked, therefore, this might not necessarily be the Norled ferry.)
Norled AS is one of Norway’s largest ferry and express boat operators boasting a fleet of 80 vessels. Their new electric ferries have cut emissions by up to 90% and in 2022, Norled AS scored an impressive 98 points out of 100 in GRESB’s sustainability assessment.?
Our top tip here is to wrap up warm and find a spot outside, or, at the very least, next to a window. This is much more than just a transfer; it allows you a taster of this iconic route which has repeatedly been voted as the most dramatic cruise route in the world.
You will arrive at Tromsø and take the short and very easy walk to the hotel (approx. 200 metres) to check into your accommodation. Please note a transfer is not included but we can arrange one in advance at a supplement. Just ask our Travel Experts for a quote.
If the ferry schedule allows, the afternoon is free for you to explore this charming town at your own pace. We have already mentioned a few of our favourite things to do in the overview for this holiday but another ‘must do’ are the Botanical Gardens. It’s a longish walk (approx. 40-minutes) or the hotel can assist you in arranging a taxi (payable locally) to the most northerly botanical garden in the world. Whilst it is home to many thousands of plant species from all over the world the gardens’ speciality is plants from the Polar Regions or the high mountains.
Entry is free (very rare in Norway!) and the gardens are all outdoors so please wrap up warm. You may also choose to take a look at our recommended additional activities listed in the Personalise Tour section. There are plenty to choose from including a Northern Lights minibus chase to maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora and a reindeer camp dinner – a great way to gain an insight into Sami life.
What’s Included
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Transfers: Private transfer from Barduoss Airport to Hamn i Senja, private transfer from Hamn i Senja to Finnsnes, Norled Ferry (or similar) from Senja to Tromsø, transfer from The Edge to Tromsø Airport
Included Meals: Breakfast
Wow, what a holiday! Hopefully today you will be feeling fully revitalised by your time spent on Senja and in Tromsø but, sadly, it’s time to head to the airport for your flights home.
Don’t worry though, we completely understand. Northern Norway is completely addictive! Just get in touch with us to discuss your next adventure. Perhaps you will visit a different region of Norway where you will discover new activities and a completely different landscape. Or, for a quite startling contrast, how about a summer trip to witness the same postcard views but this time as they are bathed in the glorious 24-hour daylight of the Midnight Sun.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Transfers: Private transfer from Barduoss Airport to Hamn i Senja, private transfer from Hamn i Senja to Finnsnes, Norled Ferry from Senja to Tromsø, transfer from The Edge to Tromsø Airport
- 3 nights in a one-bedroom suite accommodation at Hamn i Senja, 1-night standard double/twin room at Clarion Hotel The Edge
- 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- Guided sightseeing along the National Scenic Route
- Two visits to the Northern Lights Lighthouse
- Wildlife and Fjord safari by boat
- Snowshoe hike for the Northern Lights
- One visit to the outdoor hot tub and sauna
- Cold weather and protective clothing are included during activities at Senja
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
Excluded
- Flights are not included – please speak to our Travel Experts for a quote if you wish to include these
Accommodation
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| Hamn i Senja can be found on the island of Senja – an idyllic Norwegian fishing village, surrounded by dramatic mountainous scenery. This perfect, peaceful location is an absolute must for those with a genuine appreciation of natural beauty. As Norway’s second-largest island after Hinnøya, Senja can be found midway between Tromsø and Harstad and offers its guests a beautiful array of diverse island scenery with spectacular views of the surrounding fjords, islets and mountains. The name ‘Hamn’ means harbour and the location that Hamn i Senja resides within has roots dating back to the 1880s as a traditional and plentiful fishing village. There is a wonderful historical feel as well as a perfect peaceful location directly on the harbour front. The hotel was recently refurbished so offers a high standard of modern facilities for its guests. Hotel Facilities
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| Situated right in the centre of Tromsø, the Clarion Hotel The Edge puts you in a prime location to explore the ‘Paris of the North’ and is an excellent base to transfer to your memorable activities. Hotel Facilities
NB: The hotel is cash-free. They take payment by credit or debit card and accept all major international cards |
Personalise This Tour
This activity is completely safe and suitable for all levels of fitness and swimming skill. You will be accompanied the whole time by qualified guides and a boat with a skipper who will follow your journey as you lie back, relax and just go with the flow (quite literally). There is something very freeing about completely letting go and enjoying the truly stunning scenery as you float along with the current. You just have to look at the pictures in the gallery for this holiday to see the backdrop to this magical activity.
Please note: there is a minimum of 4 participants for this activity.
Go in search of the Northern Lights whilst gaining an authentic insight into the Sámi people – the only indigenous people of Europe.
Your evening starts with a transfer to a local reindeer camp where you will meet with traditional herders who will tell you all about their lives here. The Sámi reindeer herders will introduce you to their animals and you will have the chance to feed them.
You will then be invited inside the Gamme (a Sámi hut) to warm up by the fire and enjoy a traditional three-course Sámi meal.
Following your dining experience, you will be invited to a Lavu (Sámi tent) to gather around the fire and listen to stories about the culture and life as a herder. Your guide will also perform a traditional song, called a joik, as you wait in hope of a Northern Lights display. You will be out for approximately 4 hours tonight, including transfers.
A minimum of 2 people is required for this activity to run.
Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours
Tonight takes you out of the city lights in search of an incredible Northern Lights display.
Travelling by minibus allows you to outrun any potential cloud cover and go further in search of the Northern Lights. Your guide will use the weather forecast and their expert knowledge to determine the best location for potential viewings.
Upon arrival at your chosen spot, you will keep warm by the campfire and enjoy warm drinks and a local meal as your guide helps you look for the lights. If conditions are favourable and they do make an appearance, you can also get tips on how to capture the moment on camera. Your guide will also be taking photos which will be provided to you. The activity starts at 6pm.
Duration: Between 6 and 9 hours depending on weather conditions and including transfers.
Some people wish to just lie back and float around whilst gazing at the stunning scenery around them whilst others may wish to splash about and enjoy some competitions and races the harbour is big enough for everyone to enjoy this remarkable experience in their own way. Afterwards, you will have use of the sauna.
| Tour Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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| Tour Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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| Tour Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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| Tour Loaction: | Tromso,Norway |
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| Tour Loaction: | Senja,Norway |
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Tour Map
Additional Info
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
