Senja, Norway’s second-largest island, is often called a quieter alternative to the Lofoten Islands. With towering mountains, dramatic fjords, and a sense of untouched wilderness, it has become a dream destination for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re hiking its famous peaks or simply driving along winding coastal roads, Senja offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Northern Norway.
Where is Senja?
Senja sits in Northern Norway, roughly between Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands. Despite its natural beauty, it receives fewer visitors than Lofoten, making it a perfect escape for those who prefer solitude in nature. Photographers from around the world are drawn here for its dramatic light and rugged landscapes.
Getting There
Reaching Senja is fairly simple. From Tromsø, you can drive across bridges and ferries, or take the direct ferry from Brensholmen to Botnhamn. Travelers coming from the south often arrive via Lofoten and Andøya, with another ferry connection from Andenes to Gryllefjord. However you get there, the journey itself is scenic and worth the effort.
Staying on Senja
Accommodation ranges from campsites to cozy cabins. Many visitors opt for cottages with fjord views, which often come equipped with small kitchens and living areas. Staying in one of these cabins allows you to enjoy the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter right from your doorstep.
Best Places to Photograph on Senja
1. Hesten and Segla Peaks
Segla is Senja’s most photographed mountain, a sharp peak rising straight out of the fjord. While climbing Segla itself is popular, the best vantage point is from the neighboring mountain, Hesten. The hike to Hesten isn’t long, and you don’t even need to reach the very top to capture incredible shots. Visit during the midnight sun for unforgettable colors across the landscape.
2. Fjordgård
The small village of Fjordgård lies at the foot of both Segla and Hesten. Even without hiking, the view of these iconic peaks from the village itself is breathtaking and well worth a stop.
3. Mefjordbotn
This quiet village is surrounded by jagged mountains and reached by a particularly scenic drive. Along the way, there are plenty of pull-offs where you can stop and photograph the fjords and cliffs.
4. Senjahopen
From Senjahopen, you’ll find a different perspective of Segla and Hesten, with both peaks framed together against the sky. It’s a great place for wide-angle landscape shots.
5. Husøy
Built on a tiny island in Øyfjorden, Husøy is one of Senja’s most distinctive villages. The surrounding mountains rise steeply on all sides, creating dramatic scenery that is especially striking when viewed from above.
6. Tungeneset Viewpoint
Tungeneset is one of the island’s official viewpoints, offering panoramic views over Ersfjord and its jagged peaks. A short wooden walkway takes you from the parking lot to the coastline, where the best photos are taken at sunset when the light softens the sharp mountain edges.
7. Bergsbotn
Bergsbotn offers sweeping views over Nordfjorden and the nearby mountains. Although parking can be limited, a short walk through the grass leads to some of the best angles of the fjord.
8. Bergsbotn Platform
Just above the village is a modern wooden platform built along the roadside. From here, you can admire one of Senja’s most iconic vistas with mountains and fjords stretching in every direction.
9. Hamn
Hamn is a small coastal settlement known for its resort, but it’s also a great place for short nature walks. Trails like Sukkertoppen are nearby and offer beautiful views without requiring a full-day hike.
10. Gryllefjord
This fishing village is not only picturesque but also the departure point for the ferry to Andøya. The fjord is surrounded by steep cliffs, and at the far end there’s a bench overlooking the water—an ideal place to sit and take in the view at sunset.
Final Thoughts
Driving around Senja feels like stepping into a living postcard. Every bend in the road reveals another dramatic fjord or soaring mountain, and it’s hard not to pull over every few minutes just to take another photo. Unlike more crowded destinations in Norway, Senja still feels wild and peaceful. Whether you’re here for hiking, photography, or simply to experience unspoiled landscapes, this island offers some of the most memorable scenery in the north.