How to Get from Oslo to Senja
Traveling the 965 miles (1,553 km) from Norway's capital city of Oslo to Senja, the country's second-largest island can be done by flying or a longer road trip for those who have extra time. This popular destination for northern lights and whale watching is part of the archipelago of Vesterålen.
Senja is the perfect spot for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts. Northern lights are abundant in the winter months, and wildlife spotting is very possible. You may see moose, eagles, seals, and even reindeer. Hiking is popular during the summer season within Ånderdalen National Park and the iconic peak of Segla. Hit the water for kayaking in the extended daylight during the midnight sun too.
This 9-day Tromsø & Senja Winter Adventure highlights some of the best things to do, as well as this Best of Norway's Article Islands for those looking to explore Lofoten as well.
By Flight
Duration: 4-5 hours
Travelers who choose to fly from Oslo will arrive in Tromsø in about two hours, just north of Senja. From there, it's possible to rent a car or arrange for a private transfer to the island, and it's about a 2.5-hour drive.
Drivers will embark on E8 to Nordkjosbotn and then veer onto E6 to Moen where you'll get on Fv855 to Finnsnes. From there, take Fv861 onto the island of Senja. During the summer months, a car ferry runs from Tromsø, adding another option for traveling to Senja via Andenes–Gryllefjord and Brensholmen–Botnhamn routes.
For more details on getting from Tromsø to Senja, check out this article.
Snowshoeing and husky sledding are possible in the winter months. Summer is ideal for wildlife safaris, hiking the beautiful landscape, and deep-sea fishing in Mikkelbostad, on the island of Dyrøya; a village dating back to the Stone Ages.
By Car
Duration: 2-3 days
Driving directly from Oslo to Senja would take approximately twenty-two hours, however, it's wise to allow for plenty of extra time to explore along the way and see a big stretch of the country. Drivers will take Rv4 towards Lillehammer, host to the 1994 Winter Olympics, and continue north to veer onto E6 towards Trondheim.
You'll pass by many national parks along this route, so the opportunity to stop for hiking or rest stops to admire the scenery is abundant. Rondane National Park, Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park, and Trollheimen Mountain Area near Oppdal, a solid base to spend the night, about six hours from Oslo.
After departing Oppdal, continuing north to Trondheim (about two hours) will have you arriving in a cultural and culinary rich city on the Trondheim fjord. Staying on E6, you'll pass by Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella National Park, a stunning region for hiking and outdoor exploits. Making your way north, you'll drive through the gorgeous landscape dotted with small villages. Near Røssvoll you can see the Svartisen glacier.
From there, it's about four and half more hours to Bognes, where you'll take the Bognes - Skarberget ferry, a forty-minute ride. After arriving in Skarberget, you'll continue about two and a half hours on E6 to Bardufoss before taking Fv86 for an hour towards Senja.