Summer Road Trip in Northern Norway: Tromsø, Senja & Lofoten - 16 Days

Highlights

• Kayak in the waters around Lofoten in the evening to experience the midnight sun
• Enjoy an authentic Viking feast at the Loftor Museum
• Sit back and soak up the scenery on the overnight Hurtigruten Ferry
• Take in the gorgeous views over the "Gateway to the Arctic" from Tromsø's cable car

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tromsø, Explore the "Gateway to the Arctic"

Welcome to Tromsø, the largest city in northern Norway, known as the "Gateway to the Arctic." Surrounded by snowcapped mountains and home to 65,000 inhabitants, Tromsø is famous for its lively student culture, gorgeous panoramic views, and as one of the best places in the country to spot the northern lights or enjoy the midnight sun. 

While you can walk through the city center in a few minutes, there's still plenty going on. Visit the seals and exhibitions of the Polaria Arctic Experience, then get out and create your own Arctic exploration with environmentally-friendly whale safaris. Appreciate the dramatic modern architecture and glass mosaic of Jan Inge Hovig's Arctic Cathedral, visible from all over the city and the surrounding Tromsø Sound.

Day 2: Guided Countryside Hike with Huskies

Kick off the first full day of your trip with a gentle hike through the Norwegian countryside in the company of adorable huskies and their pups. This customizable trek includes the services of a guide who'll give you an overview of a day in the life of a husky in Norway. To start, you'll meet your guide and several puppies (you might even meet a new litter, as two are born every summer). Pick your hiking buddy, then set off on an easy stroll, or opt for the medium hike up into the highlands for beautiful views.

After your hike, relax inside a traditional Sámi lavvu hut and enjoy warm drinks, such as hot chocolate, coffee, and tea, paired with a slice of famous chocolate cake and other treats. When you're ready to say your goodbyes to your new furry friends, you'll transfer back to Tromsø.

Day 3: Drive to Senja Island, Self-Guided Hiking

Today, you'll pick up your rental car and drive from Tromsø to the beautiful Senja Island. The 3.5-hour route takes you around the spectacular Malangen Fjord to Norway's second-largest island. Stop at Nordkjosbotn to grab a snack, then explore the tiny, picturesque village where the Nordkjoselva River meets the fjord. Once you reach Senja, check out the staggering diversity of the landscapes surrounding you, with ocean views, mountains, beaches, lakes, forests, and fields, all of which have earned it the nickname "the fairy-tale island."

After you settle in, you'll be free to explore Senja's network of trails as you please. Try the gradual uphill climb of Husfjell, one of Senja's most rewarding trails with varied terrain, located on the island's northwestern coast. When you arrive at the top, you can also climb to several other nearby peaks to find more impressive panoramas of Ersfjorden, Steinfjorden, and the Okshornan mountain range.

Day 4: Spot Wildlife on a Senja Arctic Boat Safari

After breakfast in Senja, you'll join the Arctic Boat Safari, one of the ultimate ways to experience the island's unique landscapes. During this half-day excursion, you'll visit some beautiful coastal destinations to admire the remoteness and wilderness of Arctic nature. Your crew will also be focused on spotting sea eagles, as well as several species of whales and seals, so keep your camera close. If time permits, you'll also get a sneak peek of the local fisherman and their daily routine on the job.

You'll have free time to explore more of the island in the afternoon. Visit the picturesque beaches, pack a picnic to enjoy the views, or wander the charming town and duck into local shops and cozy cafés.

Day 5: Self-Guided Discovery of Ånderdalen National Park

Ånderdalen National Park is centrally located on Senja Island and is known as "Northern Norway in Miniature" thanks to its diverse coastal landscape. At the park, you'll find fjords, ancient coastal pine forests, traces of Sámi (Indigenous) cultural heritage, and birch forests along parts of the Ånderelva River. The national park is an excellent place to spot several species of nesting wetland birds, birds of prey, plus members of the local elk population and resident reindeer herds (including babies in the summer!).

You'll have the whole day to explore the park—hiking, climbing, fishing, or simply strolling the gorgeous landscapes, keeping an eye out for wildlife. The park is also used as a grazing area for reindeer year-round, so you're likely to spot herds enjoying the summer grass.

Day 6: Drive to Svolvær, Midnight Sun Kayak Adventure

Today, make the long six-hour drive from Senja Island to Svolvær, the gateway to the Lofoten Islands, considered one of the most beautiful archipelagoes in the world. Once you settle in, explore the region's capital at your leisure. Have a drink or snack in a frozen wonderland at Magic Ice Lofoten, then stroll around town and see if you can spot the traditional drying racks where fresh cod is hung. For the truly adventurous, climb the Svolværgeita, an imposing rock formation that looms above the city. You can recover from your long trip at the floating sauna, Lofoten Sauna, located in Svolvær Harbor. 

Day 7: Trollfjord Sailing Cruise

Experience more of the spectacular beauty of the Lofoten Islands today on a five-hour tour through an area only reachable by boat. Suit up with the proper gear, and take a sailboat through the strait of Øyhellsundet to the jaw-dropping beauty of Trollfjord. Considered one of the most dramatic fjords in Norway, have your camera ready as you cruise through the incredibly narrow entrance and steep mountainsides. 

Your guide will show you historic sites, beaches, and a whaling island called Skrova, known for its charming harbor. If you're lucky, you'll see eagles, seals, various birdlife, and maybe even a whale. Enjoy your time on the boat with a Jacuzzi on the deck, or sit down and take in the scenery while savoring a hot drink and meal, such as reindeer stew. 

Day 8: Free Day to Explore the Lofoten Islands

Today, you'll have free time to drive around the gorgeous Lofoten archipelago and discover more dazzling scenery and idyllic villages. Thirty minutes from Svolvær is Gimsøya, a lovely island with rich birdlife and hiking opportunities. Climb Hoven Mountain for 360-degree views of the Vesterålen Islands, visit the many white sandy beaches, and pet the adorable horses at an Icelandic horse farm.

Drive to Eggum, a fishing village on the seaward side of Vestvågøy Island, or enjoy the chilled-out vibe of Unstad, a cool little town known as an Arctic surf destination. Stop in Bøstad to check out the Lofotr Viking Museum and visit Henningsvær, a picturesque fishing village scattered across several islands.

Day 9: Guided Hike to Mount Tjellbergtinden

Gear up this morning for a hiking trip up Mount Tjellbergtinden, a soaring peak set between Svolvær and Kabelvåg. Your guide will lead you up a steep, moderate route, gaining about 1,100 feet (353 m) in elevation. As you near the summit, a gravel path takes you up to a plateau with panoramic views.

From the top, enjoy scenes of Svolvær, Kabelvåg, and Vestfjord. Even on a rainy day, you can see across Norway's mainland to the other side of the fjord. Your guide will share information and stories about the region's history, culture, and folklore. After a break to relax and take photos, you'll head back down the trail and return to Svolvær.

Day 10: Scenic Island-Hopping Drive to Reine

Today you'll make the 2.5-hour drive from Svolvær to Reine, considered one of the most beautiful villages in the world. The scenic road provides many opportunities to stop and admire the dramatic landscape along the way. Take a short detour just after the island of Årnøya to drive along the spectacular coast road, and do the same on the islands of Gimsøya and Kvalnes. 

Take a short walk to Lofoten Waterfalls in Sørvågen or drive straight to the Molneva Falls in Flakstadøya. For beach time, visit the sandy Røvikstranda or Rambergstranda, or take a detour to the famous wooden Flakstad Church. As you cross the graceful Sundklakkbrua Bridge, stop to appreciate the incredible view of the fjords. 

Once you arrive in Reine, explore for the rest of the day. Nestled between the open ocean and towering mountain peaks, this section of Lofoten is unlike any other place in the world. You'll spend the next three nights in a traditional rorbuer—red and white fisherman's cabins converted into accommodations for travelers—with incredible views of the granite peaks jutting straight out of the sea. 

Day 11: Cruise & Kayak the Reinefjorden

Join a boat cruise to tour the beautiful fjords around Reine, starting in the incredible waters of the Reinefjord. Sail through the rocky isles and bird colonies, then take a turn through the nearby Kjerkfjord and Forsfjord, which are surrounded by the mighty mountains of Olstind, Seiltind, and Reienbingen, rising over 3,280 feet (1000 m) from the sea's surface.

In the afternoon, head back to the Reinefjorden for a kayaking tour. Lofoten's pristine environment and deep fjords offer the perfect surroundings for paddling a kayak, especially in the summer. Meet your experienced guide to get a quick overview of safety procedures, then set out on the fjord. Experience Reine Harbor, as well as wild shores and white beaches surrounded by towering mountains. Paddle around nearby islands such as Sakrisøy and Hamnøy, or stay inside the calm waters of the Reinefjord. 

Along the way, your guide will tell stories about the landscape and life in the region and give you an overview of Lofoten, its history, and the people who live here.

Day 12: Explore Moskenesøya Island, Viking Feast at Loftor Museum

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll have a free day to explore the rugged Moskenesøya, the westernmost island of the Lofoten archipelago. And with summertime's long daylight hours, there's plenty of time to fit in various activities. Start by visiting the small neighboring town of Hamnøy, the oldest fishing village in the Lofoten archipelago. It's an unbelievably beautiful town, and you'll probably recognize it—many photos depicting this region of Norway feature this iconic fishing village. You can also find some of the best hiking trails on the islands within a short distance of Hamnøy.

Continue on to Å, northern Norway's best-preserved traditional fishing village dating back to the early 1800s. Visit the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum, an open-air folk museum with a practicing blacksmith, a famous bakery (try a cinnamon roll!), and lovely harbor views. 

In the evening, drive to Bøstad for a Viking feast at the Loftor Museum. Upon entering the longhouse, you'll smell the tar, the smoke, and the delicious food. Enjoy the food, music, and storytelling in the Feast Hall and immerse yourself in the Viking age. The location of the Chieftain's House is spectacular and offers a great view of Lofoten during summer.

Day 13: Drive to Svolvær, Overnight Hurtigruten Ferry to Tromsø

Wake up this morning and relax in the charming village of Reine. Use the extra time to take a long summer walk or hike in the area before you hit the road for the drive back to Svolvær, where you'll catch the Hurtigruten Ferry, which departs later in the evening. Along the way, make a stop in Henningsvær, home to some of the most well-preserved architecture of the traditional Norwegian fishing villages. Henningsvær is Lofoten's liveliest spot and the artistic heart of the island, with quirky cafés and local galleries. 

Once you arrive in Svolvær, explore parts of the town you may have missed before. Wander the streets, or visit the Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum, a museum commemorating Norway's place in World War II. In the evening, you'll board the Hurtigruten, a local ferry that makes the 17-hour trip from Svolvær to Tromsø. Stay the night in a comfortable cabin, try the locally sourced meals on board, and enjoy the scenic views as you pass through the fjords, fishing villages, and more.

Day 14: Arrive in Tromsø, Ride the Cable Car

Once you arrive back in Tromsø this afternoon, settle into your hotel before heading out to explore. One of the best activities in the city is to take a spin on the cable car for excellent views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The car runs up to a mountain ledge in just four minutes using two gondolas, known as "Seal" and "Polar Bear," and ends at the sky-high platform with a spectacular panorama that includes islands, mountains, and fjords. Grab a bite at Fjellstua, the restaurant at the top, to savor the views longer. 

Day 15: Glacier Hike in the Lyngen Alps

Spend the penultimate day of your trip on an adventurous guided hike through the Lyngen Alps outside of Tromsø. The nine-hour trek takes you through majestic valleys to the Steindalbreen, where you'll hike along the glacier itself. The name "Lyngen" comes from the old Norse and means calm or quiet, which is fitting for this beautiful place that has not yet been discovered by most travelers visiting northern Norway. 

The day starts when you meet your local guide for a brief safety and glacier hiking introduction, then begin the three-hour hike up the Steindalen Valley. Follow the glacier-fed river and stop for a meal at the base of the glacier. Make the challenging and rewarding climb up the glacier, and take in the fascinating views of mountains, forests, and fjords. Stop to rest and take photographs before returning to the starting point, where you'll be served hot drinks and freshly prepared soup with locally baked bread before your return to Tromsø.

Day 16: Depart Tromsø

On your final morning in Tromsø, explore the streets and stop in the charming shops for some last-minute souvenirs. Then, it's time to say farewell to Norway! Head to the Tromsø Airport to drop off your rental car and catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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