You may not have heard of Norway’s second largest island, Senja Island. This underrated, must-see destination covers an area of 600 square miles. It lies above the Arctic Circle and is home to rugged mountains and fishing villages.
With a population of lower than 8,000 people on the east coast, the commune of Senja will more than likely be left off the list of must-see places in Arctic Norway. There usually are not many tour groups covering this area. It may be said that this island with a friendly southern coast remains to be undiscovered.
If you are planning to explore the area, try these photo spots on Senja Island that you need to definitely visit as a photographer.
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Senja national scenic route
What higher way to appreciate a brand new place by seeing and experiencing it while traveling? Exploring the island of Senja and taking amazing photos is feasible by taking a visit along the Senja National Scenic Trail or the National Tourist Route.
There are 18 different routes which can be parts of highways and railways. By taking this route you’ll be able to take amazing photos of the outer coast of Senja. You should definitely take note of the stunning views, picnic areas, and spectacular, picturesque beaches.
Tongeneset Viewpoint
While traveling along the National Scenic Trail, you’ll be able to see two noteworthy viewpoints on the island of Senja. One of them is the Tungeneset viewpoint. Tungeneset is taken into account a paradise for photographers and the most photographed place in Senja.
Here, in the Tungeneset rest area, you’ll be able to take pictures of the jagged Free Peaks or the Okshorn peaks. You can even take photos of cliffs and small pools on rocky surfaces.
You can even walk along the rocky edges and take amazing photos of the mountain meeting the sea. If you are lucky and it’s low tide, you’ll be able to take photos of the rock cauldrons full of seawater.
If you occur to visit the Tungeneset Viewpoint during bad weather, you’ll still have the ability to enjoy the famous Oksen peaks and take amazing photos. The tourist-friendly picket walkway makes it easy for tourists to appreciate and marvel at the amazing view of so many mountains and the open sea.
Bergsbotna Platform
Another must-see on the National Tourist Route is the Bergsbotn Platform. This platform is 44 meters long. Here you’ll be able to capture the beauty of Bergsfjord and its surroundings.
If you enjoy the thrill of heights, it’s really value capturing the view from the top together with your camera. The platform is made of wood, but the view shouldn’t be obstructed because the sides are made of transparent material.
Ersfjord Beach
Senja is home to the open sea and a nice stretch of coastline. Northern Norway Ersfjordstranda has several sandy beaches for each Norwegian and foreign tourists. If you’re in search of a white sand beach, you will discover something for yourself by visiting Ersfjord Beach or Ersfjordstranda Beach.
You’ll easily find photographers spending lots of time on this arctic beach due to the clear skies, spectacular views, and icy waters. Ersfjord Beach is an incredible place to explore, walk, chill out and take a photograph break about halfway through your trip.
Beach in Bøvær
The beach at Bøvær is one other must-see attraction in Senja. However, the road leading to Bøvær beach may be extremely scary, narrow and winding. However, getting there could make the trip worthwhile due to the spectacular scenery.
Bøvær is one of Senja’s amazing beaches. As a photographer, you’ll be able to enjoy photographing the long shoreline of the beach in addition to the white and sandy beaches.
After taking great photos of Bøvær Beach, you’ll be able to rest and chill out at Crow Caste. Crow Castle, or Kråkeslottet, is a renovated picket fishing house positioned next to the lighthouse. During your stay, you’ll be able to enjoy and take photos of cultural programs.
Husøy on the fishing grounds
Husøy, meaning “home island”, is the energetic fishing community of Senja. It is a small island positioned in the heart of the Øyfjord. There is not much to do on this fishing village, but there’s a lot to see. When planning a visit to the picturesque fishing village of Husøy, it’s value having your camera ready.
It doesn’t matter while you plan to visit Husøy because this little fishing village looks incredible all 12 months round. If you intend to wander around the area, bear in mind that almost all shops close at noon, a mirrored image of the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Due to its distant location, you would possibly think this place is a living museum. However, it’s home to many inhabitants who make this village alive and delightful.
Red cabins in Gryllefjord
If you are in search of dramatic shots, you need to visit the village of Gryllefjord. The fjord and open ocean can add a dramatic feel to your photos. The red cottages in the fishing village of Gryllefjord are positioned along the Norwegian coast and are definitely an actual treat.
If you are considering a wider trip around northern Norway in the summer, it’s value taking a automotive ferry. A automotive ferry connects Gryllefjord with the Andes at the northernmost tip of the Vesterålen archipelago.
Sea Eagle Safari
In addition to taking great landscape photos, you might even be involved in taking wildlife photos while visiting Senja, Norway. You can join fishing trips by taking a small boat towards the island of Hekkingen. This is a surefire way to get amazing photos of bald eagles in motion.
Ånderdalen National Park on the southern coast of Senja
If you fancy taking photos outdoors with primeval forest and Norwegian coastal landscapes, you may love Anderdalen National Park. The area of this excellent place is 134 square kilometers.
The national park is open to hikers and cyclists. Fishing is great fun in the summer. In winter you’ll be able to go dog sledding and skiing.
This small national park is home to a spread of animals comparable to moose, reindeer and red fox. You can take photos of the amazing landscape here, a lush forest full of trees up to 600 years old and forest animals.
City of Finnsnes
Via Finnsnes you’ll be able to easily reach Senja in Norway. This city is positioned on the continent. There is not any shortage of shops, accommodation facilities and restaurants here. If you would like to take photos showing the busy side of Senja, you need to stop in the town of Finnsnes.
If you feel nostalgic and need to get a taste of Senja’s history, you’ll be able to visit Lenvik Church, which was in-built 1130 in Bjorelvnes. Its architectural design and ease can create an incredible photographic composition.
Port of Senja
Hamn I Senja is a sheltered harbor in Senja, Norway. This place was once a trading post and an old nickel mine. It lies south of the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
You can take amazing photos of the 98 Bergsfjord islands clustered together north of Hamn I Senja. The view is breathtaking and value capturing together with your camera lens.
Northern lights and midnight sun in Senja, Norway
Winter is an incredible time to visit Senja, Norway. Seeing and taking photos of the Northern Lights is non-negotiable when visiting northern Norway. In winter, the island of Senja experiences polar nights, making it the best place to hunt for the Northern Lights.
The polar night can last from late November to mid-January. Apart from seeing the Northern Lights, it is also fun to ride husky sleds and take amazing photos of the white scenery and cute huskies.
If you would like to experience the midnight sun at the least once in your life, you need to consider visiting around May and July. This is the time when the sun never sets and Senja also takes your breath away during this time.
Hiking is an enjoyable activity which you can do while viewing the shiny sun at any time of the day. When visiting this place, it’s value taking your camera with you. If you notice an incredible landscape or intriguing wildlife, take that photo!
Classes and photography in Senja, Norway
There is little doubt that Senja, Norway offers some spectacular sights and adventures that have to be experienced to keep tourists entertained and enchanted. In addition to the views, Senja in Norway also offers amazing attractions that each tourist would really like to take part in.
Challenging hikes around Senja are combined with rewarding views of this small island. There are plenty of mountains to hike on the island. One of them is the Sukkertoppen mountain, which is a challenge for a lot of and is a preferred climbing route.
If you are in search of a more gentle hike, you would possibly consider Husfjellet Mountain. It’s easy to climb and when you’re at the top you’ll be able to enjoy a incredible view. You can take out your camera and take photos of the spectacular view.
In addition to climbing, you can too travel around the island by bike. As a cyclist, you’ll be able to take advantage of the Norwegian coast. The route is a component of European Cycle Route 1. Cycling on the road is a greater way to take great photos. You can easily go to distant areas that provide equally picturesque villages.
While visiting the island of Senja
Senja is known amongst Norwegian tourists for its stunning oceans and beaches, rugged mountain ranges, cycling and climbing trails, and must-see fishing villages. This is Arctic Norway positioned between the islands of Tromsø, Vesterålen and Lofoten.
As a photographer, you would like to have the ability to manage your time and luxuriate in the island in a way that suits you. Therefore, it’s best to explore the island in your personal automotive. Cars for rent are solution. Take your camera and equipment with you so you will not regret your trip to Senj, Norway.