Senja and Andøya: Norway in miniature
Jagged peaks rising from the sea on Senja’s outer coast, then a summer ferry to the whale waters off Andenes.
- Distance
- 197 km (122 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 43 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Norway
- Updated
- July 16, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 197 km (122 mi) with 7 stops, from Tromsø to Andenes Lighthouse. About 2 h 43 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Norway
Route description
From Tromsø follow the E8 and then the E6 and route 86 south to Finnsnes, where a bridge crosses to Senja, Norway’s second-largest island. The inner side is farmland and birch woods; the drama is on the outer coast facing the Atlantic.
Cross the island to the fishing villages of Senjahopen and Mefjordvær, then follow the National Scenic Route Senja south-west. At Tungeneset a walkway leads over the rocks towards the Okshornan peaks; further on, the Bergsbotn platform looks down the length of Bergsfjorden.
The road winds through tunnels and past white beaches to Gryllefjord. In summer a car ferry sails from here to Andenes on Andøya, taking under two hours; out of season you must drive back via Finnsnes and the E6, which takes most of a day.
Andenes has the lighthouse, a whale centre and boat trips out to the sperm whales that feed along the edge of the continental shelf. Several tunnels and narrow sections on Senja are fine for motorhomes but need patience; the midnight sun lasts from late May to late July, and from September the northern lights return.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Tromsø
Norway - 275 km
Finnsnes
Norway - 344 km
Senjahopen
Norway - 48 km
Tungeneset
ViewsSenja, NorwayA wooden walkway over the rocks facing the jagged Okshornan peaks across the fjord. One of the classic viewpoints on the National Scenic Route Senja, lovely at midnight in June.
- 522 km
Gryllefjord
Norway - 646 km
Andenes
Norway - 71 km
Andenes Lighthouse
ViewsAndenes, NorwayA red cast-iron lighthouse at the northern tip of Andøya. Andenes is the base for whale safaris to the deep water just offshore where sperm whales feed.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Tromsø → Finnsnes · 75 km · 1 h 02 minOvernight nearby, for example: Senja Camping (11 km); Krogstadtunet (15 km).
- Day 2: Finnsnes → Senjahopen · 44 km · 0 h 36 minOvernight nearby, for example: Skaland Camping (9 km); Fjordbotn Camping (16 km).
- Day 3: Senjahopen → Gryllefjord · 30 km · 0 h 25 minOn the way: Tungeneset.Overnight nearby, for example: Senja Fjordcamp (4 km); Skaland Camping (13 km).
- Day 4: Gryllefjord → Andenes Lighthouse · 48 km · 0 h 40 minOn the way: Andenes.Overnight nearby, for example: Stave Camping (17 km); Stave Camping (17 km).
Best time to go
Cold, short days in November–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Norway: Electronic tolls by number plate. Automatic toll roads and toll rings; many routes include car ferries. Motorway limit for cars: 110 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Senja and Andøya: Norway in miniature?
4-day road trip of about 197 km (122 mi) with 7 stops, from Tromsø to Andenes Lighthouse. About 2 h 43 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Senja and Andøya: Norway in miniature?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 43 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Senja and Andøya: Norway in miniature start and end?
It starts in Tromsø and ends in Andenes Lighthouse.
Which countries does Senja and Andøya: Norway in miniature pass through?
Norway.
Where can you camp along Senja and Andøya: Norway in miniature?
OpenStreetMap lists 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Tromsø Lodge & Camping, Senja Camping and Skaland Camping.
When is the best time for Senja and Andøya: Norway in miniature?
Cold, short days in November–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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© Ryan Hodnett · CC BY-SA 4.0