WHERE TO FLY?
To visit Senja and Lofoten Islands, you should fly to Bardufoss in Norway. From there, If you rent a car, it takes 1-1.5 hours to Senja and 5 hours drive to Lofoten Islands. I was there in August, starting from end of September you can also observe northern lights from Senja.
WHERE TO STAY?
About accommodation, in Senja there is an absolute answer, stay in Elvestua, book this lovely house in the middle of the nature, you will love it. The owner is an amazing person, very positive personality, a school teacher and keeps the house in prefect condition; the house is in the middle of nature and there is a river passing by. Senja and other hiking trails are in average about 45 mins drive away. One of the best accommodations I had in my life.
About Lofoten Islands, proper accommodations are mostly very expensive, book in advance since there are not many hotels. Hiking and camping is a good alternative since it is super safe and you would wake up with amazing views.
1. SENJA
Hesten Hike:
Destination: Senja
Season: June-September
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 3.7 kilometers
Duration: 2-3 hours
Add this unique outdoor activity to your bucket list: ✏ Segla is the most famous mountain on Senja Island in Northern Norway. Hesten is Segla’s neighboring mountain and the best viewpoint to Segla.
✏ Both trailheads are in the village of Fjordgård in northern Senja. Although Segla is famous, choose Hesten Hike to get this iconic view during your hike.
✏ The trail is about 4kms. If you have a fear of heights, you can stop on the ridge about 100 meters below Hesten’s peak, but must say peak is amazing.
🕑 In August sun rises about 3 a.m. I recommend an early hike, to start with the sun rise; morning sun reaches Segla around 5 a.m., you can than catch this view when you are at the peak. The top of the mountain is often windy. Bring warm and windproof clothing.
2. LOFOTEN ISLANDS
Lofoten Islands are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Whether it is from the road, from a hiking trail, or from the window of your hotel, you get amazing views:
Ramberg Beach, Ytresand Beach, Uttakleiv Beach, and Haukland Beach are all easy to get to by car. The only way to get to Kvalvika Beach is on foot. To get to Bunes or Horseid Beaches, you will need to take a ferry from Reine and then hike the rest of the way.
Reinebringen is the most popular hike, but it’s a challenge and not to be underestimated. The hike up Svolvaer Fløya and Festvagtind are similar, short trails that offer sweeping views across small islands and towns. But my favorite hike is Ryten.
Ryten Hiking Trail, the top.
Along the pier the wooden architecture in traditional style, fishing settlement and fishing boats.
A video - some moments of the trip: