Drive it Yourself: The Senja Tourist Road
A practical guide to driving on one of Norway’s most beautiful roads, the Senja Tourist Road!
Finnsnes is a small town just across from the famous island of Senja. While the town itself isn’t particularly historic, it is an interesting place and great hub for exploration in Northern Norway.
Latitude: 69.3 degrees north
Population: 4,900
Finnsnes Municipality
Here are some things that you must do and try in Finnsnes
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Finnsnes
Finnsnes Church is a modern church from 1979.
By the coastal ferry pier is a statue of Ottar the Viking, who is in historic documents as the Viking who “lived further north than any other Viking”. He also gave the name to “Norway”.
Check out the Finnsnes House of Culture (opened 1995) for concerts, theatre and events. Visit the Midt-Troms Museum branch (City and Children’s Museum) for exhibits on local history. (The Midt-Troms Museum in Bjorelvnes occupies a historic vicarage and highlights the region’s Norse and Sámi heritage
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Finnsnes is known as the Gateway to Senja, an island that brands itself as a Norwegian fairytale.
Drive ~90 km to Polar Park, the world’s northernmost wildlife park. See bears, wolves, lynx and wolverines in near-natural enclosures. It’s a unique Arctic wildlife experience in all seasons.
From Finnsnes itself, this steep forest trail climbs to Vardfjellet. It takes about 4–6 hours round-trip and is strenuous (lots of elevation gain). At the summit, you’re rewarded with sweeping sea and island vistas
The E6 highway is the longest highway running through Norway, beginning south of Oslo and ending at Kirkenes. This stretch of the E6 covers the entire length of Arctic Norway, passing by and including some spectacular remote places.
Senja is the second largest island in Norway (outside of Svalbard) and is located close to the Vesterålen archipelago. The fishing industry is dominant in Senja as the waters here are some of the richest in the country. Other important industries are graphite mining and potato and potato products. The northern coast of Senja has open sea, while the west coast faces the islands of Andøya and Krøttøya. The west coast is famous for its steep and rugged mountains coming out from the sea, while the eastern and southern parts are milder. Senja has earned the nickname “Norway in miniature” because of the islands diverse scenery that reflects almost the entire span of Norwegian nature. Senja is known for its natural environment across Norway.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Finnsnes
People have lived in Finnsnes for a long time, though it was just a single farm and small community, until the coastal ferry began calling here. The name Finnsnes comes from the name of the farm and it’s believed it is from around 1400.
Finnsnes began as a small coastal farming community in Lenvik municipality. Over the 20th century, it grew into a regional trade hub and harbour town. In 2000, it was officially granted town status. Traditionally based on fishing and agriculture, Finnsnes still has local fish-processing plants and a fish-farming industry
en.wikipedia.org.
The region has gone through a positive development, with the largest growth in trade and industry in the county. Fishing and agriculture are two of the most important industries, though fish farming is of increasing importance.
Fly:The nearest airport is Bardufoss (about 45 km south, ~45 min drive). It has domestic flights (e.g. Oslo–Tromsø with bus to Finnsnes). Tromsø Airport is 55 km north (via ferry or road).
Drive: Finnsnes is at the end of Norwegian County Road 86. You drive over the Gisund Bridge (connecting to Senja) from the north, or via Harstad on the E6/E8 from the south. All roads are well-maintained; a car or rental is the most flexible way to explore Senja and Lenvik.
Train: No train station.
Ferry: The coastal ferry stops here daily; the northbound one stops just before lunch, while the southbound one stops in the early hours of the morning. Express boats connect Finnsnes to Harstad and Tromsø.
Within town, walking is easy. There is a regional bus network connecting Finnsnes to villages on Senja and around Lenvik. Taxis are available but rare. In summer, cycling is popular (roads are quiet); in winter, short shuttle buses serve nearby areas.
Den lille Gavebutikk: A quaint gift shop in Finnsnes selling Norwegian handicrafts, woollens, maps and souvenirs. Great for picking up local keepsakes (e.g. reindeer motifs, soaps, charms).
Senja Galleri & Rammeverksted: An art gallery and framing shop showcasing local paintings, prints and crafts. You’ll find works by Senja artists and traditional Nordic art.
Cafes & Bakeries
Skaland Kaffebrenneri (just outside Finnsnes) with artisanal coffees.
Kaffetøsa Amfi is the local cafe (located inside the shopping mall).
Casual Eateries
For traditional fare, Skreien Spiseri (branch in Finnsnes from Gryllefjord) is known for hearty fish dishes, cod tongues and arctic char.
Otto’s Pub is a popular local pub.
High End & Unique Eats
Camping
Skoghus Camping (Silsand, 4 km from town) offers tent and RV sites in a quiet area near the bridge. Facilities include a kitchen, laundry and a lounge hut. Other small campgrounds and cabins are available around the region for self-drivers.
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
The Comfort Hotel Finnsnes (3-star) in the town centre offers straightforward rooms, complimentary breakfast and a sauna. Senja Hotell and Finnsnes Hotell are other mid-range options with restaurants and conference facilities.
High End & Unique Properties
Finnsnes Gård is the historic farm property. It is possible to stay in the farm building or one of the new cabins they have built along the waterfront.
A practical guide to driving on one of Norway’s most beautiful roads, the Senja Tourist Road!