Self Guided Cycling Holiday in Senja, Norway
Embark on a self-guided cycle touring holiday in Arctic Norway exploring Tromso and the island of Senja. Witness spectacular mountain and fjord scenery as you pedal quiet roads over undulating terrain. Look out for wildlife and enjoy the journey knowing your luggage will be waiting for you at the end of active days.
On arrival to Tromso Airport, collect your luggage and make your way to your hotel in the city by shuttle bus or taxi transfer. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Make use of your personalised Magnetic North travel app which will be crammed full of suggestions for places to visit and eat in this lively Arctic city.
Get ready for the start of your cycling adventure which begins in Tromso. Head over to our cycle rental station where you'll be fitted out with your bicycle.
Then it's time to head out of Tromso using our detailed directions, paper map and your Magnetic North app to support your ride. Your luggage will be transferred to your next accommodation in Sommaroy.
Tromso is a compact city located on an island, so you may wish to explore a little before heading over the bridge to Kvaloya (Whale Island). Roads on Kvaloya will be quiet and give you time to adjust to your bikes and enjoy the scenery. Your first ascent will come soon to Kaffjord which is located approximately 200 metres above sea level. After this you'll descend to fjord level and be surrounded by high mountain peaks and amazing views. There's a sandy beach near here, which is perfect for a mid-afternoon wild swim if you fancy. Continue on the quiet lane passing mountain and fjord scenery which eventually opens up to ocean views ahead of you and the island of Sommaroy (Summer Island) where you'll spend the night. The coastal village is reached over a spectacular bridge. In the distance you can view the jagged peak of Haja rising 486 metres straight out of the ocean - and said to be inspiration for the architecture of Arctic Cathedral in Tromso.
Relax and enjoy Sommaroy and its surroundings. The village is home to 300 inhabitants and counts fishing and tourism as its main industries. Meet the locals as you wander around the village or relax in the comfortable hotel accommodation and recount your first day pedalling Arctic Norway. A three course dinner is included in your stay. After dinner you may like to enjoy an evening stroll on Hillesoytoppen, with magnificent views of the ocean and Senja island on the distant horizon.
Today's ride is approximately 56 km (34 miles).
Be sure to start your day with the hearty buffet breakfast at Sommaroy Hotel. Your day begins with a short 7 km (5 mile) ride to the ferry at Brensholmen. From here you'll board the ferry to Botnhamn on Senja Island, a scenic cruise of around 45 minutes. You'll need to purchase your ferry ticket on board as this cannot be booked in advance.
Welcome to Norway's second largest island. On arrival to Senja, you'll cycle to Senjahopen which is the island's largest fishing village. You'll be greeted with jagged mountain peaks, deserted beaches and tiny hamlets and fishing villages. Today's route takes you to the ocean-facing northernside of the island with its rocky landscapes and sheltered coves. Look out for white-tailed eagles and other wildlife as you cycle the quiet roads and lanes ending your day in the village of Mefjord. Relax and enjoy your accommodation. The long days in summer often give way to the midnight sun which is an amazing experience in itself if you're still awake, of course.
Today's ride is approximately 45 km (27 miles).
Today you'll discover more of Senja and its wild northern coastline as you pedal past dramatic coast and inland fjords. There'll be some challenging climbs today but plenty of time to reach your next destination. Before you leave Mefjordvaer, be sure to visit the lighthouse from where you capture amazing photos of Senja's dramatic oceanside before continuing your cycle to Erfjorden and Tungeneset. Here you'll witness the striking saw-toothed peaks of the Okshornan mountain range at 700m (2300ft). Stop at the viewing platform to admire the vista before tackling the steep climb to the Skalands Tunnel. You'll be rewarded with an easy descent into Hamn where you'll spend the next two nights of your adventure. For the younger adventurers, a stop at 'SenjaTrollet' theme park is recommended to learn about the magic and myths of the island.
Today's ride is approximately 46 km (28 miles).
Today is a rest day in Hamn. Take advantage of the hot tub and sauna to help relieve tired muscles.
You can, of course, explore the surrounding area by bike. Hamn is located on one of Norway's designated 'National Tourist Routes' - roads which offer spectacular driving (and cycling!). Today you can go deeper into this route and cycle to the picturesque fishing village of Gryllefjord. You'll pass rocky coastal scenery and white sandy beaches including Ballesvika beach. At Gryllefjord be sure to stop for an ice cream. You may also like to make the descent into nearby village of Torsken and visit its 18th century wooden church.
If you'd like an active day away from the bikes, then you can join a water or land-based adventure which include: boat rental, kayaking, body rafting and hiking.
Today you'll cycle through the heart of Senja Island to Finnsnes. From Straumsbotn there's a gradual uphill climb through the lush Svalelvdalen Valley and then a satisfying downhill through the birch forests on Senja's sheltered side. Enjoy an easy ride as you approach Slettemoen and Finnsnes. Enjoy a rest and recovery in Finnsnes.
Today's ride is approximately 51 km (31 miles).
After breakfast, make your way to the nearby port for the departure of the Hurtigruten or express ferry to Tromso. Enjoy the scenic ferry journey following Senja's coastline for a final view of this spectacular island. The ferry journey takes approximately three hours. On board look out for signs of wildlife including whales and birdlife.
Arrive to Tromso in the afternoon and return your rental bikes. Enjoy a celebration meal in one of the city's restaurants and overnight stay in Tromso (not included).
Today it's time to bid farewell to Tromso and Arctic Norway. If you wish we can extend your stay in Tromso or elsewhere in Norway.
This trip has set departure dates between June and August and can be extended to suit your travel plans in Norway.
From £1295 per person (excluding flights)
£1295.00 GBP roughly converts to: 1,425 EUR | 1,696 USD
We accept payment in GBP, USD, EUR and NOK. You will receive a final trip quotation in the currency of your choice. Prices on the website and currency conversions are indicative only.
Image credits: C.H. - Visitnorway.com, Discover Norway Alexander Benjaminsen / Visitnorway.com
This trip has weekly set arrival and departure days on: Fri
Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.
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