Senja is Norway’s second largest island with contrasting landscapes and microclimates. The northern ocean-facing side of Senja features sharp jagged mountains, a coastline dotted with fishing villages and rugged landscapes. The southern parts are dominated by forests, fells and rivers where a milder climate rules.
Every winter large pods of orca and humpback whales migrate thousands of miles to the Arctic waters where they feast on herring. Fringed between towering mountains and overlooking the sea, the quaint fishing village of Mefjordvaer witnesses some of the most spectacular shows the Arctic offers between the months of January and March, whether its magnificent whales or the magical Northern Lights. This short break at Mefjord Brygge can be combined with a stay in the city of Tromso for your perfect winter holiday.
Departures: This trip operates from January through to March and has flexible arrivals.
Note: This trip can be tailored to your requirements. Speak to our team if you’d like a customised itinerary.
Most of the day is free for you enjoy Tromso or embark on a winter activity. From Tromso, your adventure begins with an Arctic coach transfer from Tromsø centre to your accommodation at Mefjord Brygge on Senja. The journey starts at 16.00 and takes approximately four hours on a comfortable coach with free wi-fi and audio on board, arriving in the evening.
You’ll arrive at Mefjordvaer - a small fishing village and part of a thriving coastal community. Check-in at the comfortable accommodation at Mefjord Brygge. Dinner will be served in the maritime-style restaurant. The chef serves delicious locally sourced meals and the friendly service creates a cosy atmosphere. After dinner you’ll have time to relax or go for a small walk in the evening to explore the village.
After breakfast you’ll meet with the guide and make a plan for the next couple of days based on the season and local weather conditions. During the day you’ll enjoy a boat safari to see wildlife and marine landscapes.
If you are visiting Senja between the months of January and February you’ll witness one of the greatest winter adventures Senja can offer - whale watching. The coast in this area has one of the richest fish stocks in the world. You may be lucky and spot up to five different species of whale, including pods of sperm whales, humpbacks and orca. Lunch will be provided before an afternoon at your own pace.A traditional Norwegian dinner will be served in the early evening, and after that, get ready for a night time adventure. The guide will take you to some remote locations to try to spot the Northern Lights. Senja has many idyllic places with low light pollution all within short distances where you can search for the magnificent Aurora Borealis.
After breakfast you can decide on joining either a snow-shoeing walk or cross-country skiing trip to see Senja’s dramatic landscapes. In case of bad weather you may be able to join a special minibus trip to show you the harsh yet beautiful Arctic coast and the power of the ocean.
During the winter season around 5 km of trails and cross-country tracks are prepared with a snowmobile. The tracks go all around the village, passing lakes and the foothills of nearby mountains. The gateway is just outside Mefjord Brygge, so there is easy access to the trails. You’ll be surprised how different Senja looks depending on the time of the day and weather conditions. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own pace.Dinner will be served at the resort’s restaurant. Afterwards you can set out for some more nighttime explorations in the area with plenty of time to take pictures. You can finish off the day by relaxing in the sauna, enjoying a private hour session for your group. The time will be agreed in resort.
After breakfast, take the coach transfer back to Tromsø which departs at 07.55. Spend the rest of the day at your own pace—visit the Polar Museum, ride the Fjellheisen cable car for panoramic views, or unwind in one of the city’s cosy cafés. Enjoy a final dinner in Tromsø before settling in for the night at your hotel.
