The loop from our Tromsø pickup point through Senja and Andøya showcases the best of Arctic beauty. This 6–7-day itinerary weaves together the National Scenic Routes of both Senja and Andøya via local summer ferries, offering a mix of sharp ridges, whale watching, and deep island tranquility before bringing you back to Tromsø.
We’ve also sprinkled in a couple of breathtaking hidden gems you might want to include in your road trip.
Wecamp tip: Need another road trip suggestion starting from Tromsø? See our summer road trip itinerary for the northernmost region of Norway, which takes you from Tromsø all the way up to the North Cape (Nordkapp)!
If you are picking up your campervan at the Harstad/Narvik Airport instead, we recommend checking out our Harstad alternative loop, our Lofoten itinerary, or our guide to the stunning Helgeland Coast.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Roadtrip from Tromsø to Senja and Andøya
- Total Distance: Approx. 580–650 km (excluding ferries)
- Recommended Time: 6–7 days
- Highlights: Sommarøy, The Devil’s Teeth (Tungeneset), Ersfjordstranda, Whale watching in Andenes, Bleik Beach, Måtinden, the islands north of Harstad, and Polar Park.
Day 1: Tromsø to Sommarøy – White Sands & The First Ferry
Drive west from Tromsø on Route 862 across Kvaløya to Sommarøy (approx. 1 hour).
Sommarøy is an old fishing village with only 300 inhabitants, famous for its white-sand beaches and vibrant marine life. There’s so much to do here that we have a hard time picking our favorite activities. Here are some suggestions:
Hike Ørnfløya
Park your campervan just before the bridge to Sommarøy and take the 30-minute hike up to Ørnfløya for a panoramic view of the archipelago. From the top, you can spot Senja rising to the southwest.
Get out on the water
Rent a kayak and paddle between the small islands, or join a fast-paced RIB boat tour around the archipelago. The crystal-clear water is also fantastic for snorkeling and diving.
Hike Hillesøytoppen
Cross the short bridge to Hillesøy and hike up Hillesøytoppen for even more impressive views. The trail takes about an hour and is steep at the beginning, but manageable for most. If it weren’t for the curvature of the earth, you’d be able to see Greenland and the North Pole from up here!
Visit Yggdrasiltunet Farmhotel
On the large island of Kvaløya just before you reach Sommarøy, stop by Yggdrasiltunet for a coffee or a traditional meal. It’s a wonderful spot to meet and pet farm animals like horses, sheep, goats, and rabbits, or hang out with the friendly dogs at their Husky Café.
When you’re ready for Senja, get in your campervan and head for the ferry landing at Brensholmen, just minutes away from Sommarøy. From here, catch the ferry across to Botnhamn on northern Senja.
Wecamp Tip: This scenic ferry crossing takes about 45 minutes. It runs seasonally (typically from late April/May to September) and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment is seamless, as the crossing connects directly to your campervan’s AutoPASS account.
Day 2 & 3: Senja – Exploring “Norway in Miniature”
Rolling off the ferry in Botnhamn puts you right at the starting line of the Senja National Scenic Route (Route 862). The route runs all the way to Gryllefjord – approximately a 1.5-hour drive if you go non-stop. But don’t rush it! Take your time and dive into as many detours as possible; Senja is packed with unforgettable Arctic experiences.
The road itself is a great reason to take it easy, featuring narrow, winding stretches that demand careful driving. You will also pass through several tunnels where sheep and reindeer frequently seek shelter from the weather, so keep your high beams handy! (See more driving tips at the end of the itinerary).
Mefjordvær Fishing Village
Take a short detour to this historic, vibrant fishing village tucked tightly into the mountains to feel the raw, unfiltered power of the Norwegian Sea.
Visit Ersfjordstranda
Stop at this majestic white-sand beach, dramatically framed by steep, triangular peaks. While you’re stretching your legs, don’t miss a peek at the famous gold-plated service building, affectionately known by travelers as “The Gold Toilet.”
See Tungeneset & The Devil’s Teeth
Walk down the wooden pathway extending out onto the smooth coastal rock formations. This iconic viewpoint gives you a front-row seat to the sharp, jagged peaks of the Okshornan mountain range (popularly nicknamed “The Devil’s Teeth”) rising straight out of the open ocean.
Skaland & Bøvær Beach
Stop in the small village of Skaland to grab a coffee. For a peaceful, quiet beach break, take the side road to nearby Bøvær Beach.
Stay at Hamn i Senja
Conclude your Senja exploration at the historic trading post of Hamn i Senja. Hamn is an absolute paradise for kayaking or padleboarding in protected, vibrant turquoise waters.
When you’re ready, take the final short drive into Gryllefjord to position yourself for the next ferry connection.
Day 4: Crossing the Andfjorden to Andøya
Take the scenic 1.5-hour summer ferry from Gryllefjord to Andenes. The ferry runs seasonally from mid-May to late September. Because this route is incredibly popular and cannot be pre-booked, we highly recommend arriving to park your vehicle in the queue at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure.
Once you arrive, here are some of the best things to do in and around Andenes:
Andenes Whale Safari
Andenes sits directly next to Bleik Canyon – a deep underwater trench that brings sperm whales, orcas, and humpbacks close to shore year-round. Spend your afternoon on a guided whale-watching safari for an unforgettable encounter with these ocean giants.
Andenes Puffin Safari
Just a 10-minute drive south of Andenes is the charming fishing village of Bleik. During the summer, you can take a fast RIB boat or a traditional vessel out to Bleiksøya. It is home to one of Norway’s largest colonies of Atlantic puffins, as well as majestic sea eagles.
Visit “Spaceship Aurora” (Andøya Space)
Located just a few minutes outside of Andenes, this is Norway’s only operational space center. Thanks to its northern location, it serves as a major hub for launching research rockets to study the Northern Lights. At their visitor center, Spaceship Aurora, you can participate in a virtual space mission, try a space-themed escape room, and learn all about the science behind the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Climb the Andenes Lighthouse
The iconic red lighthouse guarding the harbor was built in the 1850s and stands approximately 40 meters tall. Drop by the Andøya Museum, which offers fantastic guided tours detailing the local history and grants you access to climb the 150 steps up to the top balcony for a panoramic view of the open sea.
Day 5: Andøya – The Dramatic West Coast
When you’re done exploring Andenes, take a short drive to the charming village of Bleik and walk its spectacular 2.5-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand. From the shoreline, if the weather permits, you will get a clear view of the iconic, pyramid-shaped bird sanctuary of Bleiksøya island floating just off the coast.
Måtinden Hike
This is undisputed crown jewel of hikes on Andøya. The trail starts near Bleik and guides you up to Måtinden, a magnificent 412-meter mountain plateau. Peer straight down from the sheer cliff edges into the crystal-clear, turquoise coves of Høyvik Beach – it is a dramatic panoramic view you will never forget.
The West Coast Drive
After your hike, jump back in your campervan and drive south along the edge of the island on the Andøya National Scenic Route. This section of the road is completely unforgettable, featuring massive mountain walls that plunge straight down into the roaring open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Take another detour – Wecamp hidden gems
After leaving Andøya, skip the main route heading straight for the Tjeldsund Bridge to the mainland. Instead, treat yourself to a scenic detour toward Harstad and its surrounding island archipelago.
Catch the Flesnes-Refsnes Ferry
Rather than driving via Lødingen and then the Tjeldsund Bridge, we highly recommend navigating to the ferry terminal at Flesnes. From there, catch the short ferry across the fjord to Refsnes.
Once across, follow the sweeping coastline through the village of Borkenes, then continue onward toward Bremnes and Nupen. Nupen is a legendary local vantage point for watching the midnight sun hover directly over the open ocean. It’s also a nice place to park the campervan and set up camp for the night if it’s getting late.
Wecamp Tip: If you see a roadside stand selling local strawberries during the summer months – stop immediately and buy a basket! The 24-hour daylight makes the strawberries from this region incredibly sweet and delicious.
Savor a Traditional Northern Norwegian Meal
From Nupen, make your way toward Harstad with a delicious stop at Røkenes Gård. This historic, 16th-century farm has been beautifully preserved and now operates as a traditional restaurant, art gallery, and golf course. It is the perfect place to experience authentic, local Northern Norwegian cooking in an unforgettable, old-world setting.
Island Hopping: Grytøya, Sandsøya, and Bjarkøy
If you continue just a couple of kilometers north of Røkenes, you will reach the Stornes ferry terminal, where you can catch a vessel across to the island of Grytøya.
From there, you can easily explore the tranquil, picture-perfect islands resting on the north side of Harstad:
Grøtavær: Drive out to this cozy, historic fishing village to marvel at its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Sandsøya & Bjarkøy: Head further north to explore these sister islands, which are seamlessly connected to one another by a scenic bridge and the Bjarkøy undersea tunnel.
Coffee & Waffles on Bjarkøy
Bjarkøy is another tranquil paradise to park your campervan for the evening. While you’re exploring the island, keep an eye out for the spartan little café tucked right next to the tiny local grocery shop. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you – they bake the absolute best traditional Norwegian waffles in the entire region!
On the northern side of the island, right along yet another spectacular beach, you’ll find a nice campground. It is fully equipped with hot showers and offers rentals for paddleboards, boats, and fishing gear, making it the perfect basecamp for a midnight sun adventure out on the water.
Day 6-7: Polar Park, Målselvfossen & Back to Tromsø
To close the loop back toward Tromsø without retracing your steps, you will head inland across the Tjeldsund Bridge – the span connecting Lofoten, Hinnøya, and Vesterålen to the mainland. From the Tjeldsund Bridge, follow the E10 toward Bjerkvik/Narvik, and then turn north onto the E6 at Bjerkvik.
See the Arctic Animals at Polar Park
Approximately 35 kilometers (around a 35-minute drive) north of Bjerkvik, turn right toward Polar Park. As the northernmost animal park in the world, it features massive, natural enclosures designed to mimic the wild habitats of large Arctic predators. Here, you can spot wolves, brown bears, lynx, and wolverines, alongside native herbivores like moose, reindeer, and the enigmatic muskox.
What is a muskox? Think of them as prehistoric survivors from the Ice Age – essentially a cross between a wild mountain goat and a small, heavily armored bison.
Salmon-gazing at Målselvfossen
After your wildlife safari, continue driving north on the E6 past Bardufoss to visit Målselvfossen – recognized as Norway’s national waterfall. During the summer months, you can stand right along the banks and watch wild Atlantic salmon powerfully leaping their way upstream.
Don’t expect a dizzying, vertical cliff-drop of a waterfall. The magic of Målselvfossen lies in its sheer mass and length. It stretches over 600 meters in a roaring series of rapids and three distinct steps, putting the river’s enormous volume and raw, untamed energy on perfect display.
Be sure to check out the specialized underground viewing window. It offers a fascinating, eye-level look at the salmon navigating their way up the ladder – which happens to be Europe’s longest salmon ladder!
Returning to Tromsø
From Målselvfossen, it’s an easy, scenic drive back up the E6 to complete your loop. Drive the final leg north along the E6 and Route 858/E8 back onto the island of Tromsø (approx. 2.5 hours from Målselvfossen).
Drop off your campervan at the Wecamp hub, and spend the rest of your day exploring “The Paris of the North.” We highly recommend taking the Fjellheisen cable car up Mount Storsteinen for a sweeping view of the city, the bridges, and the surrounding Arctic fjords.
Driving Tips for Your Journey:
Ferry Timetables: Both the Brensholmen-to-Botnhamn and Gryllefjord-to-Andenes ferries are seasonal summer routes. Always verify the current schedules on the local transport provider’s app (Svipper) before heading out.
Navigating Passing Places (Møteplass): The coastal roads on both Senja and Andøya are narrow and winding. Keep an eye out for the blue square signs marked with a white “M”. If an oncoming vehicle approaches and the sign is on your side, pull over safely into the pocket to let them pass.
Animals on the Road: In the summer months, livestock (particularly sheep and reindeer) frequently use the dark, cool tunnels and warm asphalt to rest. Always remain completely alert and prepared to slow down quickly when rounding bends or entering tunnels.
Ready to Explore the Islands at Your Own Pace?
Don’t just read about dramatic fjords, white-sand beaches, and exciting whale safaris – experience them from the comfort of a custom-built campervan!
