Where Peaks Meet the Sea – A Voyage Around Majestic Senja
A highlight of summer in Northern Norway, this voyage offers breathtaking sailing through some of the region’s most stunning landscapes.
Sail Around Majestic Senja in 6 Unforgettable Days
By Kurt Arild Larsen
Feel the North: 6 Days, Forever in Memory
This is the ultimate summer sailing experience in Northern Norway. From the moment your plane descends into Tromsø, you sense the adventure ahead – towering peaks rising from the sea, deep blue fjords glistening in the Arctic light, and landscapes so unique they can only be found here in the far north.
Arctic Dream
Our brand new sail/motor catamaran a Lagoon 51 Multihull of the Year 2024 she is 51 feet, over 8 meter wide. She has
– 6 double beds cabins , 4 if them incl. toilette and Shower
– a big saloon, a super nice flybridge, daybed and sofa outside.
We have fridge and freezer and washing machine for kitchen and clothes as well.
– Coffee machine.
– 1000 liter fresh water on tanks.
Normal speed approx. 6-9 knots silent cruising
Arctic Dream is the most ecofriendly sail and motorcatamaran in the North of Norway.
With woodwork from FSC-certified forests and upholstery entirely created from recycled materials, our crew have imagined an elegant and comfortable catamaran with an innovative design.
A Journey Through Untamed Beauty – Discover Senja by
Throughout your week at sea, you’ll be surrounded by raw and breathtaking Arctic nature. Bring your camera – and plenty of memory – because every fjord, peak, and village offers picture-perfect moments. A drone will make the experience even more magical. For the adventurous, a refreshing morning swim in crystal-clear (and icy!) waters is highly recommended.
Our sailing plan is flexible – while a full itinerary could take 8 days, your private dream tour is tailored to your wishes. With 24 hours of daylight, we can even sail through the night to make the most of your adventure.
And for those who love to fish, Senja offers some of the cleanest and richest fishing grounds in the world. There’s nothing better than preparing your own fresh catch in true local style, right on board.
Day 1 : Tromsø - Tennskjer - Botnhamn - Sommarøy - Sailing distance: 18Nm+10Nm+8Nm
From Tromsø, set sail south toward Tennskjær, where the sea opens into breathtaking Arctic horizons. Continue on to the historic village of Botnhamn, once a bustling trading post, and feel the charm of Norway’s coastal heritage. End the day at Sommarøy, famous for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, where midnight sun or golden sunsets make the perfect backdrop to your sailing adventure.
Day 2: Sommarøy - Husøy - Mefjordvær, Sailing distance: 13Nm + 10Nm
Sail west from Sommarøy’s dazzling beaches into the heart of Senja’s rugged coastline. Arrive at Husøy, a unique island community perched boldly in the sea, where fishing traditions thrive amidst dramatic scenery. Continue to Mefjordvær, framed by steep peaks and open ocean, a place known for spectacular Arctic light and serene coastal charm.
Day 3: Mefjordvær - Hamn i Senja - Gryllefjord , Sailing distance: 13Nm+ 12Nm
Leaving Mefjordvær, you sail past towering cliffs and into Hamn i Senja, once a historic trading post and now a serene harbor framed by breathtaking mountains and crystal-clear waters. From there, continue to Gryllefjord, a colorful fishing village where tradition and nature meet, offering a true taste of Senja’s coastal life. This leg of the journey captures both the dramatic wild and the quiet charm of Arctic Norway.
Day 4: Gryllefjord - Torsken - Skrolsvik, Sailing distance: 3Nm + 21Nm
From the lively harbor of Gryllefjord, the route continues to Torsken, a peaceful village embraced by steep mountains and deep fjords. Sailing further south, you reach Skrolsvik at Senja’s tip, once a key fishing outpost, where history blends with sweeping ocean views. This part of the journey offers both quiet reflection and unforgettable coastal scenery before completing the circle.Day 5: Skrolsvik - Finnsnes, Sailing distance: 36Nm
From Skrolsvik, set course east across the fjords, where open sea gradually gives way to gentler landscapes. The voyage ends in Finnsnes, the gateway between Senja and the mainland, with its lively harbor and views of the surrounding islands. It’s a fitting conclusion to a journey that has revealed the wild beauty and countless faces of Arctic Norway.
Day 6: Finnsens - Tromsø, Sailing distance: 36Nm
From Finnsnes, sail north through scenic channels and island-dotted waters back toward Tromsø. Along the way, enjoy calm fjords and sweeping mountain views before the Arctic capital comes into sight. Returning to Tromsø completes the circle — a voyage filled with rich memories of Senja’s dramatic coastlines, charming villages, and unforgettable Arctic light.Summary
Sailing from Tromsø around Senja is a journey through some of Norway’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. From the sandy beaches of Sommarøy to the unique island community of Husøy, the dramatic peaks of Mefjordvær, and the tranquil harbors of Hamn, Gryllefjord, and Torsken — every stop reveals a new face of Arctic beauty. The voyage ends back in Tromsø, leaving unforgettable memories of wild nature, rich traditions, and serene sailing waters.
Example route
From Tromsø, sail into a grand adventure around Senja Island, where every stop reveals a new face of Arctic Norway. Visit Tennskjær and historic Botnhamn, relax on the white beaches of Sommarøy, and experience the unique island community of Husøy. Continue past dramatic peaks to Mefjordvær and charming Hamn i Senja, before exploring traditional fishing villages like Gryllefjord and Torsken. With serene stops at Rødsand and Skrolsvik, the voyage completes full circle back to Finnsnes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Senja’s wild beauty.
Ready for your adventure
Your Arctic journey begins here – from planning the route to choosing the perfect season.
Planning Your Trip
We recommend flying into Tromsø, then setting off on a 6–7 day sailing journey around the spectacular island of Senja. Along the way, you’ll explore charming fishing villages, dramatic fjords, and hidden sandy beaches — each stop chosen for its unique beauty and cultural character. For those with extra time, extend the voyage to include more secluded anchorages and in-depth experiences on land. Please note: parts of the route are exposed to the open sea outside Senja, so weather conditions may influence the exact itinerary.
Best Time to Visit
Based on our experience, the ideal time to explore Northern Norway is during the summer period from June to mid-September. This season offers mild temperatures, long daylight hours, midnight sun, and calm seas — perfect conditions for sailing, hiking, and fully enjoying the Arctic landscape in comfort.
Local Cuisine to Try
One of the highlights of sailing around Senja is the chance to enjoy the freshest seafood, often straight from our own catch, prepared on board in true Northern Norwegian style. Along the route, you’ll discover small harbors where local cafés and eateries serve specialties like Arctic char, halibut, and dried stockfish, often paired with rustic sides and traditional flavors. In places like Husøy, Gryllefjord, and Hamn i Senja, meals reflect both the fishing heritage and the raw beauty of the surroundings. Every dish adds a taste of Senja’s culture to your adventure.
From World-Class Art to Flavors of the Flavors of the North – Discover Senja’s Coastal Treasures
Beyond Sailing – A Taste of Senja
Sommarøy
Famous for its white sandy beaches and lively fishing culture, Sommarøy is also a great stop for local dining. Freshly caught crab, cod, and shrimp are often served dockside, paired with simple yet delicious sides. Eating here feels like summer on a plate, with Arctic flavors as vibrant as the scenery.
Husøy
On this vibrant fishing island, seafood is at the heart of every meal. Expect to find fresh cod, halibut, and shrimp prepared in traditional ways, often enjoyed with a view of the open sea. Dining here reflects Husøy’s strong fishing culture, where the sea truly sets the menu.
Gryllefjord
A classic fishing village where skrei (winter cod) and stockfish have long traditions. Local dishes often highlight the day’s catch, prepared simply to let the fresh flavors shine. Sharing a meal in Gryllefjord connects you directly to Senja’s coastal heritage.
Hamn i Senja
Once a bustling trading post, Hamn is now a peaceful harbor where food culture meets history. Here you can enjoy fresh fish, reindeer dishes, and local berries — often with a gourmet twist. Meals are best savored against the dramatic backdrop of fjords and mountains.
Finnsnes
As the gateway between Senja and the mainland, Finnsnes offers a mix of local seafood and more modern Norwegian cuisine. Restaurants here often serve Arctic char, mussels, and regional lamb, alongside international options. It’s a perfect spot to round off your sailing adventure with a hearty meal.
Kurt Arild Larsen
Practical information
Senja
Senja, often called “the fairytale island,” is one of Northern Norway’s most spectacular destinations. Here, dramatic mountains meet deep fjords in a landscape that shifts from quiet white beaches to wild ocean cliffs. Around Senjahopen, you’ll find some of the most magical fjords, framed by jagged peaks rising straight from the sea. It’s a place where nature reveals its rawest and most beautiful face – a setting that makes you pause, breathe deeply, and feel as though you’ve stepped into a living fairytale.
Must see
Sailing around Senja is a journey filled with must-see highlights. From the charming fishing villages of Husøy and Gryllefjord to the historic trading post of Botnhamn, every stop tells a story. Don’t miss the dramatic peaks above Mefjordvær, the coastal magic of Hamn, or the sweeping ocean views at Torsken and Skrolsvik. Add in the midnight sun, crystal-clear fjords, and some of Norway’s most stunning mountain scenery – and you have a sailing adventure unlike any other.
Hamn i Senja
Skrolsvik, at the southern tip of Senja, is a place where history meets raw coastal beauty. Once a thriving fishing hub, it still carries the atmosphere of traditional Arctic life. Surrounded by open sea and dramatic headlands, Skrolsvik is a perfect stop for those seeking both quiet reflection and a taste of authentic Northern Norway.
Mefjordvær
Mefjordvær is a small fishing village set between towering peaks and the open ocean, offering some of the most dramatic scenery on Senja. Known for its stunning sunsets, clear views of the midnight sun, and authentic coastal charm, it’s the perfect place to pause and take in the raw beauty of Arctic Norway.
Hamn i Senja
Hamn i Senja is a place where history, nature, and tranquility meet. Once a vibrant fishing station, today it’s a haven for travelers seeking Arctic charm and comfort. Surrounded by towering peaks and sheltered fjords, Hamn is the perfect stop to relax, enjoy the midnight sun, or simply breathe in the beauty of Northern Norway’s wild coast.
Husøy
Husøy is a truly unique island community, perched in the middle of the sea and surrounded by dramatic peaks. Known as “the floating village of Senja,” it offers a glimpse into authentic Arctic life, where fishing traditions remain strong and nature is always close at hand. Visiting Husøy is like stepping into a living postcard – a place of character, resilience, and breathtaking beauty.Torsken
Torsken is a hidden gem on Senja’s wild western coast, a traditional fishing village framed by steep mountains and open ocean. Rich in history and local culture, it offers a sense of peace and authenticity that few places can match. Here, the rhythms of the sea set the pace of life, and every view feels like a timeless painting of Arctic Norway.
Gryllefjord
Gryllefjord is a picturesque fishing village on Senja’s rugged west coast, where colorful houses line the harbor against a backdrop of steep mountains. It’s a place where traditions are still alive, the sea is always close, and the atmosphere is both welcoming and authentic. Gryllefjord offers a true taste of coastal Norway – quiet, scenic, and unforgettable.
See more at Visitsenja.no
norway in miniature
Some inspiring pictures
Getting Here & Away: Practical Info
Fly into Tromsø Airport (TOS) — it’s well-connected with daily flights from Oslo and other major hubs. From the airport, it’s just a 10–15 minute drive to the city centre, where our boats are docked. We recommend spending a day in Tromsø before your voyage to explore its lively cafés, Arctic architecture, and scenic viewpoints
What Our Clients Say
An incredible experience! The scenery was breathtaking, and the trip was perfectly organized. Highly recommended!
Unforgettable adventure! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Amazing journey from Tromsø to Lofoten. Every moment was filled with beauty and wonder. Can't wait to return!
Sailing in Arctic Norway, is a the ultimate way of enjoying the freedom to explore! Raw, wild and beautiful adventures! You just got to experience it yourself, words cant justify its beauty.
I had such a great time with Kurt and his crew! I would recommend this trip to everybody. Truly one of the more spectacular things I’ve ever been apart of!
We had a n absolutely incredible trip on Artic Dream and Artic Princess sailing and skiing the Norwegian Sea and Lyngen Alps. Our group of 15( + two ski guides and 2 skippers) did it all, we skinned, skied, sailed, fished, found saunas, plunged in the ocean and had a wonderful week with Artic Cruise. They are very accommodation and service minded to make everyone safe and comfortable
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