Senja Across - as a 3 day hike
This is a quick presentation of a 3-day hike through the three first legs of the famous Senja across hike and over the lower parts of the second largest island in Norway. The total length of this tour is roughly 35km, going through some of the best and most beautiful nature that Norway has to offer.
With plenty of hiking possibilities, mountains, valleys, forests, and rivers the photography opportunities are endless - and with some luck, there will be wildlife surrounding us from start to end. Senja is a reindeer herding district, and there is plenty of birdlife, moose, and rabbits roaming the area. The hike has become more and more popular over the years, but on the handful of occasions that I have visited the area I have had the trail more or less to myself.
The three-day adventure takes us through the valleys leading to the mountains in the southern part of Senja and ends in Kaperdalen before the Istinden mountains. The tour can be combined with a visit to the villages of Sifjord, Medby, and Kaldfarnes where there is a possibility to stay overnight in a small house built in the 1930s.
This part of the Senja across tour is considered a level 3/5. Not the steepest mountains, but with long daily walks, a heavy backpack, outdoor sleeping, and parts in challenging terrain.
If you want an even more challenging hike there are a few more legs to go. The whole Senja Across hike is roughly 80km and should be walked in no less than 4 days.
Price & Duration
It depends a lot on what you want to do, how long, and what equipment is necessary. On this tour, we normally need at least two crew members to handle the transports and camps. Send us an email, and we´ll agree on a price before heading out.
Duration is minimum 3+ days.
Season
The best time to do this tour is from the end of July until the end of August. The weather is normally reasonably stable, the snow has melted and the days and evenings are still bright. The insect situation is also a lot better than earlier in the summer with less mosquitos and flies. Be aware that it is quite normal for the temperatures to drop down to around 10 degrees Celsius during the day, and even a few degrees colder during the night (yes, we are still talking about the summer).
A proper hike
This is a proper hike demanding something from you as a participant, both prior to-, and during the tour. Some of the hike follows a marked path, and a lot of the path is unmarked. You need to be physically fit to carry your backpack and food up to 15km a day. We will sleep in tents, cook on the gas stove, and clean ourselves in the rivers and lakes. We will get a clear view of expectations before we head out.
How to dress
A baselayer of wool and one spare change of baselayer for sleeping. Waterproof and "stiff" hiking boots are necessary due to the terrain and heavy backpack. Bring a wind/waterproof jacket, light pants for walking, and waterproof pants if it rains. There is limited opportunity to get clothes dry during the hike. The weather can also turn quickly and a set of mittens and a hat should be easily available in the backpack. A pair of shorts and a T-shirt are nice on warm days.
We will provide you with a more detailed packing list if you decide to go.
