Where to Stay in Senja, Norway • Best Hotels, Airbnbs & Areas to Base Yourself
Senja, the wild sibling of the Lofoten Islands, is an incredible place to explore in Northern Norway. But unfortunately, there isn’t much information online about where to stay. I myself found it quite confusing trying to plan a trip to Senja, even though I lived in Norway at the time.
Luckily, we spent a week exploring every aspect of this incredible island in order to write everything down and make it that much easier for you. Unlike Lofoten, Senja is quite a large island; in fact, it’s the second biggest island in Norway! So, picking the perfect location for your hotel in Senja can be quite impactful on your trip.
In this article, I’ve broken the island down into 3 distinct areas and listed the best hotels in each for every budget. And if you’re looking for the perfect cabin, apartment or holiday home, stick around to the end. I have a special section just for you.
Bags Always Packed is a reader-supported site which means some of the links on this page may be affiliates. I spend a lot of time researching these hotels, tours and products and only recommend those which I would use myself. Booking your trip through my links is a great way for you to support my work for free, as I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. ♡
Contents
Quick Summary – Where to Stay in Senja
There are three main places to stay in Senja: the West Coast, the Southern Senja or the Finnsnes & Silsand area.
The West Coast is the best place where to stay in Senja for most people, as this is where you’ll find the main attractions, hikes and viewpoints (which also makes it pretty crowded at times).
But if you prefer something a little more off the beaten path, you can easily flee to the much quieter South of Senja, which is more of a hidden gem still packed with gorgeous scenery.
Lastly, Finnsnes & Silsand are perfect for those traveling on a budget as there are lots of cheaper places here, plus this is a great spot for those arriving late and don’t want to drive the mountain pass across the island at night (which is totally not recommended).
| 💲💲💲Best Luxury: | Torsken Brygge |
| 💲💲Best Mid-range: | Northern Light Hotell |
| 💲Best Budget: | Tinebua Basecamp Senja |
| 🏡Best Apartment: | Elvestua House |
1. West Coast of Senja – Best Place to Stay in Senja
Senja’s beautiful West Coast is one of the best areas to stay on the island. It’s also the most popular area, which is why you’ll find most of the island’s hotels gathered here.
The reason that the West Coast is so popular is because this is where you will find all the most famous hikes, viewpoints and outdoor activities, from kayaking to dog sledding and diving. So if you’re wanting to spend all your time exploring the most well-known sites like Segla Mountain and the tropical beaches of Ersfjord, this is the place to be!
NOTE: If you’re arriving late at night, it’s important to know that you need to cross a high mountain pass to reach the West Coast of Senja. In the summer, it may just be a little daunting, but in the winter, it’s absolutely not recommended at night. In fact, the road is frequently closed due to blizzards and bad driving conditions in general.
Luxury Hotels on Senja’s West Coast
Torsken Brygge – Best Hotel in Senja, Norway
Spend an unforgettable holiday in this cute hotel with a super homey vibe, fabulous rooms with mountain views and an on-site restaurant. All your needs (and then some) will be covered here, so all you’ll have to do is chill!
Their restaurant serves yummy food, and you’ll sleep like a baby in their suites, which have a simple design and great views. Breakfast is free, and after that you can spend your day enjoying their spa services or heading out to explore the island. What more could you want?
Segla Bed & Go – Beautiful Hotel in a Gorgeous Fjord
Start your morning with a cup of coffee on the balcony of your room while admiring the jaw-dropping sea and mountain views! This is one of my favourite parts of Senja because you just feel so secluded while surrounded by impressive peaks!
The accommodation has some amazing rooms with comfy beds and all the necessary facilities of course. Then you can head to the restaurant to enjoy a yummy breakfast. They have outdoor seating so you can still enjoy a lovely sight. Some other amenities include free parking and a bar.
Senja Fjordcamp – Great Hotel with a Sauna and Hot Tub
Cozy, comfortable, and so cute! This chalet is the ultimate holiday spot, offering stunning mountain views, stylish decor and an airport shuttle. Although you’ll have your own kitchenette (equipped with all you’ll need), the accommodation also offers an on-site restaurant and a complimentary breakfast.
Get ready to relax in the sauna and hot tub, spend some lazy mornings in your chalet sipping coffee and enjoying the views, or even hitting the gym if you feel like it (although you probably won’t need to after hiking all day).
Mid-Range Hotels on Senja’s West Coast
Northern Light Hotell/Camp Steinfjord – Best Hotel in Senja for Families
Traveling with a family or friend group? Then this might be the perfect accommodation for you as it offers spacious suites and apartments that come with a private kitchen and a flat-screen TV.
While at the hotel, you can use the sauna and the hot tub, which will definitely help you unwind after a day of hiking or doing other outdoor activities. You’ll also have access to an on-site restaurant and a shared kitchen.
Mefjord Brygge – Best Hotel for Hiking
Located in the picturesque fishing village of Mefjordvær, this accommodation will make you feel as if you’ve arrived in some Norwegian postcard! The mountains surrounding the property, the ships docked right near it, and the colors look so gorgeous.
They offer different apartments and cottages, some equipped with a private kitchen and a terrace. Each morning you can enjoy a yummy (free) breakfast and then join one of the activities offered by the hotel, like cycling, hiking or skiing.
Leilighet i rorbu på Kaldfarnes – Perfect Waterfront Apartment with a Balcony
Such a great apartment that’s perfect for families as it comes with a lot of space, plenty of amenities and a great location right by the water. Its balcony is so dreamy and overlooks the sea and mountains! I mean, seriously, that sight looks straight out of Pinterest!
The apartment is equipped with a small kitchen (perfect if you want to save money on food and free private parking.
Skagi Bed & Lodge – Great Self Contained Cottages
A simple yet modern place to stay on Senja Island that offers different rooms and cottages, all equipped with private bathrooms and some even with outdoor terraces.
The cottages are great for those who want to have their own kitchen and more space, so if you’re traveling with kids, then you could go for those. Guests will also get free parking, plus you can also rent bikes from the hotel to explore the area.
Budget Hotels on the West Coast of Senja, Norway
Tinebua Basecamp Senja – Best Budget Hotel in Senja, Norway
Set right by the water, this accommodation is great for those of you who’d like to enjoy a relaxing holiday. Its rooms come with a shared bathroom, sea and garden views, an outdoor terrace and free Wi-Fi.
While here, you can spend some lazy afternoons enjoying the views or going on hiking adventures. The staff also offer tours and classes where you can learn more about the local culture.
Hamn i Senja – Great Value for Money
End a day of exploring Senja Island with a sauna sesh, while staying in this epic budget hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar.
Hamn i Senja offers rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities. There’s a shared lounge area for guests and outdoor activities for everyone.
Trollheimen – Senjatrollet – Incredible Villa with a Hot Tub
Planning a major getaway to Senja Island with your family or a close group of friends? Then this villa might be just the place for you! The villa is super spacious and it’s beautifully decorated!
Its views are spectacular, and you’ll even get to admire them while chilling in your private hot tub. Other amenities that come with the house are a fully-equipped kitchen, outdoor dining areas, a terrace and a garden.
While the price may seem expensive at first glance, the house sleeps 8 people, which makes it super affordable if you split the cost!
2. Southern Senja – Where to Stay Off the Beaten Path
If you’re the type of traveler who loves hidden gems and undiscovered places, then Southern Senja may be the place for you!
A large part of this area of Senja is covered by the Anderdalen National Park. While the southern region of Senja is much more lush with thick forests and smaller mountains, this area is still so beautiful and much quieter than other parts of Senja.
This is the first part of Senja that we visited, and we were alone for the entire 4 nights we stayed here. Lots of people skip this part of Senja as it’s a little bit out of the way, but that’s why it’s perfect for those of you who want some peace.
If Southern Senja sounds like the spot you’d like, then check out some of the best hotels there, right below:
Luxury Hotels in Southern Senja
Tranøya – Historic Norwegian Guest House
By far one of the most Instagrammable places on Senja! Set in a historic building this guest house looks incredible! Not only will you feel right at home in the gorgeous rooms with wooden furnishings and amazing views, but you’ll also get to enjoy its numerous other perks.
Like chilling by the outdoor fireplace, eating delicious food at its restaurant which offers a la carte breakfasts and even book tours and classes where you can learn more about the local culture.
Senja Fjordhotell and Apartments – Self Catered Apartments and Suites
Enjoy your coffee in bed while slowly waking up and admiring the gorgeous sea views, in this fab hotel that comes with a restaurant and a bar.
Located in Stonglandseidet, the accommodation offers different types of suites and apartments, all equipped with tons of facilities (the apartments also have kitchens). Don’t worry though, there’s a restaurant on-site as well that provides a free breakfast, and you’ll also find a hot tub and a sauna.
Senja Living – Active Hotel with a Great Patio
Nights spent watching the Northern Lights and days spent hiking or fishing, Senja Living sure offers the perfect location for doing those things, and also some lovely accommodations where you can rest and recharge for a new day.
Their apartments have a simple decor, and some come with a kitchen and a terrace. Other amenities include free parking and a garden, and even boat rental!
Mid-Range Hotels in Southern Senja
Superior Cottage – Family Friendly Hotel with a Private Beach
Dinner with a view? Honestly, you’ll not want to leave this place when you see the views! The cottage has tons of windows making it super bright inside, and I’m sure you’ll love that.
Perfect for a family, the accommodation has a great location by the sea, an Instagrammable lounge area with glass-window doors where you can chill all day and even a private beach. While here, you can spend your time unwinding in the hot tub and enjoying the fresh sea air on the beach.
Destination Senja – Spacious, Fully Catered Apartments
If you’re looking for a great apartment that is bright, spacious and has great style, this is it. These are pretty large so I’d recommend them for families or friend groups who will definitely save some money.
Each apartment comes with facilities like a dining area, a kitchen, washing facilities and a furnished balcony that overlooks the sea and mountains. Honestly, don’t be surprised if you’ll just want to move there.
Budget Hotels in Southern Senja
Senja Cabin – Unique Off-Grid Cabin in Senja, Norway
Are you ready to spend your nights admiring the incredible Northern Lights? If so, then definitely check out this cabin, where you can stay and see the iconic Aurora Borealis (during the winter months).
The accommodation has 2 rooms, a kitchen, a lounge area with a fireplace where you can cozy up at night and drink a cup of tea and a balcony. There’s also an outdoor seating area where you can have breakfast or just relax, while admiring the views.
Norwegian Wild – Best Northern Lights Hotel in Senja
If you want to see the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed, then book the Aurora Cabin which has a bed facing a large window. Honestly, it looks perfect!
The hotel offers lots of different accommodation options for all budgets, and each spot comes with its perks like great views and usually a terrace. You’ll also find an outdoor fireplace, a hot tub, a play area and a restaurant.
3. Finnsnes & Silsand – The Gateway to Senja
Although Finnsnes is technically set on the mainland, it’s just a short bridge across to Senja Island and around a 1h drive away from the island’s West Coast, where all the attractions are.
So while it’s not my favourite part of Senja, I wanted to include this area for a couple of reasons. Firstly, there are more budget-friendly accommodation options here, and the rest of Senja is not cheap! Plus, for those of you who will be arriving late at night or leaving early and don’t want to drive the mountain pass across the island at night.
NOTE: If you’ve got an early flight and intend to arrive directly from Senja, it’s a good idea to stay here the night before. As I mentioned earlier, the West Coast of Senja can be pretty wild when it comes to weather. We visited in May and still had to wait a full day for the mountain pass to open, then got stuck at a road closure due to avalanches for 6 hours on the way back.
Comfort Hotel Finnsnes – Best Luxury Hotel in Finnsnes
This beautiful modern hotel has everything you could ask for and more with super reasonable prices, considering the quality of your stay.
The sleek, scandinavian design rooms will have you feeling relaxed the second you walk in. Plus, it’s just a 2 min walk from the ferry if you’re heading off on an adventure!
Finsnes Gaard – Waterfront Apartments with a View
Located right by the water, this accommodation is perfect for those traveling on a budget! Its rooms come with a bathroom, a small private kitchen, a balcony and a flat-screen Tv.
Other amenities include an outdoor fireplace where you can relax after a day of hiking or doing other fun activities, a seating area, a barbecue area and free parking. Needless to say that the views are just as amazing as in any other parts of the area!
Veien til Senja – Best Budget Option in Senja
Feel right at home in this 2-bedroom apartment that has so much space and tons of amenities from a kitchen, a lounge area, a flat-screen Tv and a balcony from where you’ll get to admire the sea views (definitely a good morning coffee spot).
Perfect for anyone who prefers self-catering accommodations, this apartment has everything you’ll need for your holiday, including free parking.
4. Best Apartments & Holiday Homes in Senja
Elvestua House
Location: Gibostad
Price: €€€
Sleeps: 8 People
Such a cute little (or rather big) house that’s surrounded by Norwegian wilderness.
The accommodation is pretty spacious and it comes with a kitchen, a lounge area with a fireplace, a flat-screen Tv, and a terrace.
Perfect for a longer stay, the house also has a sauna and an outdoor dining area.
Casa Senja
Location: West Senja
Price: €€€
Sleeps: 10 People
What a place! Just have a look at their large balcony and you’ll definitely want to book it! But the rest of the house is pretty incredible too.
It has a great style and comes with a kitchen, washing facilities, a living room area and 2 bathrooms.
If you’re traveling with any furry friends, they’re also welcome as this place is pet-friendly.
Mettes Holiday Home
Location: Silsand
Price: €€
Sleeps: 4 People
Get ready to enjoy breakfast with a fab view while staying in this lovely house that’s super stylish, modern and spacious.
I would 100% be relaxing by the indoor fireplace after a day out while enjoying a warm drink.
The house comes with a kitchen, a nice terrace and barbecue facilities. Definitely a place where you can spend even a day or 2 at home, enjoying a slow-paced rhythm.
Senja Home
Location: Mefjordveien
Price: €€
Sleeps: 6 People
Surrounded by mountains, this house will make you feel right at home.
Not only is the house equipped with everything you’ll need from a kitchen to free parking and a living room, but it also has a super cozy vibe that might persuade you to spend a couple of mornings doing nothing but chilling on the terrace, admiring the views and eating something yummy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hotels in Senja, Norway
Where should I stay to see the Northern Lights in Senja?
You can see the Northern Lights from many places on Senja Island, but Hamn i Senja resort Norwegian Wild are two great northern lights hotels. Otherwise, look for somewhere in towns on the coast with a clear view to the horizon, like Skaland and Torsken.
What are the best hotels in Senja?
Senja Fjordcamp and Senja Fjordhotell and Apartments are some of the best hotels in Senja. Both offer great locations from where you can see the Northern Lights and amazing facilities.
Are there cheap hotels in Senja, Norway?
Tinebua Basecamp Senja and Norwegian Wild are some of the top affordable hotels on Senja Island. Each of these places has amazing rooms and all the amenities you’ll need for your stay.
What are the best luxury hotels in Senja, Norway?
Senja Fjordcamp and Tranøya, which is set in a historic house, are 2 of the best luxury hotels in Senja. Both are super Instagrammable and come with unique designs and will make you feel so spoiled during your holiday.
I hope you love Senja as much as I do! This wild island really does feel like another world and even though it has the incredibly dramatic mountains and fjords like Lofoten, I love that it’s still a little bit of a secret paradise.
To recap, the best place to stay in Senja is the West Coast. This is where you’ll find all the main hikes, viewpoints, tours and activities. My favourite hotels here Torsken Brygge and Segla Bed & Go.
But if you’re catching an early flight, I recommend you spend the night before in Finnsnes or Tromso itself to avoid crossing the mountain pass at night. Comfort Hotel Finnsnes is a great choice for this!
Lastly, if you have any other questions, leave me a comment below and I will help you as best I can. And for those of you who are planning to visit any other region in Norway, check out all my other posts on Norway here (I lived there for 2 years and explored the entire country!).
Happy Hiking,
Kate
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Helpful Resources
Hotels.com - Another great place to find a hotel with specific requirements for your trip.
Agoda - Best for booking hotels in Asia. Has options worldwide however in Asia it seems to have the most options of all the booking sites.
Hostelworld - Perfect for backpackers, Hostelworld is my go-to to find dorm rooms and cheap, social accommodation options.
Rental Cars - Another option to compare rental car companies and providers worldwide.
Sixt - Previously “Thrifty” car rentals.
Europcar - Offers car and van hire around the world.
AutoEurope - Best place to find RV’s to rent for your trip.
Paul Camper - Rent campervans directly from their owners at reduced prices.
Viator - Preferred by US providers so sometimes has a bigger range of activities in select locations.
Klook - Most popular in Asia, you will find a bigger range of attractions and tours in the region of Asia on Klook.
Civitatis - Specializing in European Cities. Although it provides tours worldwide, always check here for additional options if visiting Europe.
HeadOut - Best place to find discounted attraction tickets.
Tiqets - Offers a lot of combo tickets. Make sure to visit if you are planning on visiting a few iconic attractions within a city.
Tripaneer - Where to go if you want to book retreats of any kind (yoga, cycling, outdoors etc).
Guru Walks - Book your spot on a free walking tour.
G Adventure - Lets you compare multi day tours around the world to pick the right itinerary for you.
Cruise Critic - Check out the different cruise options for long or short trips world wide.
Cruise Direct - Another option for comparing and booking cruises for your trip.
Helly Hanson - Norwegian based clothing brand which produces durable outdoor clothing, particularly ski gear.
The North Face - High quality clothing for all your outdoor adventure needs.
Decathlon - Has a great range of cheap equipment and clothing for a huge range of sports and outdoor activities.
Sport Chek - Everything you need for general sports and outdoor adventures under one roof (or website).
Kiwi - Best platform for comparing different routes and dates.
Flixbus - Cheapest bus service mostly serving Europe but available in a few other destinations.
Greyhound - US long distance bus transport service.
Busbud - Compare and find all the bus times and providers for your chosen route.
Trainline - Find train times and tickets for long distance travel around the world.
Save a train - Another place to get train tickets and compare services for your destination.
Welcome Pickups - Pre book your airport transfer to your hotel.
Get Transfer - Another option to find airport transfers within your destination city.
Kiwi Taxi - Find and pre-book a taxi service in your location (including airport transfers).
SafetyWing - Best for digital nomads, offers ongoing monthly travel insurance plans.
Bonzah - Rental car insurance. Cheaper plans than those offered by the rental car companies themselves.
