Hamn i Senja
Hamn i Senja - the fairytale island
If you are looking for an epic adventure in Northern Norway, Hamn i Senja should be on your travel list. Imagine staying in a spot where you can chill by the fjords, take in jaw-dropping views of the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights, and snap photos that’ll make your Insta followers jealous. This place is more than just a hotel; it's an all-out Arctic experience! Hamn in Senja´s location is as it´s name says, a harbour in Senja in the heart of the North of Norway.
The landscape with it´s fjords and tall mountains rising from the sea is dramatic, is what I would describe as jaw-dropping. The island is picturesque and unique not only because of the wild nature, the fjords and the mountains but also because of the charming fishing villages and the warm people living here. If you are lucky you can see whales, eagles and seals. In summer the sun is up day and night and in fall/winter you have the magic Nordic Lights.
Senja´s nickname is Eventyrøya, the Fairytale Island and after my visit to Senja I truly agree with that name. Being on Senja and spending a few nights at Hamn has been like being a part of a fairytale even though there was no Midnight Sun and the Nordic Light was absent during my stay.
Surrounded by amazing nature
Senja is north of the Arctic Circle with its location at 69,4 degrees north. Hamn i Senja offers cozy rooms and large apartments, all with amazing views. But the real magic happens outdoors. You can hike in epic landscapes, rent kayaks, or go snowshoeing in the winter. They’ve got gear, guides, and even organized tours to keep your adventure game strong. Oh, and after all that action, you can soak in one of their hot tubs overlooking the fjord.
It is a peaceful destination, and despite the fact that Hamn is the the largest hotel on the island, it´s still very peaceful. Hamn in Senja is surrounded by blue and turquoise sea, seagulls, sun, rain, wind, storms and snow. At Hamn you are a part of the nature so no wi-fi or TV is needed. Hamn i Senja´s isolated location, far away from the lights of any city or village makes it all set for a dark sky to get a real intense effect of the Nordic Lights.
Hamn i Senja offers different types of accommodations, from cozy rooms to large apartments with amazing views. Photo: Merete Moen
Charm and style
Senja is all about whats outdoors and the view from the resort is just as beautiful as you can dream of. if you’re into exploring raw, Arctic nature with a side of luxury, Hamn i Senja is the spot to check out, this is where you should stay. Hamn in Senja have rooms in the main building but the majority of the beds are in apartments.
Rooms at Hamn Hotel Senja
The new Deluxe Aurora rooms at Hamn i Senja are a standout feature for anyone seeking an immersive Arctic experience. These rooms are spacious (around 45 m²) with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. Whether you're gazing at the midnight sun or the Northern Lights, you'll get to enjoy the natural beauty of Senja directly from your bed.
From the Aurora Deluxe room at Hamn Hotel Senja. Photo: Merete Moen
The rooms are equipped with a large bathroom, heated floors, blackout curtains, and access to outdoor hot tubs and saunas ( view from the rooms varies and the same goes for the price, size and standard . Please note that my pictures of the rooms are from the most exclusive and newest addition. In my opinion these and the modern apartments on the picture above are then ones you should stay in when visiting in order to get the best experience.
Relax with and enjoy a hot bath at Hamn Hotel Senja. Photo: Merete Moen
Activities in Senja
All kinds of activities can be arranged. That goes for hiking, cycling, rib tours, fishing tours, Northern Light tours, bodyrafting, cooking classes, Husky dog sledding and skiing to mention some of them. Hamn i Senja has it´s own lighthouse. If you are visiting for the Northn Lights the heated lighthouse is the perfect place to sit and wait for it to show up on the sky, instead of standing outside for hours freezing in the middle of the night.
There are several jacuzzi and saunas at Hamn Hotel Senja to help in recovering from all the activities or to get you warmed up. In summer it is easy access to the sea for a swim.
On the dock in front of Hamn Hotel Senja you will find this "fembøring". This traditional boat design has been used for centuries, particularly by fishermen along the northern coast. Photo: Merete Moen
Restaurant at Hamn Hotel Senja fresh from the sea
The restaurant at Hamn i Senja, Storbrygga, offers an authentic dining experience with panoramic views of the fjord. Specializing in local Norwegian cuisine, it serves fresh, locally sourced ingredients and has options for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients from the surrounding waters, offering an authentic taste of Northern Norway. The exact catch of the day can vary based on the season and availability, but it always showcases the best of the region’s seafood.
During the summer, you can enjoy outdoor dining on the main dock, where the scenery perfectly complements the food. It’s a must-visit spot for enjoying a great meal while soaking in the natural beauty of Senja.
The restaurant serves typical Norwegian breakfast and food from the island for lunch and dinner. Some of the apartments at Hamn Hotel Senja are equipped with kitchens allowing self-catering if you like to cook your own meals.
At Storbrygga restaurant in Hamn i Senja, the catch of the day often features locally sourced seafood, such as cod, halibut, or Arctic char. Photo: Merete Moen
Senja is still relatively undiscovered so now is that time to go. If you go, I do recommend you to stay at Hamn Hotel Senja - it´s one of those places that I would call paradise and I would love to visit again. Plus, getting there is an adventure itself whether you’re driving from Tromsø or taking the Hurtigruten or Havila ferry, the journey is all part of the vibe.
