Finnsnes is a picturesque harbour town on the Gisundet Strait. The town is a gateway to Senja, a stunning island known for glacier-carved peaks, cobalt-blue bays and postcard-perfect villages. In the town centre is a tree-filled park set around a natural lake, where you can enjoy a picnic on the grass and relax in the sunshine.
A wooden boardwalk skirts the harbour and is lined with open-air cafes and restaurants. The outdoor tables are perfect for sipping coffee and watching colourful fishing boats cruise past. Be sure to try a slice of traditional Norwegian cardamom cake.
A short ferry ride across the strait, Senja beckons with rugged mountains and lush coastal pine forests. The island is home to magnificent Ånderdalen National Park, where you’ll find hiking trails for all fitness levels. Keep your eyes peeled for wild elk grazing in the grasslands.
Getting there
Finnsnes is located on the Norwegian mainland, with a bridge connecting it to the island of Senja. The town is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Finnsnes and Senja at your own pace. Ferries run to Tromsø in around 1.5 hours and Tromso Airport is a 2.5-hour drive north.