Senja Thru-hike
Rune Brødsgaard | PHOTOGRAPHER
That's what it's all about
Disconnect, to connect
In digital and fast-paced times The Natural North guiding company grew from it's roots to bloom in the summer of 2025. It also took its toll and soon I realised how much I had become a phone addict, checking mail inboxes non-stop and scrolling social media with no purpose. My girlfriend felt the same way. We agreed that we needed to give ourselves some freedom. So we turned off the phones, packed our backpacks and enjoyed the southern part of the Senja Thru-hike, that stretches all the way to the north of the island.
Back To Nature
Back To Instincts
Through Vassvikdalen
to the thru-hike trail
Senja På Langs
A Norway miniature
The nature and landscape on Senja is often described as a miniature of Norway. I felt that our days in the mountains displayed this quite well. From the ancient pine forests in the valleys and rolling hills, to the u-shaped glacier corridors and the rugged coast with narrow fjords. It really had it all.
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Vassvik Valley seemed like
an infinite
moose dreamland...
The original trail starts at Olaheimvatnet and is very well marked, but we choose a piece of wilderness, route finding and adventure before stepping onto the trail.
Big mountains
Rivers
Lakes
Ancient pine forest
Marshlands
No cabins
No roads
No trails
Vassvik Valley!
Finnskarvatnet
At the lake we found the way to the trail. Next time I'm here I want to try the trout fishing. Looks very promising!
The trail took us from a ridge
into this incredible
wild landscape
Ånderdalen National Park
One of Norways oldest nationalparks...
On to the trail...
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From the smaller beauties...
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...To the bigger
And wider..
... Up
from Selfjordvatnet
And down to the center of Ånderdalen National Park
We camped along the way, and the camp life at this time of the year is just incredible. Why? No mosquitoes, blackflies or horseflies. Just lay down and enjoy. September that is!
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Cut away from the main trail
Exit Through Gjeska
After spending two nights in the National Park we choose to detour from the original path and exit through the trail to Gjeska. This was an absolutely stunning way out and we were lucky to be picked up at the fjord.
Søre Kaperskaret
After staying centered on the island we made our way to the ocean side of Senja. Seeing the ocean and descending to the fjord was a dreamy way to end the adventure. And what great weather!
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Numerous lakes
Hilly landscapes and lakes all over brings such a nice variety and drinking water accesible the whole way. If you like fishing, I'm sure you can find dinner in the way as well.
Down to Gjeska
The trail was easy to navigate the whole way, however this is not the alps, so be prepared with map and awareness of your whereabouts if you do this.
Untill
next
time
Friluftslivet
the
life
outdoor
It never gets old, does it? Out of phone reception, just you and your closest friends or family. Natural impressions increasing sensibilty and awareness gives a chance to slow down time for a bit. I hope you'll find the same value on your next visit on your next visit in Ånderdalen National Park.
