Senya. Trip to Norway. Senja Island Animals and Vegetation

To the ferry that was supposed to take us to the island of Senja. There we planned to quickly take a ride along the northern coast, visiting two equipped observation platforms along the way. There was also an optional program: subject to good weather, climb one of the highest mountains on the island - Keipen. And finally, a mere trifle: we had to travel 450 kilometers to the cottage we had booked in Finland. Well, it's all simple, isn't it?

And from the very morning everything went wrong. When I woke up and looked at the clock, the first fact became obvious: we had hopelessly overslept. While we were having breakfast and checking out of the hotel, a second fact was added to the first one - the Norwegian weather decided to once again show us its capricious nature, and instead of the “blue cloudless sky” performance promised by weather forecasters, it launched its own project - “hopeless gray clouds”.

There were 50 minutes left to the ferry and exactly the same number of kilometers along a narrow winding road winding along the coast. The next ferry was supposed to leave only in an hour and a half, which did not suit us at all.

The sleepy silence of the Norwegian villages was broken only by the roar of a gasoline engine. A silver Mazda with Russian license plates, brazenly violating all conceivable rules, flew along the smooth asphalt along the coast of the fjord, indented by bays. If she meets the police on the way, the driver is guaranteed a fine of about ten thousand Norwegian kroner. And in addition to it, there is also a moratorium on obtaining a Schengen visa for five years. But that morning the Norwegian gods were clearly on our side: when the ferry sounded a long whistle and began to move away from the shore, we were already climbing the stairs leading from the car deck to the stuffy cabin. Forty-five minutes passed and the silver Mazda, as if nothing had happened, following the rules, slowly drove along the road along the northern coast of the island of Senya.

Our first stop is the fishing village of Husøy (in Norwegian - Husøy), located on a small island in the middle of a picturesque fjord. They say that the winds here in winter are so strong that sometimes the roofs of houses are torn off. The village is very small, the population is about 250 people.

Once upon a time, several Spanish ships were wrecked in these parts, and since then some village residents have looked suspiciously like Spaniards. Moreover, the village has been observing a siesta for several centuries - regardless of the time of year, the entire local population goes together to rest after lunch.

While my crew members are studying the assortment of the local store, I’m trying to find a gas station - in the morning, rushing to the ferry, I completely forgot that there was almost no gasoline left. Having taken a victory lap around the village, I find everything, but not a gas station. There is a kindergarten, there is a school, there is a restaurant, there is no gas station.

The next stop is a small parking lot at the base of a large mountain. Two routes start from here - to Mount Keipen and Mount Barden. We want to conquer Capen. Its height is 938 meters above sea level.

The weather is not conducive to walking in the mountains, but the weather forecasters promised us good weather. Look, while we are climbing up, the sun will come out.

We persistently climb through the swamp to the saddle, in the hope that the weather will change for the better, revealing the mountain to us.

Here the route bifurcates. To the left is the path to Barden, to the right is to Keipen.

Clouds hang directly overhead. We are thinking about what to do next.

Suddenly the Norwegian sky decides to make our choice easier - it starts pouring rain. Continuing to climb in this weather is madness. We go back down.

Along the way we admire the local flora.

At the same time, we also reinforce it.

Having changed clothes and warmed up in the car, we set off in search of gasoline - the threat of being left without fuel in the middle of a deserted Norwegian island is becoming more and more real. To solve this problem we have to make an additional detour of almost a hundred kilometers. Finally, the car is fully fueled and you can continue your journey.

We return back to the northern shore. The national tourist route "Senja" is located here.

Suddenly the clouds break, and warm sunlight begins to stream along the opposite shore of the fjord.

In less than ten minutes we arrive at the Tungeneset viewpoint (in Norwegian - Tungeneset). This is one of two equipped observation platforms on the island.

The weather changes dramatically by this time.

The observation deck consists of a small parking lot and a short wooden path leading to the coast of the fjord.

There are two natural attractions here.

The first is stone baths, partially filled with water.

They say that tourists like to swim in them in good weather. During those twenty minutes, while the weather on Senya that day was good, we not only didn’t see anyone wanting to swim, we didn’t meet a soul at all.

The second attraction is a pointed mountain range nestled on the opposite shore of the fjord.

For some reason, they like to call it “Dragon’s Teeth,” although, in fact, this rock massif has an official name - Okshornan (in Norwegian - Okshornan), which translates as “Bull Horns”. Although, to be honest, these rocks still look more like dragon teeth than bull horns.

The way back is always long. Our return home from Northern Norway was no exception. Having left Senya, instead of calmly heading back along the short road, for some reason we went to look. While we were getting back, night fell. We only got there in the morning. The day that replaced it was devoted to rest. Some were leisurely walking around the immediate surroundings, others were sleeping. The evening was marked by a festive dinner in honor of the imminent return home. The night was calm.

The eleventh day of our expedition has arrived. Having said goodbye to the owners of the cottage, we moved on. Another evening found us in the Finnish city of Iisalmi, where something unexpected happened in the local culture of drinking alcoholic beverages. The morning passed in the fight against a natural hangover. I didn’t want to get up at all, and only at the cost of incredible efforts did I find the strength to have breakfast, after which the journey home continued. Finally, on the evening of the twelfth day, we solemnly returned to St. Petersburg. Our journey north is over.

The island of Senja is the second largest, not counting the Spitsbergen archipelago (taking them into account, it ranks 5th); its area is 1586 sq. km. Senja is known primarily for its amazing nature - it is often called “Norway in miniature” because here you can see a wide variety of landscapes: high mountains starting right from the coast, full of salmon, small ones, plains covered with thick grass, forests.

Senja attracts tourists not only with its nature, but also with its picturesque fishing villages. The island is also a favorite place for lovers. The famous English writer David Howarth mentioned the island of Senja in his novel We Die Alone.

general information

Finding the island of Senja on the map is very simple: it is located in the north of the country, a little north, almost in the middle of the coastline of the Troms county. The outline of Senya resembles the paw print of some strange animal.

About 10 thousand people live on the island. They are mainly engaged in fishing, growing fish on special sea “farms” and agriculture. Some residents are employed in the tourism sector. The territory of Senja is partly located on the mainland, but is mainly divided between four communes:

• Torxen (in the west of the island);
• Berg (in the northwest);
• Tranøy (south and southeast);
• Lenvik (northeast and east of the island).

The north and west of the island are rocky; Here you can see quite steep mountains. But the southern and eastern parts of the island are characterized by softer landscapes. There are more plains here, and the main agricultural lands are located in the southern and eastern regions of Senja.

Climatic conditions

The climate on the side of the island facing the mainland is somewhat harsher than on the coast of the Norwegian Sea. Winters are mild; on the eastern side, the temperature drops below zero (the average daily temperature in January is approximately -4°C, and can drop to -6...-7°C. On the western side of the island, the temperature rarely drops below 0°C during the day, and there are slight frosts at night. However, At times, strong winds blow here, which reduces the level of comfort and makes it seem colder than it really is.

Spring is late; in April there are still frosts at night on the eastern part of the island. Summer in the eastern part is relatively cool; in July and August the air warms up to +15°C on average. In the west, summer is warmer, about +20...22°C, sometimes the temperature warms up to +30°C.

There is little precipitation, about 900 mm per year. The greatest amount of them falls in the fall; the rainiest month is October (about 120 mm), the snowiest month is December (98 mm).

Leisure

The north of Norway is famous for its fishing. And fishing on the island of Senja in Norway is considered the best; lovers of this pastime come here from all over the country, as well as from other countries of the world. Here you can fish both in mountain rivers, where salmon, trout and other valuable varieties of fish are found, and in the open sea, where you can catch halibut, cod, and Norwegian herring.

Offers island and winter ice fishing. And those who just came to relax will be interested in going on a whale safari.

Sights of Senja Island

The main objects of interest for tourists are the following:

Where to live?

The Senja Islands in Norway are very popular among fishing enthusiasts, so if you want to go there during the season, it is better to book rooms in advance. One of the popular islands is the aparthotel Hamn i Senja. Initially it was planned simply as a hotel for families and corporates, but later it was expanded, now it is also a fishing base.

In the fishing village of Mefjordvær, Mefjord Brygge offers cozy apartments and cottages, as well as boat rentals. In the same village you can rent a Five-Bedroom Holiday home in Skaland. Cottages can also be rented in such settlements as:

• Torsken;
• Seafjord;
• Galnslotta;
• Gibostad;
• Celestletta;
• Svanelvdalen;
• Senjahesten;
• Buvika;
• Scrollswick;
• Senyahopen.

Restaurants and cafes

A very original cafe is located in the Senyatrolet Park. There, visitors are served by waiters dressed as trolls and other fairy-tale characters; There is a special children's menu.

Very good restaurants at the Hamn i Senja hotel. Fish dishes are excellent here, including fish caught by fishing enthusiasts staying at the hotel. Very good restaurant at the Mefjord Brygge hotel. Other popular cafes and restaurants on the island are:

• Widsten Handleri AS;
• Senjastua;
• Dorotheas Fryd;
• Thaimatservice.

Shopping

There are shops in the "capitals" of the communes; Some villages also have large shops, but most often they only sell food. On weekends there are markets in the main settlements of the communes. There are souvenir shops at the hotels, in Troll Park and in the national park. from the island of Senja - a troll figurine and a “troll mitten” from Senyatrollet Park

Transport

The islands are represented by buses that communicate between its towns and villages. In addition, here you can rent a boat and go to your destination by water, which, given the rugged coastline of the island, is often faster.

How to get there?

It takes almost 24 hours to get to Senja Island by car: the journey along the E45 highway takes 22 hours, and 22.5 hours along the E10 highway. Both routes have toll sections and partly pass through Sweden.

The fastest way to reach the island is by plane - from Andøya in the city of Andenes. From there you can go by sea. The ferry service here is operated by The Senja Ferries. The ferry departs twice a day, three times in summer. Those who prefer the land option can travel by car along the E10 highway; the journey will take 6 hours 20 minutes.

The Kingdom of Norway is located in Northern Europe. It occupies the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula and many small islands that are adjacent to it. The islands of Norway are also located in the Arctic Ocean (Bear, Jan Mayen). The country owns the large archipelago of Spitsbergen. Its overseas territory in the Atlantic is Bouvet Island. Norway lays claim to Queen Maud Land and Peter I Island - Antarctic territories covered by the 1961 convention. In total, this country includes at least 50 thousand islands of various sizes. The most famous and largest are the islands of Senja, the Lofoten Islands, and the Spitsbergen archipelago.

a brief description of

The Lofoten Islands are located above the Arctic Circle. The nature of those places is distinguished by its unique beauty. The islands are located one after another in a chain, forming a barrier between the North Sea and the mainland. Near their eastern shores, the North Atlantic Current passes, which interacts with tidal waves and forms the most dangerous whirlpool on the planet - the Maelstrom. The population of the Lofoten Islands is 24 thousand people. The climate is mild due to the Gulf Stream. This segment of the sea never freezes. The largest land areas of the archipelago are considered to be Outsvagey, Westvogey and Mosknesey. Ferries run between them. The main city of the archipelago is Svolvær.

When considering the islands of Norway, special attention should be paid to Spitsbergen. It is located at a great distance from the Scandinavian Peninsula, in the Norwegian Sea. This is a huge reserve where representatives of the northern fauna are preserved. Walruses, polar bears, deer, seals, and arctic foxes live there. Whales come right to the shores, and large bird colonies are located on the rocks. Only Western Spitsbergen is an inhabited island. About 3.5 thousand people live on it, half of them have Russian roots. Svalbard annually welcomes at least 2,000 tourists, who are attracted by sea rafting and dog sledding.

The second largest island in the country is Senja, famous for its stunning nature. The Enderdalen National Park was created on its territory.

To the north of Lofoten lie the Vesterålen Islands. Tourists go there to see the seals. On the border of the Norwegian and Greenland Seas is the island of Jan Mayen, which is of volcanic origin. It has an active Berenberg volcano. The nature of this landmass is tundra, interspersed with rare meadows.

Climatic conditions

The country is characterized by a not very harsh climate, despite its northern location. Many of Norway's islands have a maritime climate with mild winters. The reason for the relatively warm weather is the action of the Gulf Stream.

Islands of Norway: Lofoten Islands, Spitsbergen Island, Senja Island of Norway.

• Last minute tours to Norway

Norway owns about 50 thousand islands, islets and simply huge stones, brazenly sticking out and claiming the loud status of an independent piece of land. The largest and most popular are the Spitsbergen archipelago, the Lofoten Islands and the island of Senja.

Lofoten Islands

They are a chain of islands with a population of 24 thousand inhabitants, famous for their mild climate (thanks to the Gulf Stream) and amazing underwater life. The sea never freezes here. The archipelago consists of many islands, the largest of which: Moskenesey, Vestvogey and Austvagey - are connected by ferries. The main city of the archipelago is Svolvær.

Lofoten has preserved unique traditions of northern culture. Here you can, for example, visit a traditional fisherman's hut "rurbu", learn how cod is dried, take a boat trip on the sea or visit Trollfjord.

Lofoten Islands

Spitsbergen Island (Svalbard)

A nature reserve where seals, polar bears, walruses, owls, deer and arctic foxes live. Here are the world's largest bird colonies, whales splash near the shores, and the only inhabited island - Western Spitsbergen - has no more than 3.5 thousand inhabitants, half of them Russians.

Today, about two thousand tourists come to the island every year to enjoy unique sea rafting, go to glaciers, kayak and dog sled.

Senja Island

This is Norway's second largest island, famous for its amazing nature and the Enderdalen National Park, which is surrounded by fantastic mountain peaks.

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The land of harsh Vikings and northern lights, majestic fjords and snow-white ice, emerald greenery and hospitable people - this is all Norway - an amazing country located in the northern part of Europe, in the west of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Few people know, but Norway is a kingdom. It still has its own monarch, who rules the country in accordance with the constitution adopted in 1814.

The local climate (subarctic - in the far north, marine - in coastal areas and continental - in mountainous areas) is moderate. In summer, the temperature fluctuates between plus six and fifteen degrees, in winter it drops to minus twelve, but can also remain around zero.

The largest city in Norway, the capital of the country Oslo, unlike other European cities, boasts not only a historical, cultural and commercial range of entertainment, but also a stunning ecology created thanks to numerous natural parks and reserves.

The cultural and tourist center of Norway, the city of Bergen, is located in the west of the country. Geilo is a popular ski resort located between Oslo and Bergen. There are a lot of places for skiing in Norway, as well as majestic snowy peaks.

You can get to know the country better during a special sightseeing tour along the Oslo-Bergen route. While on holiday in Norway, you should definitely try local goat cheese, whale meat and smoked fish. The best souvenirs will be troll figurines and reindeer skin products.

Popular hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Norway?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.

1. Geirangerfjord

Majestic waterfalls, steep cliffs about one and a half kilometers high, snow-white glaciers and abandoned farms located on small mountain areas make up the inexplicable charm of one of the most picturesque fjords in Norway. The nearby Fjord Museum introduces tourists to the geographical life of the country.

The tiny Norwegian city, known since the 17th century as a copper mining center, still preserves its historical heritage: its center is represented by unique wooden houses built several centuries ago. Local artist H. Solberg was very fond of Røros and often painted the city and its surrounding environs.

Erected at the beginning of the 12th century, the wooden church in Urnes is a striking example of the unique “animal style”, characterized by asymmetrical ornamentation and the use of animal motifs. The latter paint on the stavvyrka a scene of the fight between a lion (Christianity) and a serpent (paganism). There is a version that the carved panels of the temple depict scenes from Scandinavian mythology.

One hundred and eighty two meter waterfall is the most popular in Norway. Situated in the Måbødalen valley and part of the Bjøreiu River, it is most beautiful at the foot, to which the hiking trail of the local National Route leads. The view from above is another convenient point for observing the Vøringsfossen waterfall.

Located on the island of Magerø, the North Cape is a large, three-hundred-seven-meter-high protrusion of granite rock, completely dotted with cracks. It is the northernmost point (with access roads) of the European common market and contains a convenient observation deck from which it offers a majestic view of the Barents Sea.

In an early 20th-century building on the Bygdø peninsula, you can see three huge Viking ships built in the 9th century and found a thousand years later in the waters of Oslo. Objects that were present on the grandiose ship structures are also included in the museum collection: antique wooden sleds and carts, dishes, household belongings and fragments of fabric can be seen by anyone today.

One of the largest European glaciers covers an area of ​​four hundred eighty-seven square kilometers and has about fifty independent glaciers extending from it. Since 1991, Jostedalsbreen has been part of the national park of the same name. The glacier is fed by abundant snowfall.

Bergen's Hanseatic waterfront is made up of colorful wooden houses dating back to the early 18th century. Many of the ancient buildings have been reconstructed after numerous fires, but their stone cellars boast a five-hundred-year history. Modern Bryggen is a meeting place for artists working in their workshops and tourists visiting local souvenir shops.

Gustav Vigeland's sculptures conveying human conditions form a separate composition in the large Oslo-Frogner park. Wrestling, dancing, running, hugging - everything that a person does and lives with is embodied in more than two hundred frozen figures. Some compositions in the park are allegorical in nature. These include the sculptures “Angry Baby” and “Man Attacked by Babies.”

The giant cliff, towering six hundred and four meters above the Lysefjord, ends in a flat, square platform. The path to it passes through picturesque mountain landscapes and takes about two hours. “Pulpit” introduces tourists to several zones of vegetation: its foot is covered with forests, towards the top only mosses and lichens remain.

Oslo's main street is named after the local king, who died in 1844. It stretches along the city for one kilometer, connecting the Central Station with the Palace of the Norwegian Rulers. Oslo's main attractions are located in the Karl Johans area. The area adjacent to the street is considered the central part of the city. West Oslo is located behind the Palace, east - behind the station.

The popular Norwegian resort, located in the suburbs of Oslo, consists of five hundred kilometers of ski, biathlon and slalom trails. The observation deck located at its top offers stunning views of the country's capital. Holmenkollen also has its own ski jump, reaching a length of one hundred and fifteen meters.

The ship Fram, which took part in three polar Norwegian expeditions, is exhibited in a glass tent standing on the shores of Oslofjord, the Bygdø Peninsula. Museum visitors can board the ship, look into the cabins and admire the stuffed animals that inhabit the North and South Pole regions.

The twenty-kilometer railway running through western Norway is part of the Bergen Main Line, but is used primarily for tourism purposes. The main part of the route runs at a slope of five and a half degrees. The railway route goes through the picturesque Flåms Valley, replete with steep mountains, tunnels and waterfalls.

One of the most visited waterfalls in Norway is located in the west of the country, near the town of Nurheimsund. The twenty-meter stream of water is part of the Fosselva River. A bridge located inside the waterfall allows tourists to enjoy an unusual natural spectacle. The surroundings of Steinsdalsfoss (emerald grass, lush forests) are no less beautiful than the waterfall itself.

Protruding like a giant tongue, the Skjeggedal rock section is located far from the classic tourist routes. It takes five hours to get there, and most of the time you have to walk uphill. From the Troll's Tongue there is a wonderful view of Lake Ringedalsvatn, located three hundred and fifty meters below the cliff.

The narrowest fjord in Norway is a seventeen-kilometer bay with steep cliffs more than one and a half kilometers high. On the banks of the Nerøya there are small farms and tiny villages, the largest of which is Gudvangen. Here tourists can find an old hotel and a souvenir shop offering products of local craftsmen.

Located in northern Norway, the open-air museum contains more than five thousand rock paintings. They were created by ancient people in the period from 4200 BC. to 500 BC Cave images contain scenes of hunting and fishing, shamanic rituals, scenes of cooking and relationships between people.

Colliding with gas particles in the upper layers of the atmosphere, tiny solar particles give rise to an amazing natural phenomenon - the northern lights. Norway is the only country in the world where you can see it in all its glory. Multi-colored flashes in the sky are best observed in the northern part of the country from October to February.

Norway's oldest lighthouse (built in February 1655) is the southernmost lighthouse on the mainland. For a long time it served to navigate ships passing between the Norwegian and Danish coasts. Now a museum has been opened at the Lindesnes lighthouse, introducing visitors to the history of the structure, which has gone from being fired with coal to the latest radio navigation system.