# Senja

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Second-largest island in Norway

For other uses, see [Senja (disambiguation)](/source/Senja_(disambiguation)).

Senja (Norwegian) Sážžá (Northern Sami) View of the island towards the top of the picture Interactive map of Senja (Norwegian) Sážžá (Northern Sami) Geography Location Troms, Norway Coordinates 69°04′50″N 16°48′11″E / 69.0806°N 16.8031°E / 69.0806; 16.8031 Area 1,586.3 km2 (612.5 sq mi)[1] Highest elevation 1,017 m (3337 ft) Highest point Breidtinden Administration Norway County Troms Municipality Senja Municipality Largest settlement Silsand (pop. 1,583) Demographics Population 7,864 (2017) Pop. density 4.96/km2 (12.85/sq mi)

***Senja*** ([Norwegian](/source/Norwegian_language)) or ***Sážžá*** ([Northern Sami](/source/Northern_Sami_language))[2] is an island in [Senja Municipality](/source/Senja_Municipality) in [Troms](/source/Troms) county, [Norway](/source/Norway) in northern Europe. With an area of 1,586.3 square kilometres (612.5 sq mi),[1] it is the [second largest island](/source/List_of_islands_of_Norway_by_area) in Norway (outside the [Svalbard](/source/Svalbard) archipelago). It has a wild, mountainous outer (western) side facing the Atlantic, and a mild and lush inner (eastern) side.[3] The island is located entirely within [Senja Municipality](/source/Senja_Municipality), which was established on 1 January 2020. The island of Senja had 7,864 inhabitants as of 1 January 2017. Most of the residents live along the eastern coast of the island, with [Silsand](/source/Silsand) being the largest urban area on the island. The [fishing village](/source/Fishing_village) of [Gryllefjord](/source/Gryllefjord) on the west coast has a summer-only ferry connection to the nearby island of [Andøya](/source/And%C3%B8ya): the [Andenes–Gryllefjord Ferry](/source/Andenes%E2%80%93Gryllefjord_Ferry).[4]

The island sits northeast of the [Vesterålen](/source/Vester%C3%A5len) [archipelago](/source/Archipelago), surrounded by the [Norwegian Sea](/source/Norwegian_Sea) to the northwest, the [Malangen fjord](/source/Malangen_(fjord)) to the northeast, the [Gisundet](/source/Gisundet) strait to the east, the [Solbergfjorden](/source/Solbergfjorden) to the southeast, the [Vågsfjorden](/source/V%C3%A5gsfjorden%2C_Troms) to the south, and the [Andfjorden](/source/Andfjorden) to the west. [Ånderdalen National Park](/source/%C3%85nderdalen_National_Park) is located in the southern part of the island.[4]

## Etymology

The [Old Norse](/source/Old_Norse) form of the name is believed to have been *Senja* or perhaps *Sændja*. The meaning of the name is unknown, but it might be related to the verb *sundra*, which means to "tear" or "split apart", possibly because the west coast of the island is torn and split by numerous small fjords. It might also be derived from a [Proto-Norse](/source/Proto-Norse) form of the word *Sandijōn*, meaning "(area) of sand" or "sandy island".[5][4] The [Northern Sámi](/source/Northern_S%C3%A1mi) name *Sážžá* is likely a loanword from Norwegian, from an earlier form **Sanja-* or **Sandjan*.[6]

## Archaeology

In June 2025, archaeologists from the Arctic University Museum of Norway announced the discovery of a well-preserved Viking boat burial dating to around AD 900–950. The burial featured a small wooden boat measuring approximately 5.4 meters in length, laid just below ground level. Within, the remains of a woman were arranged with care, her body positioned on her side with knees bent, accompanied by a small dog at her feet.[7][8][9]

## Geography

Mountain area at Senja in August.

The island of Senja is located along the [Troms](/source/Troms) county coastline with [Finnsnes](/source/Finnsnes) as the closest town, located on the mainland, just east of the island. Senja is connected to the mainland by the [Gisund Bridge](/source/Gisund_Bridge). Historically, Senja was divided between [Lenvik Municipality](/source/Lenvik_Municipality) (part of which is on the mainland), [Berg](/source/Berg_Municipality_(Troms)), [Torsken Municipality](/source/Torsken_Municipality), and [Tranøy Municipality](/source/Tran%C3%B8y_Municipality), but on 1 January 2020, the four municipalities were merged into [Senja Municipality](/source/Senja_Municipality).[4]

The northern coasts of Senja face the open sea, the western coast faces the islands of [Andøya](/source/And%C3%B8ya) and [Krøttøya](/source/Kr%C3%B8tt%C3%B8ya), and the southern coast faces the islands of [Andørja](/source/And%C3%B8rja_(island)) and [Dyrøya](/source/Dyr%C3%B8ya%2C_Troms), Tromwestern coast, steep and rugged mountains rise straight from the sea, with some fishing villages (like [Gryllefjord](/source/Gryllefjord) and [Husøy](/source/Hus%C3%B8y%2C_Senja)) tucked into the small lowland areas between the mountains and the sea. The eastern and southern parts of the island are milder, with rounder mountains, forests, rivers, and agricultural land.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Senja is often referred to as "Norway in miniature", as the island's diverse scenery reflects almost the entire span of Norwegian natural geography. Senja is known domestically for its scenery and is marketed as a tourist attraction.[10]

### Climate

Laukhella is near Silsand on Senja island, facing the mainland towards the east. The eastern part of the island is less windy, with warmer summers and colder winters than the west coast. The climate data from Hekkingen Lighthouse is more typical for the west coast, albeit the precipitation is higher in the very west.

Climate data for Laukhella, Senja 1991–2020 (3 m, extremes 1997–2011) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 8.3 (46.9) 8.3 (46.9) 11.2 (52.2) 16.2 (61.2) 25.7 (78.3) 26.7 (80.1) 28.3 (82.9) 27.6 (81.7) 22.2 (72.0) 16.2 (61.2) 12.6 (54.7) 9.7 (49.5) 28.3 (82.9) Daily mean °C (°F) −3.9 (25.0) −3.8 (25.2) −2 (28) 1.8 (35.2) 6.4 (43.5) 10.6 (51.1) 13.5 (56.3) 12.5 (54.5) 8.4 (47.1) 3.3 (37.9) −0.3 (31.5) −2.4 (27.7) 3.7 (38.6) Record low °C (°F) −22.3 (−8.1) −23.7 (−10.7) −22 (−8) −17.7 (0.1) −6 (21) 0.4 (32.7) 2.4 (36.3) −1.3 (29.7) −5.3 (22.5) −14.7 (5.5) −16.5 (2.3) −21.8 (−7.2) −23.7 (−10.7) Average precipitation mm (inches) 102 (4.0) 85 (3.3) 97 (3.8) 63 (2.5) 51 (2.0) 57 (2.2) 66 (2.6) 77 (3.0) 117 (4.6) 114 (4.5) 88 (3.5) 105 (4.1) 1,120 (44.1) Source: Norwegian Meteorological Institute[11]

Climate data for Hekkingen Lighthouse 1991–2020 (33 m) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 1.2 (34.2) 0.8 (33.4) 1.8 (35.2) 4.5 (40.1) 8.6 (47.5) 11.5 (52.7) 14.4 (57.9) 14.1 (57.4) 11.2 (52.2) 6.7 (44.1) 4 (39) 2.4 (36.3) 6.8 (44.2) Daily mean °C (°F) −1 (30) −1.4 (29.5) −0.2 (31.6) 2.4 (36.3) 6 (43) 9 (48) 11.8 (53.2) 11.7 (53.1) 9.1 (48.4) 4.9 (40.8) 2.1 (35.8) 0.3 (32.5) 4.6 (40.2) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −2.7 (27.1) −3 (27) −1.9 (28.6) 0.5 (32.9) 4 (39) 7.3 (45.1) 9.9 (49.8) 10 (50) 7.5 (45.5) 3.5 (38.3) 0.6 (33.1) −1.3 (29.7) 2.9 (37.2) Average precipitation mm (inches) 100 (3.9) 71 (2.8) 77 (3.0) 51 (2.0) 45 (1.8) 43 (1.7) 63 (2.5) 87 (3.4) 111 (4.4) 110 (4.3) 90 (3.5) 83 (3.3) 931 (36.6) Source 1: Norwegian Meteorological Institute[12] Source 2: Meteostat Hekkingen[13]

## Economy

Naturally, the [fishing industry](/source/Fishing_industry) is dominant on Senja, notably the *Nergård Group* at [Senjahopen](/source/Senjahopen) and *Brødrene Karlsen* at [Husøy](/source/Hus%C3%B8y%2C_Senja). [Skaland](/source/Skaland) has some [graphite](/source/Graphite) mining. Another important industry is ArtNord and Tromspotet at Silsand, which specializes in potato and potato products. Sollia has a stair factory and the world's northernmost fibreglass insulation factory, Nicopan AS, which has customers throughout Norway, and exports abroad.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Transportation

The residents of Senja have the [Gisund Bridge](/source/Gisund_Bridge) as a ferry-free road connection to the mainland across Gisundet to the town of [Finnsnes](/source/Finnsnes). The town serves as a trading center for the entire Mid-Troms region, including the island of Senja. The island is also connected with the other towns in the county. At Lysnes on northern Senja is a fast boat connection with the [city of Tromsø](/source/Troms%C3%B8_(city)), a trip that takes about 50 minutes. From the villages of [Flakstadvåg](/source/Flakstadv%C3%A5g) and [Skrolsvik](/source/Skrolsvik) on the west and south sides of the island, there are also ferries to the [town of Harstad](/source/Harstad_(town)) to the south. During the summer there is a ferry between northern Senja and the island of [Kvaløya](/source/Kval%C3%B8ya_(Troms%C3%B8)), between southern Senja and Harstad, and between [Gryllefjord](/source/Gryllefjord) and [Andenes](/source/Andenes).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Senja has four main roads. The main road is [Norwegian County Road 86](/source/Norwegian_County_Road_86) which crosses the [Gisund Bridge](/source/Gisund_Bridge) from Finnsnes, [Sørreisa](/source/S%C3%B8rreisa_(village)), and [Bardufoss](/source/Bardufoss). It extends across the island to [Torsken](/source/Torsken_(village)) and [Gryllefjord](/source/Gryllefjord). From [Silsand](/source/Silsand), [Norwegian County Road 861](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Norwegian_County_Road_861&action=edit&redlink=1) goes north along Gisundet to [Gibostad](/source/Gibostad) and northern Senja. [Norwegian County Road 860](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Norwegian_County_Road_860&action=edit&redlink=1) goes from [Stonglandseidet](/source/Stonglandseidet) to Silsand, [Norwegian County Road 862](/source/Norwegian_County_Road_862) goes from Straumsbotn, via Senjahopen to [Botnhamn](/source/Botnhamn).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Governance

Main article: [Senja Municipality](/source/Senja_Municipality)

In March 2017, the [Parliament of Norway](/source/Parliament_of_Norway) voted to merge [Berg](/source/Berg_Municipality_(Troms)), [Torsken Municipality](/source/Torsken_Municipality), [Lenvik Municipality](/source/Lenvik_Municipality), and [Tranøy Municipality](/source/Tran%C3%B8y_Municipality). The new municipality was established on 1 January 2020 as [Senja Municipality](/source/Senja_Municipality) ([Norwegian](/source/Norwegian_language): *Senja kommune*).[14][15] It is located in the [traditional district](/source/Traditional_districts_of_Norway) of [Hålogaland](/source/H%C3%A5logaland). The [administrative centre](/source/Administrative_centre) of the municipality became the town of [Finnsnes](/source/Finnsnes). The municipality includes all of the islands of Senja, the smaller surrounding islands, and part of the mainland between the [Gisundet](/source/Gisundet) strait and the [Malangen fjord](/source/Malangen_(fjord)).[4]

## Attractions

Among the sights of the island are [Ånderdalen National Park](/source/%C3%85nderdalen_National_Park), with coastal [pine](/source/Scots_pine) forests and mountains,[16] traditional fishing communities, and previously the [Senja Troll](/source/Senja_Troll), the world's largest [troll](/source/Troll) statue (which burned down 28 March 2019).[17] The southern part of the island is the site of a number of small museums documenting local history, notably the Halibut Museum ("Kveitmuseet") in [Skrolsvik](/source/Skrolsvik).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## In popular culture

The island of Senja is mentioned in [David Armine Howarth](/source/David_Armine_Howarth)'s [World War II](/source/World_War_II) book, and true story, *We Die Alone: A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance*. It has a namesake island in the [MMORPG](/source/Massively_multiplayer_online_role-playing_game) [Tibia](/source/Tibia_(computer_game)).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

The Norwegian musician [Moddi](/source/Moddi) comes from the island and his music is said to have been influenced by its beauty.[18]

The Norwegian musician [Biosphere](/source/Biosphere_(musician)) lives in Senja (as of 2018–19) and his 2019 album *The Senja Recordings*,[19] which was recorded in Senja, refers to several places in Senja (Bergsbotn, Steinfjord, etc.).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Gallery

		- Bergsfjorden

		- [Husøy](/source/Hus%C3%B8y%2C_Senja)

		- View from a ridge between Segla and Hesten

		- View from [Gibostad](/source/Gibostad) towards Kistefjellet on the mainland

		- Sandvikholmen and shores near Hamn

		- [Ersfjorden](/source/Ersfjorden) and nearby mountains

		- [Silsand](/source/Silsand)

		- Okshornan peaks viewed from Tungeneset

## See also

- [List of islands of Norway](/source/List_of_islands_of_Norway)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Area_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_1-1) [Statens kartverk](/source/Norwegian_Mapping_and_Cadastre_Authority). ["Øyer i Norge – største i hvert fylke"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110717164215/http://www.statkart.no/filestore/Profil/Areal_milj_og_plan_gml_dok/Oyer-fylke.xls) (Excel) (in Norwegian). Archived from [the original](http://www.statkart.no/filestore/Profil/Areal_milj_og_plan_gml_dok/Oyer-fylke.xls) on 2011-07-17.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Informasjon om stadnamn"](https://stadnamn.kartverket.no/fakta/381035). *Norgeskart* (in Norwegian). [Kartverket](/source/Norwegian_Mapping_Authority). Retrieved 2024-07-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** *Mathematics and Archaeology* edited by Juan A. Barcelo, Igor Bogdanovic. p.346

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-snl_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-snl_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-snl_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-snl_4-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-snl_4-4) Thorsnæs, Geir, ed. (2018-05-09). ["Senja"](https://snl.no/Senja). *[Store norske leksikon](/source/Store_norske_leksikon)* (in Norwegian). [Kunnskapsforlaget](/source/Kunnskapsforlaget). Retrieved 2018-08-25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Bidrag till Fennoskandiens språkliga förhistoria i tid och rum"](https://helda.helsinki.fi/bitstream/handle/10138/135714/bidragti.pdf) (PDF) (in Swedish). Helsingfors Universitet. Retrieved 2015-12-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Aikio, Samuli. *Davvisámi báikenamat: oktan čilgehusaiguin* [*Northern Sámi placenames: with explanations*] (in Northern Sami). ČálliidLágádus. p. 158. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-82-8263-220-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-82-8263-220-1). [...] Sážžá livččii loatna *Senja*-nama vuođđoskandinávlaš hámis **Sanja-*. [...] vuolggasátnin heive vuođđoskandinávalaš sáddo namahus ja das šaddan maŋit vuođđoskandiánvalaš namma **Sandjan* 'sáttoeana'. [[...] Sážžá may be a loan of the name *Senja* from the Old Scandinavian form **Sanja-*. [...] the Old Scandinavian term for sand fits as an original name and that is where the later Old Scandinavian name **Sandjan* 'sand ground' came from.]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["1,100-Year-Old Viking-Era Boat Burial Uncovered in Remote Norway Reveals Shocking Secrets from the Past"](https://indiandefencereview.com/1100-year-old-viking-boat-burial-norway/). 2025-06-08. Retrieved 2025-06-09.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Milligan, Mark (2025-06-07). ["Viking-Era boat burial uncovered on Senja"](https://www.heritagedaily.com/2025/06/viking-era-boat-burial-uncovered-on-senja/155387). *HeritageDaily – Archaeology News*. Retrieved 2025-06-09.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Altuntaş, Leman (2025-06-05). ["Archaeologists Uncover 1,100-Year-Old Viking Boat Grave of Woman and Her Dog on Senja Island, Norway"](https://arkeonews.net/archaeologists-uncover-1100-year-old-viking-boat-grave-of-woman-and-her-dog-on-senja-island-norway/). *Arkeonews*. Retrieved 2025-06-09.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Senja Island Norway: Complete Travel Guide"](https://explorefinnmark.com/senja-island-norway/). Explore Finnmark. Retrieved 2025-05-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["eKlima Web Portal"](http://eklima.met.no/). Norwegian Meteorological Institute. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20040614073527/http://eklima.met.no/) from the original on 2004-06-14. Retrieved 2013-08-31.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["eKlima"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215002/http://sharki.oslo.dnmi.no/portal/page?_pageid=73,39035,73_39080&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL). Archived from [the original](http://sharki.oslo.dnmi.no/portal/page?_pageid=73,39035,73_39080&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL) on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2021-09-11.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Meteostat"](https://meteostat.net/en/station/01015/climate).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Senja kommune 2020"](http://senja2020.no/) (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2017-09-09.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Vermes, Thomas (2017-03-29). ["Stortingsflertallet gjør fire Senja-kommuner til én"](https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2017/03/29/195291385/stortingsflertallet-gjor-fire-senja-kommuner-til-en). *ABC Nyheter* (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2017-09-09.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Ånderdalen National Park"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110606062115/http://www.dirnat.no/nasjonalparker/anderdalen/) (in Norwegian). Directorate for nature management. Archived from [the original](http://www.dirnat.no/nasjonalparker/anderdalen) on 2011-06-06. Retrieved 2010-04-04.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Senjatrollet – Hulder- og Trollparken"](http://senjatrollet.no/en/). Retrieved 2021-05-26.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Moddi"](http://www.propellerrecordings.no/artists/moddi). Propeller Recordings. Retrieved 2013-01-03.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["The Senja Recordings, by Biosphere"](https://biosphere.bandcamp.com/album/the-senja-recordings).

## External links

- Media related to [Senja (island)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Senja_(island)) at Wikimedia Commons

- [Senja](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Senja#Q935821) travel guide from Wikivoyage

- [Senjanesia](https://senjanesia.org/) (in Norwegian)

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