Good to know before you travel to Senja
Short answers to what people ask at the reception desk: what is open on Sundays, where to fill up, how the ferries charge, where you can pitch a tent and how to drive safely in winter.
Sundays are closed
Most shops close on Sundays. Small grocery stores and petrol stations may be open. The state alcohol shop (Vinmonopolet) closes Saturday afternoon and is closed on Sundays.
Tourist information in the shop
Visit Senja runs Infopoints in the local grocery shops around the island: maps, brochures and people who know the place. The tourist office in Finnsnes is open weekdays 10–16.
Fill up in Finnsnes
Few petrol stations on northern and western Senja, and several are unstaffed pumps that need a card with a PIN. Electric cars: chargers are listed under “Find” below.
Ferries without tickets
Car ferries read your number plate and bill you (AutoPASS for ferries). No advance booking. The summer ferries Botnhamn–Brensholmen and Gryllefjord–Andenes have queues in July; arrive early.
No road tolls on Senja
Roads on the island are free. Hire cars normally carry a tag for toll stations elsewhere in Norway.
Tents and campervans
Tents may be pitched on uncultivated land at least 150 metres from houses. Campervans belong at campsites or signed spots, not at the rest areas along the scenic route. Waste disposal at the stations listed under “Find”.
Mobile coverage
Coverage drops out in several fjords, valleys and tunnels. Download offline maps before you set off, and tell someone where you are going.
Winter on the roads
Winter tyres are mandatory, studded tyres allowed. Roads are ploughed but may close briefly for avalanches and storms. Drive with lights on at all times and keep your distance. In the polar night there is daylight only for a few hours around noon.
Cards, water and tipping
Cards and mobile payment work everywhere; cash is rarely used. Tap water is safe to drink. Tipping is not expected.
Aurora from the car
Stop only at rest areas or widened shoulders, never on the road or in bus bays. Switch off your lights and look north. Camera-marked aurora signs are not parking.
Questions and answers
Are shops open on Sundays?
Most shops are closed on Sundays. Small grocery stores and petrol stations may be open.
Can I pitch a tent anywhere?
Tents may be pitched on uncultivated land at least 150 metres from houses. Campervans belong at campsites or signed spots.
Do I need cash?
No. Cards and mobile payment work everywhere, and cash is hardly used.