7-Day Ice Climbing Trip to Senja, Norway

Day 1 – Arrival in the Arctic

• Fly to Tromsø (the nearest major airport).

• Pick up a rental car with winter tires — a 4WD is best.

• Drive ~3.5 hours southwest to Senja via Finnsnes and the Gisund Bridge.

• Check in to a base cabin or rorbu (fisherman’s hut) near Mefjordvær, Hamn, or Gryllefjord — all great access points for climbing.

• Evening: unpack gear, check the forecast and avalanche bulletin, and plan the week’s objectives.

Tip: Stop in Finnsnes for groceries and gas — once on Senja, services are limited but the landscapes are limitless.

Day 2 – Warm-Up on Coastal Ice

• Start with shorter roadside routes near Mefjordbotn or Senjahopen.

• Classics: Fjordfossen (WI4), Senja Blues (WI3+), or Blåisveggen (WI4+).

• Focus on getting a feel for local ice texture and temperatures — Senja ice can range from hard and brittle to plastic and forgiving.

• Afternoon: drive along the scenic fjord road and scout bigger lines for later in the week.

Evening: Watch for the northern lights — clear nights here often bring spectacular displays over the fjords.

Day 3 to 6– Deeper into the Valleys

• Tackle a long mixed or Ice routes on Senja’s Cliffs

• Expect snowshoe or ski approaches of 30–60 minutes.

• Bring avalanche gear — some approaches cross exposed slopes.

• Early start and steady pace is the key to succsess.

• Enjoy the solitude — by now, you’ll know how remote and wild Senja truly is.

Evening: Return to your cabin for a hot meal and gear maintenance. The salty Arctic air can freeze up carabiners and ropes — dry everything carefully.

Day 7 – Departure

• Drive back to Tromsø, detouring through snow-covered valleys for final photos.

• Optional stop: the Polar Park in Bardu to see Arctic wildlife (wolves, lynx, moose).

• Evening flight home or overnight in Tromsø for one last Arctic meal.