Driving the Scenic Senja National Tourist Route in Northern Norway

Driving the Scenic Senja National Tourist Route in Northern Norway

Norway, europe

Length

12 km

Elevation

287 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Senja National Tourist Route

Ready for one of Norway's most breathtaking drives? Head to the outer coast of Senja in the far north and prepare to have your mind blown.

This 90-kilometre stretch combines Road 86 and Road 862, running between Gryllefjord and Botnhamn. Want to go the extra mile? Detour to Mefjordvær and Husøya for another 12 kilometres of stunning scenery.

Fair warning: the road is narrow in spots—sometimes *really* narrow—and it winds like crazy as it hugs the coastline. But that's all part of the charm. The pavement is solid throughout, and you'll climb to about 287 metres above sea level at the highest point.

Here's the thing though: the views are absolutely worth every twist and turn. Jagged mountains plunge straight into the ocean, and you'll find yourself pulling over constantly just to soak it all in. It's the kind of drive where every corner reveals another postcard-worthy vista.

Good news? This route stays open year-round, though winter can bring closures during particularly nasty weather. No ferries needed—it's all connected by road. Whether you're chasing midnight sun or dancing with the northern lights, the Senja National Tourist Route delivers the Norwegian coast experience you've been dreaming about.

Where is it?

Driving the Scenic Senja National Tourist Route in Northern Norway is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 64.7220, 11.7898

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Norway
Continent
europe
Length
12 km
Max Elevation
287 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
64.7220, 11.7898

Related Roads in europe

Passo del Scengiohard

Passo del Scengio

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Passo del Scengio Ready for a serious alpine adventure? Passo del Scengio sits at a pretty impressive 2,215 meters (7,267 feet) in the Viamala Region of Graubünden, Switzerland—and trust me, getting there is half the experience. Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road climbs as a rough gravel and rocky track that's decidedly narrow and steep, and honestly, the condition has deteriorated so much that it's now closed to regular vehicles. You'll need serious clearance and genuine off-road skills to tackle this one. But here's what makes it special—as you wind your way up, you'll spot fascinating remnants from old dam and tunnel construction projects scattered along the route. It's like stumbling through industrial history while surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. If you're the type who loves exploring forgotten infrastructure and don't mind a challenging drive through dramatic mountain terrain, Passo del Scengio is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.

Where is Mont Colombis?moderate

Where is Mont Colombis?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Mont Colombis, sitting pretty at 1,734m (5,686ft), is a must-see gem in the Hautes-Alpes department of France, way down in the southeastern Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every hairpin turn – we're talking some of the best panoramic vistas in Europe! The road to the top is paved, though it gets a bit narrow in places, but generally it's in decent shape. Keep an eye out for the impressive "Demoiselles Coiffées," crazy cool rock formations shaped by years of erosion. The climb itself? It's a good one! From Remollon, it's a 12.3 km (7.64 miles) ride to the summit, climbing 1,066 meters. That's an average gradient of 8.7%, so be prepared for some steep sections – especially that stretch from 2.5 to 4 km and a tough 3.5 km right before you reach the top, where you'll be averaging over 10%! You'll be rewarded with some seriously stunning scenery.

Can you drive through Moraca River Canyon?hard

Can you drive through Moraca River Canyon?

🌍 Montenegro

Get ready for an epic drive through Montenegro's Morača River Canyon, one of the most gorgeous river canyons you'll ever lay eyes on! This isn't your average road trip; you'll be cruising along the E65, snaking through the southeastern heart of the country from Kolašin to Podgorica (a 68.6 km stretch). Picture this: a fully paved road clinging to the edge of a narrow canyon, dodging countless cliff-side bends and tunnels. It's a wild ride that demands your attention, but trust me, the reward is worth it. This road is generally open year-round, though heavy snow or rockslides can cause closures. As you approach the end, the road becomes increasingly intense as it plunges into a nearly perpendicular canyon, dropping 300-400m! Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to fully soak in the scenery. The views are absolutely breathtaking. The canyon, carved by the Morača River, carves a path between the Moračke planine and Sinjajevina mountain ranges. Prepare to be mesmerized by the stark contrast between the towering, dark cliffs and the vibrant, green river below. In the distance, the rounded, white peaks of Bjelasica add an ethereal touch. The landscape along this highway is seriously next-level picturesque. Just be careful while soaking it all in!

Driving the exciting Splügen Pass in the Alpsextreme

Driving the exciting Splügen Pass in the Alps

🇮🇹 Italy

# Splügen Pass: A Classic Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,121m (6,958ft) on the Swiss-Italian border, Splügen Pass is an absolute gem for anyone who loves mountain driving. This stunning stretch connects Switzerland's Hinterrhein valley with Italy's Valle Spluga, and honestly, the hairpins and panoramic views make it worth the trip alone. The route's got serious pedigree—Romans were crossing this pass on foot centuries ago, but it wasn't until 1818-1823 that someone had the brilliant idea to actually build a proper road. The engineering here is genuinely impressive, especially that mind-blowing 312-metre avalanche gallery constructed in 1843 just before the summit. It's like watching history carved into the mountainside. The full 36.7 km (22.80 miles) stretch from Chiavenna in Italy to Splügen in Switzerland is completely paved these days, making it a fantastic drive. And what a drive it is! One moment you're threading through stacked tunnels with heart-stopping drops into the valley below, the next you're cruising through gorgeous Alpine meadows. The road swings between tight switchbacks and long, sweeping curves—it's the kind of road that keeps you smiling the whole way up. The Swiss side starts wide and civilized, winding gently through trees before climbing into those famous hairpins. Cross into Italy and things get more intense—steep, narrow bends, some tucked inside unlit tunnels. Fair warning: watch for cattle wandering the road and expect some slick patches even when it's dry. The descent is equally dramatic, with a string of galleries and tunnels before you hit Chiavenna. Fair heads-up: this pass typically closes from late October through June, depending on snow conditions. And pack your patience during summer weekends—it gets seriously busy. But if you're lucky enough to tackle it in good weather? You're in for one unforgettable Alpine experience.