Senja by Heart: a family-owned business with multiple accommodations

For generations, the Wilsgård family has been involved in fishing and, more recently, in aquaculture. Senja by Heart is a family-owned business based in Torsken on the outskirts of Senja. With a deep love for the village, the family is committed to preserving its vibrant fishing community.

Senja by Heart offers a variety of lodging options in its “village,” which spans no less than 1.2 km.

They have a renowned restaurant that is the heart of the village and the foundation of the business. In addition, they offer various activities, such as e-biking and whale watching, and it’s a hidden gem of a ski resort.

Senja Fjord Camp, 5 cabins with ocean views

Senja Fjordcamp has 5 recently renovated cabins with ocean views. The cabins have 2 bedrooms, each with a total of 4 beds. There is a fully equipped kitchen and a modern bathroom with a toilet and shower. Bedding and towels are included.

RV Park

There is also a marina here and a RV park with electricity, water, and a waste disposal station. The service building features modern facilities, including separate showers, restrooms, and a kitchenette. You’ll also find the reception desk and the restaurant here.

Torsken Brygge, 5 modern rooms

Torsken Brygge has 5 modern double rooms on the second floor and 2 on the first floor. All have private bathrooms. The pier was renovated in 2022.

On the second floor, there is a common area with a kitchenette and a sitting area, as well as a view of the fjord and a peaceful, rustic atmosphere where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee, among other things.

The restaurant is 550 meters away (be sure to make a reservation).

The Torsken Brygge Pub is also located on the first floor. It is open Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

TorskenSenteret, 6 rooms and an apartment in a former school

TorskenSenteret is the old school in Torsken that the Wilsgård brothers have completely renovated. On the ground floor, there are 6 small single rooms, each with its own bathroom with a shower and toilet (one of which is wheelchair-accessible). There is a common area with a living room and a fully equipped kitchen. On the top floor is a spacious apartment with two bedrooms, four beds, two living rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large balcony offering a beautiful view.

Senja by Heart Restaurant: Local cuisine with the flavors of Senja

At Senja by Heart, you’ll experience the essence of Northern Norwegian culinary culture. Every dish is a loving tribute to Senja’s local ingredients and spectacular landscape.

It is a culinary experience that reflects the soul of this unique island and is deeply rooted in a love for local products.

They work closely with local farmers, fishermen, and producers to ensure that the dishes are always prepared with the best ingredients Senja has to offer.

What is there to do at Senja by Heart?

Torsken is an excellent base from which to explore Senja. Popular local activities include fantastic mountain hikes, exploring the area by boat, and fishing. In winter and spring, the local mountains are ideal for ski touring.

They offer various guided tours, such as a tour of the historic church dating from 1784 or the salmon processing plant. You can see how the Wilsgård family produces salmon and how they contribute to sustainability and environmental protection. Wilsgård Fish Farming is a family-owned business that has been producing Atlantic salmon since 1983.

Whale Watching on the Open Sea

This trip takes you by RIB across the Andsfjorden and out into the ocean off Andenes. Here, the continental shelf lies close to the coast. The area northwest of Andenes is particularly rich in nutrients and serves as a hunting ground for sperm whales. You’ll search along the continental shelf to see where the whales are spending the day. If you spot one, there’s a good chance there are more, since they hunt in pods.

Other wildlife, such as bald eagles, seals, otters, and a number of seabirds, are often seen near Senja.

Fjord and Wildlife Safari

Sightseeing on a RIB on the fjord with the wind in your hair. Here you can see bald eagles, seals, minke whales, and many different species of birds. If conditions are right, you’ll visit some of the small islands off the coast of Senja. This tour is available upon request and can therefore be taken either during the day or in the evening.

Experience Senja on an e-bike

Experience the wild, beautiful Senja from the saddle of your e-bike. Senja, with its low-alpine mountains that flow into the fjords with crystal-clear, ice-cold water, sets the stage for your bike ride. The roads wind along the fjords and over the mountains, but with an e-bike, the hills are easy to handle. You can choose from a variety of tours, ranging from 2 hours to about 6 days, from tours under the midnight sun to the northern lights in the fall.

Skiing in Senja, a unique area along the fjords

Senja has been somewhat overshadowed by the better-known areas in the north and south of Lyngen and Lofoten, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years. With Torsken as your base, you’ll have the best top destinations right in the vicinity. It offers ski slopes for all skill levels.

Lava mountains plunging straight into the fjord, narrow roads winding along the crystal-clear waters of the fjords. Parts of the drive along national tourist routes—which can be quite narrow in places—set the stage for Senja as a premier tourist paradise for skiers. Senja by Heart also offers boat transportation to the other side of the fjord—where there are no roads—so you can enjoy pristine snow.

You can ski from around mid-December through the end of May. The best months are March and April. You can still ski in May, but the snow is a bit slushy; however, there are lovely evening ski trips, very long sunsets with beautiful light, and—starting in mid-May—the midnight sun.

Hiking with Senja by Heart

With its low mountain peaks and easy access, Senja is a top-notch hiking paradise. There are mountains here suitable for everyone, regardless of skill level. The best time for hiking is from mid-June to early October.

At Senja by Heart, you can also rent snowshoes and poles to explore nature on your own.

In addition, Senja by Hearth offers beer tastings, where you can sample beers from local and Scandinavian breweries. They also organize wine tastings where you can, among other things, explore the world of orange wine.