Destination Comparison
Senja vs Lofoten for Northern Lights
Norway's secret island versus its world-famous neighbour — Senja offers landscapes many argue are even more dramatic than Lofoten, with a fraction of the visitors. Both sit well above the Arctic Circle with excellent aurora odds and spectacular coastal scenery.
✦8/10
Aurora Score
✦8/10
✓$145/day
Daily Budget
$170/day
Moderate 🛤️
Accessibility
Moderate 🛤️
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Months
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
✓20h
Dark Hours (Winter)
18h
Arctic
Region
Arctic
15 types
Activities
✓19 types
Our Verdict
Lofoten wins on infrastructure, accessibility, and international reputation; Senja wins for those seeking the same Arctic magic with significantly fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.
Choose Senja Island if:
Better infrastructure, more accommodation options, easier to reach, iconic Instagram spots, established tour operators
Choose Lofoten Islands if:
Far fewer crowds, arguably more dramatic scenery, more authentic Norwegian experience, lower prices, Norway's best-kept secret
Norway
Senja Island
Adventurous travellers who want Lofoten-quality scenery without the crowds
Norway
Lofoten Islands
Aurora photographers seeking the world's most dramatic reflections and landscapes