Gryllefjord is the southernmost village on Senja's Atlantic coast and the southern terminus of the National Tourist Route. The village sits in a narrow gap between mountains and fjord, with a harbour, a fish-processing plant and a handful of houses.
In summer there is a ferry from here to Andenes on Andøya, making it a natural crossing point between Senja and Vesterålen. The ferry takes about two hours and runs daily from mid-June to mid-August. Outside that window the connection does not exist and you have to drive the long way around via Finnsnes and Sortland.
The ferry is infamous for its waiting times. The boat holds around 30 cars, there are only two or three departures per day, and you cannot book in advance. It is strictly first come, first served. A five-hour wait is not unusual, and there are stories of people waiting over 20 hours, missing one sailing after another. Buses and commercial vehicles get priority boarding, so even if you think you are close to the front, you can get bumped. Some people arrive the evening before and sleep in their car to secure a spot on the first morning departure.
If you are planning to use this crossing, arrive as early as possible and bring food, water and patience. Alternatively, plan your route so the ferry is a bonus rather than something your schedule depends on.
The crossing itself is worth the trouble. The waters between Senja and Andøya are good for spotting whales, especially sperm whales. Keep your eyes on the water.
The road into Gryllefjord passes through several tunnels blasted into the mountainside. The approach is dramatic, with the village appearing suddenly below after the last tunnel. There is a small shop and a fuel station.
In summer there is a ferry from here to Andenes on Andøya, making it a natural crossing point between Senja and Vesterålen. The ferry takes about two hours and runs daily from mid-June to mid-August. Outside that window the connection does not exist and you have to drive the long way around via Finnsnes and Sortland.
The ferry is infamous for its waiting times. The boat holds around 30 cars, there are only two or three departures per day, and you cannot book in advance. It is strictly first come, first served. A five-hour wait is not unusual, and there are stories of people waiting over 20 hours, missing one sailing after another. Buses and commercial vehicles get priority boarding, so even if you think you are close to the front, you can get bumped. Some people arrive the evening before and sleep in their car to secure a spot on the first morning departure.
If you are planning to use this crossing, arrive as early as possible and bring food, water and patience. Alternatively, plan your route so the ferry is a bonus rather than something your schedule depends on.
The crossing itself is worth the trouble. The waters between Senja and Andøya are good for spotting whales, especially sperm whales. Keep your eyes on the water.
The road into Gryllefjord passes through several tunnels blasted into the mountainside. The approach is dramatic, with the village appearing suddenly below after the last tunnel. There is a small shop and a fuel station.