🏝️ Which islands to include in your Northern Norway itinerary

Why these three in particular:

• Senia — ‘wild terrain’: saw-like ridges, horseshoe bays, Bergsbotn and Tungeneset viewing points, Ersfjord beach (famous for its ‘golden cabin’), the trail to Segla (starting from Fjordgord), the village of Husøy, Ånderdalen National Park.
• Lofoten (E10) — ‘postcards’: Å, Reine, Hamnøy, Sakrisøy, the beaches of Haukland/Uttafjord/Anstad, the ‘stadium’ in Henningsvær, the museum in Nusfjord, the surfing village of Unstad.
• Vesterålen — ‘space and whales’: the island of Andøya (whale safaris from Andenes), Bleik beach, the Dronningruta route (Stø–Nyksunn), the quiet fishing bays of Bø, the ‘blue’ bridges of Sortland.

🧭 How to connect the three island worlds into one route

• South↔north axis: Bodo → ferry → Lofoten → Melbu–Fiskebøl bridges/ferry → Vesterålen → Andenes–Gryllefjord ferry (summer) → Senja → Tromsø.
• North↔south axis: Tromsø → Senja (bridge across Finnsnes or Brensholmen–Botnhamn ferry) → Gryllefjord–Andenes ferry (summer) → Vesterålen → Lofoten → Bø.
• Without a car: E10 with buses, seasonal ferries/catamarans between the archipelagos. Allow 30–60 minutes between water and land transport.

🗺️ 6/8/10-day comprehensive plan

⛴️ Ferries and bridges (important for planning)

• Bødo ↔ Moskenes (Lofoten) — the ‘entrance from the sea’ to the south of the archipelago.
• Melbu ↔ Fiskebøl — a short bridge between Vesterålen and Lofoten.
• Andenes ↔ Gryllefjord (in summer) — connects Vesterålen and Senja.
• Brensholmen ↔ Botnhamn — route to Senja from Kvalø (near Tromsø), or the Finnsnes ↔ Senja bridge.
• Tip: during peak months — book in advance and allow for a buffer; during the off-season — fewer flights, flexibility is a must.

🌞 Polar day and aurora: when to catch what

• May–August: polar day — endless sunsets, soft light on the beaches.
• September–March: chance to see the northern lights (no guarantees), darker nights and dramatic shots by the water.
• Winter: roads/wind are more challenging; the route is possible, but with plenty of time and clothing in reserve.

🌊 Malström (Moskenesstraumen): where it is and how to see it safely

What it is: a powerful tidal system in the south-west of Lofoten — between the islands of Moskenesøy and Værøy.

How to see it: on organised RIB tours with an experienced skipper — from Reine, Sørvøya, Å (sometimes from Værø). The captain navigates to the current zone during safe tidal windows; in stormy weather, the route is changed or cancelled.

• Best time: strong tides (windows around the full moon/new moon); morning/evening trips provide the best light.
• What to expect: jets and whirlpools, seabird pastures, sometimes seals/merlans; more dynamic at low tide.
• Safety: wetsuits/life jackets are mandatory, listen to the team, do not reach overboard, keep electronics waterproof.

🧩 Malström Planner (base/season/swell)

🧰 What to take on the northern ‘island’ route and to Malström

• Layers and membrane: it is always colder and windier near the water.
• Footwear with tread: rocks/decks can be slippery.
• Splash protection for equipment: cover, microfibre, camera strap.
• Thermos/snacks and hat/gloves — even in summer.
• For RIB tours: fingerless gloves, towel, Zip-lock bag for your phone.

🧩 Checklist

💵 Budget calculator: islands + tour to Malström

Conclusion: the combination of Senja + Lofoten + Vesterålen gives you the full northern ‘bouquet’: peaks, beaches, whales. And Malström is a bonus adventure on the edge of the archipelago. Combine the islands, plan for weather/ferry delays, bring layers and waterproofs — and the North will give you that feeling of freedom over the cold sea.