Skaland – Gryllefjord

From Skaland, the first part of the ride is easy and mostly flat, following the shoreline of Bergsfjorden. The road is narrow in places, with passing points, and the views across the fjord and surrounding mountains are impressive. After a while, the main climb of the day begins. It is quite steep in places, but well worth the effort. Make sure to stop at the Bergsbotn viewing platform, where you get a fantastic view across the fjord and the mountains.

The climb continues towards the Skaland Tunnel. Coming from the north, you cycle uphill through the tunnel, so take your time and make sure you have good lights and reflective clothing. The tunnel is lit, and the traffic generally moves slowly on these narrow roads. Once through, a long downhill is a welcome reward before the route continues through rolling terrain, with turquoise water, rocky shores and the chance of spotting seals along the way.

Hamn is a lovely place to stop, with white houses, fishing boats and a small harbour where you can even go for a swim. It is also a good alternative for an overnight stay, especially if you want to enjoy the midnight sun from the rocks by the sea. From Hamn, you can continue to Gryllefjord, with another climb before the tunnel leading towards the village. Gryllefjord is a small coastal community with a grocery store and, in summer, a ferry connection to Andøya. From here, the Coastal Route continues south towards Vesterålen, or you can turn back across Senja – which will feel like a different trip the other way around, or continue towards Finnsnes for the express boat back to Tromsø.