I spent three weeks in Scandinavia, Norway and Finland to be specific. I had chosen my destination points wisely, visiting the metropolitan hubs of Oslo, Helsinki, and, in Northern Norway, Tromsø. I thought spending five days would be enough to explore the island of Senja, but based on my experience, it’s not. However, without a doubt, it was my favorite location on the trip.
Tungeneset on Senja, Norway taken by me
The image above is of Tungeneset (or Okshornan), which is also popularly known as Devil’s Teeth. Okshornan is the mountain range in the background. For more information on the island of Senja and connect with a local, check out BeaTravelling.
The closest city, Finnsnes, has a population of just 5,000 people. I don’t know what it directly translates to, but from my basic understanding of Norwegian, Finnsnes would mean “Pleasant Bay.”** As a writer, I can already imagine living and working there. I don’t know why I felt like I belonged, but I did. Perhaps it was the northern hospitality. Or the awe-inspiring landsapes. Or the peace and quiet that I have desired to have all my life.
**Finnsnes may translate to Nes = headland. Finns can be either something that belongs to a man name Finn, or it could be related to a fjord a little bit south.
June 29, 2018 at 3:45 am
Nice
June 29, 2018 at 10:45 am
Thanks!!
June 30, 2018 at 3:15 pm
You really fell in love 🙂 So, when you cross the bridge from the mainland (Finnsnes) over to Senja, you arrive at a mostly residential area. This is where I grew up 🙂 Nes = headland. Finns can be either something that belongs to a man name Finn, or it could be related to a fjord a little bit south 🙂 And thank you so much for linking to my blog!!
June 30, 2018 at 5:12 pm
I wasn’t quite sure what that translated to. But yes, I definitely fell in love with the area. I know it would be hardest to move there and find a job. You’re welcome!!
June 30, 2018 at 5:14 pm
Yes, finding a job is not the easiest. Actually harder than I thought it would be. Surprisingly (to me) out-of-towners are moving in. There is the possibility of working for a season at the fish factories…
June 30, 2018 at 5:21 pm
My goal is to move to Norway within 5 years…I spoke with Claire and she had suggested working as a waitress or at a hotel in the area. Oslo, I imagine, would be the easiest to move to. But I’d still want to maintain this blog too.
June 30, 2018 at 5:28 pm
A lot easier to get a job in Oslo, if you’re willing to do less desired jobs… If you’re not Norwegian speaking by then, a job at an international company will probably be the only option for a high paying job.
June 30, 2018 at 5:33 pm
There’s one I am already looking at, here in Boston to transition to Oslo….it’s an international law firm (DLA Piper). I think EF also has offices there too. And that’s very true!
June 30, 2018 at 6:00 pm
EF, as in the language course provider? Yes, I think so. Or you could have a look at Norwegian companies that have an international focus.
June 30, 2018 at 6:06 pm
That’s true…it’s another reason I was looking into Master’s programs, because I know realistically finding a job or studying are the top ways to immigrate. I will definitely have to start looking sometime.
Yes, EF the language course provider.
I’m sure this would be even harder, but starting some kind of company or magazine would also be cool.
July 27, 2018 at 7:08 pm
Great photos.
July 27, 2018 at 8:50 pm
Thank you!