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Municipality in Troms, Norway
Photo: Stevenilsen, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Harstad is a city and municipality in the county of Troms in Northern Norway on Norway's largest coastal island, Hinnøya. The region is very varied, with coastal mountains, fjords, some agriculture (dairy farming, sheep and the northernmost strawberry farming on the planet) and a national park on the island: Møysalen National Park. Svolvær in Lofoten is a 2 hr 20 min drive south of Harstad.
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A village on a peninsula about a 30-min drive from Harstad downtown. This is one of the best places near Harstad with limited light pollution. There is also an excellent view of the picturesque Grytøy mountains. It is easy to walk all the way out to the tip of the peninsula. The temperature here will be higher than on Aunfjell.
On the way to Elgsnes, you’ll have to go over Aunfjell, this is an elevated mountain plateau with mountain ridges blocking the light from Harstad. The temperature will be colder than on Elgsnes. On the other hand, it is a 20-min drive.
With a clear view towards the open sea towards the north, and a 25-min drive from Harstad, Nupen offers an excellent place to view the midnight sun at midnight. It has been named Norway's most romantic spot.
Harstad’s town square. Named after Harstads founder Rikard Kaarbø, this square has been at the heart of the town since its founding. Most buildings here are from the early 20th century. Including the Bank building (Harstad Sparebank), which features Art Nouveau and gothic architectural styles.
Art gallery which claims to present world-class thought provoking and challenging art from both Norwegian and international artists. It was built in 1958 as a swimming pool and community centre, and in 2001 rebuilt to an art gallery.
A small art gallery run by volunteers. They display local artists. Opening hours depend on exhibitions.
Norway’s tallest fountain. The fountain is named after Asbjørn Selsbane, one of the region's famous Vikings. In the dark winter months, it is lit in northern light colours.
The northernmost medieval stone church of Norway and the world's northernmost surviving medieval building. The area had wooden churches from 1100, and the current church was probably finished in 1440.
A museum and history centre, covering more than 2,000 years of history of the region, which was a Viking power centre. Here you can learn about the powerful local Viking king Tore Hund, who turned the tide of Norwegian history. There is also a small recreated medieval village next to the centre.
A 40.6-cm cannon, part of the World War II coastal defences, built during the German occupation. It was designed as a naval gun, but was used as coastal defence, as the battleships it was intended for were never built. With a max range of 56 km, it could theoretically hit Narvik. Tours must be booked 48 hr ahead.
During world War II, about 1000 Soviet prisoners were sent here. The foundations of this camp remain, and there is a memorial.
The town’s dedicated recreational forest. The area is full of marked trails, that are excellent for a walk through the woods. There are several lean-to shelters which serve as great places to picnic. In summer it’s nice to swim in the Grunnvannet pond. In winter the area has several prepared cross country ski trails, some of which are lit, an important detail during the polar night months. The park is easily accessible by walking (30 min) or by bus (10 min) from the town centre.
Claims to be a world class bike park. It includes 10 km of flow trails, a pump track, skills park and a freestyle park. There is a dedicated area for kids with a pump track and a mini skills park. If you want even more, head to the mountains, Harstad has some of the best trails for mountain biking in the country.
Harstad Cinema. Build in 1955 and designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig (most known for the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø). Everything from the lamps to the floor pattern was designed by the architect. This resulted in a holistic art piece of a building. It is well worth a quick peek inside the lobby. If you wish to watch a movie there, note that there are two halls, and hall 1 has a much bigger screen than hall 2. Most movies in Norway are shown in English with Norwegian subtitles; movies for kids are dubbed.
An underground water park offering tropical swimming inside the Norwegian bedrock. Includes a water slide, a wave pool, and hot tub among other things.
"The trail along the sea" is a trail going from Trondenes historic centre towards Harstad. This is a pleasant coastal walk. It can be combined with walking between Trondenes and Harstad.
The Vågsfjord area outside Harstad is a wide and fairly sheltered bay with many small and large islands, some with mountains up to 1,200 m (4200 ft) above sea level, and with a view to Senja island as well as to the mainland. The fishing is usually excellent.
An authentic sailing schooner, which makes out on the fjord.
Play golf in the midnight sun, if you time right.
You can try pizzas, hamburgers and kebabs at this Italian restaurant.
By boat
An express ferry (Hurtigbåt, line 2) links Harstad and Tromsø (3 hours), and takes several stops along the route, including Finnsnes.
By car
Driving in and around Harstad gives you flexibility in travelling around the region.
By train
The Norwegian train network does not reach Harstad.
By public transport
Harstad has a surprisingly extensive bus network for a small town. Operated by Troms County’s public transport authority, Svipper.
By taxi
Harstad Taxi is the main taxi provider in town. Taxis can be ordered, by the app Taxifix, online or by calling. The easiest way to see the price is to input your trip either online or in the app.
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