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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.
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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.
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.
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.
During world War II, about 1000 Soviet prisoners were sent here. The foundations of this camp remain, and there is a memorial.
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.