//
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.