Drive it Yourself: Harstad to Svolvær (via the Fv83)
Read our road-trip guide to Harstad and Svolvaer.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 25,000 / 68.4 degrees north
Harstad, Norway
Located on Norway’s largest island, Hinnøya, Harstad is an administrative centre for the region.
About Harstad
Latitude: 68.4 degrees north
Population: 25,000
Sami Name: Hárstták
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: February
Wettest Month: October
Windiest Month: May
Annual Precipitation: 402mm
Harstad Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Harstad
Uniquely Harstad
Here are some things that you must do and try in Harstad
Historic Church
Trondenes Church
Trondenes Church is a truly unique building. The church is the world’s northernmost medieval church and is located in the historic centre of Trondenes, which during the Viking Age was an important centre.
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Harstad
Museum
Trondenes Historic Centre
The museum covers the history of Trondenes and the surrounding areas, and has exhibitions about the Vikings, early Christianity, and the occupation during WWII.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Tour
Northern Lights Camp Tour
Join a guided tour to a campsite in the hopes of seeing the northern lights.
Tour
Fjord Cruise on a Sail Boat
I mean, is there any better way to see the fjords? The area around Harstad is gorgeous so this is well recommended!
Tour
Midnight Sun Sailing
I mean, is there any better way to see the fjords? The area around Harstad is gorgeous so this is well recommended!
How do you know which northern lights tour is right for you? Read my handy guide to choosing a tour!
Road-Trips
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Harstad
Swedish Border to Lofoten on the E10
The E10 highway stretches across Norway and Sweden, and this part from the Swedish border down to Gullefjord in Vesterålen is probably the most scenic. The Swedish border is located high above the treeline, and within the first 20 minutes of the drive you descend down to sea level, passing spectacular mountains. This place also saw heavy fighting during World War II as the Battle of Narvik raged on the Ofotfjord.
Self-Guided Walks
Harstad from the Coastal Ferry Self-Guided Walk
The coastal ferry doesn’t dock in Harstad for long, but there is just enough time to make your way to the main square of Harstad and see the historic buildings. Follow this guide to make the best use of your time.
Harstad on YouTube
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Harstad
Harstad to Svolvær via the Lofoten Tourist Road
This is one of the most scenic drives in Norway!
Harstad to Andenes via the Andøya Tourist Road
Andøya is a seriously underrated tourist road.
History of Harstad
Harstad was established as a modern harbour away from the historic centre of Trondenes. Trondenes has been a place since the Viking Age, and the Trondenes Church is the northernmost medieval church in the world.
Harstad Today
The oil industry of Northern Norway has its base in Harstad. Harstad has schooling for all ages and also has the Harstad University College.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: The main airport is Evenes, which is a 30 minute drive out of Harstad. The airport has direct flights to Oslo, Trondheim, Bodø and Tromsø.
Drive: Harstad is located just off the E10, which runs from the tip of the Lofoten Islands through to the Swedish border.
Train: No train access
Ferry: Harstad is a port of call for the coastal ferry, with both the northbound and southbound calling at Harstad in the morning.
Getting Around
Harstad is walkable.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Umami is a special Norwegian restaurant with high quality food.
Places to Stay
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Harstad Camping is on the road towards Narvik.
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
Clarion Hotel Arcticus is one of the nicer hotels in town.
Click here to view rates & book
The Thon Hotel Harstad is in an excellent location and has an Egon Restaurant in the complex.
Click here to view rates & book
Scandic Hotel Harstad
High End & Unique Properties
Sandtorgholm Hotel is a little bit out of Harstad, but this is a historic property and very high end!
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Sunrise: 10:52am
Sunset: 1:14pm
Average Temperature: -2.2C (28F)
February
Sunrise: 8:19am
Sunset: 3:58pm
Average Temperature: -2.3C (28F)
March
Sunrise: 6:16am
Sunset: 5:50pm
Average Temperature: -0.8C (31F)
April
Sunrise: 4:59am
Sunset: 8:51pm
Average Temperature: 3C (37F)
May
Sunrise: 2:23am
Sunset: 11:22pm
Average Temperature: 7.3C (45F)
June
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 10.2C (50.4F)
July
Midnight sun until 22 July
Average Temperature: 13.9C (57F)
August
Sunrise: 4:03am
Sunset: 9:49pm
Average Temperature: 13C (55F)
September
Sunrise: 6:07am
Sunset: 7:28pm
Average Temperature: 9.5C (49F)
October
Sunrise: 7:59am
Sunset: 5:18pm
Average Temperature: 5C (41F)
November
Sunrise: 9:17am
Sunset: 1:58pm
Average Temperature: 1.7C (35F)
December
Polar night
Average Temperature: -0.5C (31F)
All Posts About Harstad
A Heritage Walk through Harstad’s Historic Town Centre
Explore Harstad’s heritage by discovering its preserved wooden houses.
Drive it Yourself: Harstad to Andenes on the Andøya Tourist Road
The Andøya Tourist Road is easily one of Norway’s most underrated roads!
Drive it Yourself: The Lofoten Islands Part 2: Svolvær to Harstad
Enjoy this drive through scenic Lofoten and Vesterålen