Located on Norway’s largest island, Hinnøya, Harstad is an administrative centre for the region.
Fun Facts 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...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Harstad
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.
Harstad Guides
Find guides to Harstad on my online store.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Northern Lights Camp Tour
Join a guided tour to a campsite in the hopes of seeing the northern lights.
Here are some things that you must do and try in Harstad
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.
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.