North European travel guide
self-guided walks
Explore the best of Harstad with this self-guided walking tour.
This guide is 9 pages and comes in a PDF format.
Even though Harstad was only established 150 years ago as a port city for steamships, the area has been inhabited for thousands of years and the iconic Trondenes Church is the northernmost medieval church in the world. Harstad has some charming buildings from its early years but a wander around the town centre also provides lovely views out to the sea and surrounding mountains.
1.2km (0.7 miles) not including the walk to Trondenes Church.
Level 1 – flat path, no stairs, paved. The walk up Aksla (optional) is graded at Level 2.
Coastal Ferry Terminal
Harstadhamn harbour area
Example of what the guide looks like.
This is a summarised itinerary. More stops are included in the walk.
Harstadsjoen
Harstadsjøen is the name for the old settlement of Harstad.
Rikard Kaarbø’s plass
Rikard Kaarbø is the man who is considered to be the founder of Harstad. He was the initiator and contributor to a number of businesses in Harstad that contibuted to Harstad getting city status in 1904.
Strandgata
This street is fascinating because it really tells Harstad’s history. People came from all over Norway to try and establish a successful business in Harstad after the boom in shipping and trade.