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An Introduction to Harstad, Norway

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Harstad is a small town in Northern Norway that is known as a stop on the coastal ferry and as the gateway to the Vesterålen islands. Let's take a closer look at the town itself.

Having just visited Harstad on a cruise ship, I had the rare opportunity to spend several hours exploring this northern town.

Harstad in winter seen from a ship. Photo: David Nikel.
Harstad in its winter coat. Photo: David Nikel.

Typically, cruise ships don’t call at Harstad. Although the coastal express services operated by Hurtigruten and Havila do make frequent stops here, they often don’t allow time for much exploration.

Back in 2019 I visited Harstad and the adjacent Vesterålen area as part of my Hurtigruten coastal voyage. This time, my visit on Fred Olsen's Balmoral gave me a chance to delve into a town that’s often overlooked by travellers heading further north.

It was Balmoral’s first ever call at Harstad. For a ship that spends so much time in Norway, that just serves to highlight how few cruise ships usually visit this part of Northern Norway.

Where Is Harstad?

Harstad is located on Norway’s largest island, Hinnøya, in Troms county. The town lies on the shores of the Vågsfjord, offering stunning waterfront views and access to the surrounding Arctic landscapes.

Harstad’s strategic location makes it an important regional hub, despite its relatively small population of about 24,000 people.

Getting to Harstad is straightforward but requires some planning. For most travellers, the nearest airport is Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE) at Evenes, approximately 45 kilometres away.

From there, it’s about a 45-minute drive to the town. The town is also a stop on the Hurtigruten and Havila coastal express routes, though, as mentioned, time ashore is often limited.

History of Harstad

Harstad has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the Viking Age. The nearby Trondenes area was an important centre during this period and remains one of Harstad’s most historically significant sites.

Trondenes Church on the shoreline of Harstad. Photo: David Nikel.
Trondenes Church on the shoreline of Harstad. Photo: David Nikel.

Over the centuries, Harstad’s location made it a vital hub for fishing and trade in the region.

In more recent history, Harstad played a role during World War II, serving as a base for German forces. Traces of this period can still be seen around the town and its surroundings.

Today, Harstad is known for its focus on education, culture, and its role as a gateway to Lofoten and the Vesterålen archipelago.

The annual Arctic Arts Festival (Festspillene i Nord-Norge) is a highlight of the cultural calendar and brings visitors to the town from across the region.

Things to Do in the Harstad Region

If you’re planning a visit, here are some of the highlights and must-see attractions that make Harstad a memorable destination:

Trondenes Historical Centre and Church

One of the most fascinating places to visit near Harstad is Trondenes Historical Centre. It’s easy to find, as the church is visible from the shore and the area is well signposted from the town.

Trondenes Church in the 'blue hour' of winter. Photo: David Nikel.
The historic Trondenes Church in the ‘blue hour' of winter. Photo: David Nikel.

The church, a beautifully preserved medieval stone structure, dates back to the 13th century and is the northernmost stone church of its kind. It reflects the region’s historical significance during the Viking and medieval periods.

Trondenes Historical Centre offers a deeper dive into the area’s past, with exhibits covering the Viking Age, medieval history, and World War II. The museum’s setting, surrounded by picturesque countryside and overlooking the fjord, makes it a definite highlight for visitors.

Harstad Church

A good way to get to know Harstad is on a walk up to the town's church. When I arrived, Harstad was blanketed in a layer of ice, and walking looked to be treacherous.

Having given a talk on the cruise ship when I mentioned how to walk on ice in Norway, the last thing I wanted to do was end up on the floor!

View from Harstad Church. Photo: David Nikel.
View from Harstad Church. Photo: David Nikel.

Nevertheless, I made it safely and the reward was this wonderful view across the town and over the water. I stood here for a long time, just soaking up the views in the bright sunshine.

The church itself was closed, which I had expected. But it’s a curious building, built in the 1950s, and I’d wanted a closer look regardless.

Harstad Church in winter. Photo: David Nikel.
Harstad Church in winter. Photo: David Nikel.

Harstad Church was one of Norway’s first so-called “working churches,” built with a church hall, office, kitchen, and bathrooms.

I chose to walk a different way back and this proved to be an interesting introduction to Harstad. I passed a sports hall and sports stadium. There was some interesting architecture along the way, especially the large residential homes.

Residential home in Harstad. Photo: David Nikel.
Walking down to the city centre from Harstad Church. Photo: David Nikel.

Also along the way, I passed the smaller St. Sunniva church, the Catholic church of Harstad. There are no shortages of churches in this area!

Adolf Gun Battery

History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Adolf Gun Battery, a striking remnant of World War II that stands on a hill north of Trondenes Church. Unfortunately the tour here from the ship was cancelled, so I'll have to visit another time.

This enormous coastal artillery installation, originally constructed by the German forces as part of the Atlantic Wall, offers a glimpse into Harstad’s wartime history and spectacular views across the sea.

Originally designed for German battleships that were never completed, the Adolf guns were instead installed on land in 1943 to protect vital iron ore shipments from Narvik. The gun at Trondenes could fire 56 km, making it one of the most powerful coastal weapons of its time. Its shells, weighing up to a tonne, could reach their targets in just over two minutes.

Four of these guns were placed at Trondenes fortress, but today only one remains intact—the last of its kind in the world.

Coastal Walks and Outdoor Activities

Harstad’s location on Hinnøya makes it an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. The town offers a range of walking paths and hiking trails that showcase its lovely natural surroundings.

Harstad harbour walk. Photo: David Nikel.
Harstad harbour walk. Photo: David Nikel.

A popular choice is the Gangsåstoppen viewpoint, which provides panoramic views of the town, fjord, and surrounding islands.

For a more leisurely experience, a simple walk along the waterfront is a must. Harstad’s harbour area is home to cosy cafes, restaurants, and small shops, making it a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the town’s atmosphere.

Boat Tours and Island Hopping

If you have more time, consider a boat tour to explore the nearby fjords and islands.

Harstad’s proximity to the Vesterålen and Lofoten archipelagos makes it a gateway to some of Norway’s most iconic coastal scenery. Many tours also offer the chance to spot local wildlife, including sea eagles and seals.

Living in Harstad

While small, Harstad is a lively community with a strong focus on education and culture.

The town is home to the Harstad campus of the Arctic University of Norway (UiT), which specialises in health and social care studies. This has helped create a youthful and dynamic atmosphere in the town.

Harstad School. Photo: David Nikel.
Harstad School. Photo: David Nikel.

Harstad’s economy is rooted in public administration, education, and the oil and gas industry, but tourism is becoming increasingly important. The town’s cultural offerings, such as the Arctic Arts Festival, play a key role in attracting visitors.

Harstad’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. However, for those looking to visit Trondenes or other attractions outside the town centre, a car or public transport is recommended.

During my visit, I found the local bus service to be reliable and a handy way to get around. Use Svipper to find out information about services and fares.

Despite its small size, Harstad offers a lot of shopping and other services, as it serves as something of a regional capital for quite a wide area. There’s a shopping centre downtown, and a larger one a few miles south of the city.

Harstad may not be as well-known as other destinations in Northern Norway, but it has a charm all its own. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply soaking up the Arctic atmosphere as you pass through, Harstad has something to offer.

Have you been to Harstad? If so, I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

About David Nikel

Originally from the UK, David now lives in Trondheim and was the original founder of Life in Norway back in 2011. He now works as a professional writer on all things Scandinavia.

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