This Arctic Circle port city welcomes visitors with snow-peaked mountains and a lively arts community. Fresh seafood restaurants and green parks dot the streets near its university.
Harstad, a city of 25,000 people, sits 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle on Norway's largest island, Hinnøya. You can kayak between small islands, hike to the Keipen viewpoint for midnight sun views, or swim in the mountain-carved Grottebadet water park. In the city center, you'll find the 800-year-old Trondenes Church, local seafood restaurants, and a busy harbor where fishing boats dock with their daily catch.
Getting to Harstad
Fly to Harstad/Narvik Airport at Evenes, which connects to Oslo and other Norwegian cities. From the airport, take a 40-minute bus ride into Harstad. The coastal steamer Hurtigruten stops in Harstad daily, and express boats reach Tromsø in three hours. If driving, follow the E10 highway across the Tjeldsund Bridge to reach the city.
Exploring the Archipelago
Rent a kayak to paddle between the small islands and skerries around Harstad's harbor. Local guides lead trips to remote beaches and fishing spots, teaching you about the local marine life. The hills around Harstad have marked trails through birch forests - try the 4-kilometer Keipen trail, which climbs 360 meters for views across the fjord and surrounding islands.
Arctic Light Phenomena
Watch the midnight sun from May 22 to July 18, when daylight continues through the night. From September to March, you can spot the northern lights dancing across the sky, as Harstad lies directly under the aurora belt. Join a guided tour to find viewing spots away from city lights, where guides set up campfires and serve hot drinks while you wait for the aurora.
The Trondenes Peninsula
Walk through the thick stone walls of Trondenes Church, built in the 1200s and now the world's northernmost medieval stone church. Visit the Trondenes Historic Centre next door to see Stone Age and Viking artifacts found in the region. During summer, take a guided tour of the Adolf Gun, a 21-meter-long WWII cannon in its original fortified position overlooking the sea.
Indoor Activities
Swim in the 32°C pools at Grottebadet, a water park built inside the mountain beneath the city center. Try the water slides or relax in the warm pools. The city comes alive during the Festival of North Norway each June, when musicians perform throughout Harstad's venues.
Local Food Scene
Try fresh cod and halibut at Harstad's restaurants, caught by local fishing boats in the surrounding fjords. Local farms grow vegetables in the constant summer sunlight, and island-raised lamb appears on many menus. In July and August, you can buy strawberries from nearby farms, which grow slowly under the midnight sun.
