The 10 Best Things to Do in Harstad, Norway

The world`s northernmost stone church, dating back to the late Middle Ages (1250). The church is set in scenic surroundings and boasts several treasures and a beautiful interior. Guided tours by appointment available year-round.

The Centre is located alongside Trondenes church on the Trondenes peninsula, a cultural heritage landscape marked by the Viking era, Middle Ages and Word War II. The exhibitiion provides an exiting insight into the history of Harstad and Hinnoy region with emphasis on the Viking era. The story is told through a unique multimedia show, featuring vision, music, light and smell. Opening hours  Off season: Monday to Friday 10.00 - 14.00 Sunday 11.00 - 16.00, Saturday closed High season medio june - medio august: all days 10.00 - 17.00 Closed on public holidays and national holidays

Northern Norway`s greatest water park is right in the centre of Harstad. A spectacular adventure with tropical weather all year round. In among the grottos and Waterfalls young visitors will find water slides, water canons and wave pools. The more adventurous can try the diving tower and swimming pools, and if you simply want to relax, we offer Jacuzzis and a therapy pool. Nautilus Training Centre is alslo licated here. In other words, we cater for all needs. You are guaranteed a perfect moment.

Distance: 3.5km there and back. Estimated time to the top: 30 minutes Suitable for: Most people. Start and finish: Car park in Toppenveien. Drive to the roundabout at Kanebogen Shopping Centre (3km south of Harstad city centre). Go past Shell petrol station. Turn right at the second road, Gamle Stangnesvei. From here it is signposted to the car park. Map available at the tourist office. Necessary equipment: None. Map: Walking map of Harstad (1:30 000) Marked trail: No. Good path. Drinking water: No. Route description: Good trail to the top. Rolling birch ground. There are benches and a binocular on the top. Fantastic views across the city of Harstad.

Distance: 9km there and back. Estimated time to the top: 1 hour 15 minutes Suitable for: Most people. Good jogging trail. Start and finish: Folkeparken. Folkeparken is situated approx 5 minutes from the city centre. Drive past and at the back of the hospital and to the large car park at the end of the road. Necessary equipment: None. Map: Walking map of Harstad (1:30 000) Marked trail: Partly signposted only. Drinking water: After about 2km. Route description: Take the gravelled road straight on and past Grunnvannet. At the crossroad at end of Grunnvannet, continue straight on along the gravelled road (sloping down and a little to the left). The road is called Fjellveien. Follow the road down and then up to a crossroad, where it is signposted to Musvannet. There is a “gapahuk” (rustic shelter) with a fireplace at Musvannet.

Old trading post and guesthouse dating back to the 16th century. The property has been in the same family for 10 generations, since 1673. The gallery in the former barn is venue for an exhibition by the Harr siblings. Sale of crafts from local producers on Lavebrua. Beautiful setting for lunch, dinner, meetings, weddings and other events, either in the main house from 1750 or the converted cow-shed from 1899. Accommodation in the 16th century farm storehouse. There is a 9-hole golfcourse on the property. Restaurant and café open daily during summer from beginning of June to late August. Open Sundays throughout the year, otherwise by appointment. Welcome.!

Distance: approx 15km there and back. Estimated time to the summit: 4 – 5 hours Suitable for: The physical fit. The last part to the top is a little demanding. Start and finish: Go south from Harstad, past Tjeldsund Bridge and towards Lodingen. Park at Sandtorg sportsground (signposted in arbogen). Necessary equipment: None, but good shoes are recommended due to rocky parts at the end. Map: Walking map of Vesteralen-Hinnoya (Statens kartverk 1:100 000) Marked trail: No. Good path. Visible peak from starting point. Drinking water: Intermittent before the final ascent to the top. Route description: Follow path/road through the gate from the football pitch. There is a road heading to arbogvatnet 258m. (Alternatively, you can follow the path on the west side of arbogelva). Continue from the lake a short distance south to the ridge, where you will find a cabin (book). From here, follow the posts to the top. Follow the same route going back. If you descend along the road on the north side of the river, make sure that you continue straight on where the paths meet on the plain close to the sportsground. If you don’t, you will end up on the north side of the river and have to follow the road all the way down to E-10 and then head south and back up again to the sportsground.