What to do and see in Harstad, Northern Norway: The Best Outdoor Activities

Valhall is an adventure centre on Krottoy in the municipality of Harstad just outside Harstad. Here you will be able to experience nature up-close in the most northerly habited archipelago, a natural pearl with sandy white beaches and a total of 365 islands. Krottoy was once part of Tore Hund’s kingdom. Here are ancient viking monuments. The island is lush and can boast a variety of plants, animals and birds. From the top of the island, you can get a 360-degree panoramic view. Here you can also quickly find the best fishing grounds. You can hire a fishing boat and try your luck at fishing. A boat trip onboard a rigid inflatable boat (RiB) in this archipelago is a fantastic experience with many birds and animals (white-tailed eagle safari). Here is a local family of seals, and you can visit the birdrock on Helloy with over 6000 nesting birds. Steinavaer further out in Andfjorden is a group of islands once populated by 127 people in the early 1900s. Here are traces of old habitation, and we can take you on a guided tour telling stories about what life was like. The archipelago is ideal for canoeing and diving in clean and clear water. Krottoy is a great place to see the Northern Lights in all its glory without the disturbing ground lights. From the top of Krottoykollen there is a full 360-degree panoramic view of the sky and free sight in the direction of the North Pole.

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.

Activity supplier in the Harstad region, offers hiking, biking, kayak, sightseeing, Adolf Gun, Trondenes peninsula. Contact us for information and booking

We share our love for Northern Norway and its Arctic Waters with everyone thats ready for an unforgettable adventure. We are located in Harstad and offer private boat trips for family and friends. We offer everything from fishing trips to sightseeing tours, boat taxi, remote island camping and much more.

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.

Distance: 6-7km there and back. Estimated time to the top: 1 – 1½ hours Suitable for: Most people – somewhat physical demanding. Tough jogging trail. Start and finish: Medkila school (also other alternatives) Medkila school is situated approx 5km south of Harstad. Turn at the sign to StatoilHydro and turn right after Skeidar furnisher shop. Continue past the school. Car park just past the nursery school. Necessary equipment: None. Map: Walking map of Harstad (1:30 000) Marked trail: No. Good path. Visible peak from starting point. Drinking water: Small brooks. Route description: Follow trail from car park. As you ascend on the left hand side of Hinnstein, you will find a path to the top. Fantastic views to the north, south and east.

Located 7 km west of Harstad, and it is open from November to May. Slalom: 2 slopes/lift. Snowboard: 1 halfpipe. Snowboard and twin tip skiing with 2 big jumps, humps and rails. Mondag - Fridag 17.00 - 21.00 Saturday - Sunday 11.00 - 17.00

Bring family, friends, boyfriend or girlfriend, colleagues, grandparents or anyone you want. The cycling route is easy, and both family – and traffic-friendly. On the way from Harstad to Stornes you pass Rokenes manor with its golf course and gallery. Soon after, you arrive at the first ferry crossing which will take you to the majestic island of Grytoy. The landscape here is spectacular with tall mountains and green meadows. After an exciting bike ride around Grytoy you arrive at the next ferry crossing. The 30-minute voyage takes you to the saga island of Bjarkoy, with its idyllic archipelago, historical sites, untamed coastline and fertile agricultural land. There is also a ferry to Sandsoy if you want further adventures. Are you going from Bjarkoy to Krottoy, you need to catch the express boat from here. Krottoy is a car-free island, and is suitable for families. In addition, you will find beautiful sandy beaches for a hot summers day or just for exploring the seashore !