Cycling route Harstad – Grytøy – Bjarkøy

This is a family-friendly and easy cycling route on roads with little traffic. Compared to the outer coast, the Harstad region is well-sheltered from wind and weather, but the season is still variable.

Before you set off on the actual Harstad - Grytøy - Bjarkøy route, you should visit to the Trondenes Heritage Centre. This is the place to learn about the history of Tore Hund and other Vikings.

En route from Harstad to Stornes, you will pass the historic Røkenes Farm, which has a restaurant, mini golf and a gallery. Soon after, you will arrive at the first ferry to transport you to the majestic island of Grytøy. Here, you cycle in a landscape of high mountains and fertile pastures.

After an exciting stage, you will reach the second ferry which offers a half hour voyage to the saga island of Bjarkøy. You will experience an idyllic archipelago here, untouched coastal nature and rich farmland. The ferry also serves the island of Sandsøy if you would prefer to head there.

Practical information:

• Route: Harstad- Grytøy- Bjarkøy
• Distance: 30 kilometres
• Road standard: Good asphalt
• Traffic conditions: Little traffic
• Onward connections: To Senja/Tromsø/the North Cape by express boat, ferry and Hurtigruten (The Norwegian Coastal Voyage)

Trondenes Nature and Culture Trail

A nature and culture trail has been developed in the historical area on the Trondenes Peninsula.

Folkeparken

In Folkeparken, you will find a network of marked trails and roads that enable you to walk in the mountains above Harstad or in varied terrain in the forest. You will also discover beautiful forest lakes. The best view of the city can be enjoyed from Gangsåstoppen, which is a 15 - 20-minute walk in relatively good terrain. Here, there are benches and a telescope.

Aunfjellet Mountain

The Aunfjellet Mountain is a 15-minute drive from Harstad and is an excellent area for hiking. You quickly reach the high mountains and you can look out over the sea from steep cliffs.

Historic walk on the island of Bjarkøy

On the island of Bjarkøy, you can take a historic walk. It is also recommend to hike over the mountain, which runs across the entire island.

The island of Grytøya

Here you will find demanding hiking trails in undulating terrain, which is best suited for those wanting to wear themselves out. Beautiful mountains offering views of the "end of the world".

Other recommended hikes

These include the trail from the Lake Blåfjellvann to Vilgesvarre in Skånland Municipality and the route from Sand to Sandsvannet and Trollvannet in Tjeldsund Municipality. In Kvæfjord Municipality, the hikes at Melåa, towards Storhornet, and the area around Vik are recommended.

Island hopping by cycle and boat

Krøttøy and Meløyvær
There is a daily connection to the island of Krøttøy with the express boat MS Vågsfjord. This is a pleasant 25-minute voyage departing from downtown Harstad.

Krøttøy was part of the realm of Tore Hund and you will discover many ancient Viking monuments. The island is lush and has a rich diversity of plant, animal and birdlife. From the top of the island, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360 degree panorama. You can get a quick overview of all the prime fishing spots, why not try your fishing luck either from land or hire a fishing boat?. Many fishermen have landed big fish here.

You can also go on deep-sea rafting trips or archipelago safaris in rigid inflatable boats (RIBs). You can see historic settlements on islets where the fjord meets the open sea or experience the huge kittiwake cliff on the island of Helløya, which is one of Krøttøy's neighbouring islands.

It is also possible to hire a cycle and ride across the bridge from Krøttøy to Meløyvær. Meløyvær has only 10 - 12 permanent residents, but this was a thriving settlement when mining operations were in full swing in the early part of the twentieth century. At that time there was a school, shop and post office here.

The islands have many white sandy beaches and fine bathing spots. During winter, the light on Krøttøy is fascinating and the northern lights activity is particularly strong, in part because there is virtually no artificial light here. This makes the island a perfect spot to study this natural phenomenon.

See slideshow with pictures of the northern lights. 

For information about activities and accommodation on Krøttøy, please contact Valhall.

Round trip in the archipelago by catamaran
Take a round trip with the express boat MS Vågsfjord, which connects Harstad with the islands beyond the town. The catamaran calls at Kjøtta, Sandsøy, Bjarkøy and Senja. During the summer months, it enters the Sundsvollsund Sound, where the main attraction is a bird cliff where almost 10,000 kittiwakes nest each year. Tickets are sold onboard the boat.

Day trip by car to Lofoten - via Lofast

Drive southwards from Harstad through the historic and beautiful Tjeldsundet Sound. Just north of Lødingen, you drive westwards for a short while until you reach the Lofast Tourist Centre. Take a break here and enjoy the delicious home-cooked food, freshly brewed coffee and top class North Norwegian hospitality.

After a rest, drive a further 18 kilometres until you reach Lofast, Lofoten's mainland connection. It goes through completely untouched and uninhabited nature with a mix of mountain and coastal scenery. Once you have crossed the Raftsundet Sound, you are on the island of Austvågøya, one of the many islands that comprise the Lofoten group. From here, the road takes you to Fiskebøl and Svolvær.

The nature is wild and majestic, and this is the realm of the white-tailed sea eagle. This is a rare nature-based experience. Svolvær is the administrative centre of Lofoten and is home to many artists, as well as being one of the country's main fishing ports. Svolvær has many art galleries, an ice sculpture exhibition and a war memorial museum with an extensive collection of World War II uniforms.

On the return trip to Harstad, you make take the alternative route northwards along the Gullesfjord, cross the fjord by ferry then drive via Kvæfjord. Kvæfjord is a particularly beautiful area on the island of Hinnøya, which shows the contrasts of Northern Norway.

A guided tour for groups along Lofoten's mainland connection, Lofast, is available year-round by prior booking. Contact Harstad Tourist Information Office for booking and more information.