Harstad, Norway – Urban vibe on Norway’s largest island

The cultural capital of the north

Bring your hiking boots and experience the tall mountain peaks close to Harstad. Enjoy culinary brilliance and find out why Harstad is known as the gourmet city of the north. Explore the archipelago in a kayak, embark on a whale safari, or join in on one of the many diving trips in the Norwegian Sea.

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See historic settlements on islets where the fjord meets the open sea, or experience the huge kittiwake cliff on the island of Helløya. You can also embark on a whale safari or go sea fishing for that once-in-a-lifetime catch.

Flourishing with events that gather people from far and near, like the annual Festival of Northern Norway, the Arctic wine festival, the music festival BAKgården, and the Ilios festival for new music, the city has become a cultural hub. Harstad’s mix of old and contemporary architecture in combination with the many cafés and restaurants provide a good atmosphere.

If you’re looking for water-based adventures, a scuba diving trip to the shipwreck Belgica just outside of Harstad is an exciting option. In the city itself, you can go swimming in the waterpark Grottebadet, which is buried deep within the mountain.

Find more inspiration on Harstad’s official website.

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visitharstad.com

Kayaking in the Harstad archipelago.
Photo: TI Bergsmo

Northern lights in Harstad.
Photo: Stian Klo

Sunset in Harstad.
Photo: Frank Andreassen / www.nordnorge.com

Archipelago safari around Harstad with RIB.
Photo: Jan-Erik Kristoffersen

Midnight sun in Harstad.
Photo: Nettfoto.no

Find activities and attractions in Harstad

Whether you’re going on a trip with your family, partner, or friends, you’ll find plenty of things to do here.

Where to stay in Harstad

Food and drink

Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Harstad’s official website.

Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

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Transportation offers

Seasons and climate

Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Harstad has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska and Greenland.

The coastal climate in Harstad makes the winters mild and the summers relatively cool. The coldest months are January, February and December, with an average temperature of -4 °C. The warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 13 °C. October is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 46 millimetres.

In Harstad you can experience Northern lights in the winter months and Midnight sun all summer.

Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.

Safety in the mountains

Return to hike another day

Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.

Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.
Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

Read the mountain code with supplementary comments.

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Places to go

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Things to do

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Harstad

The cultural capital of the north